bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
From “fat pigs” and “red hats” to a “new social stratum”
Authors: Atherton Andrew 
Published: November 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to explore the development and implementation of enterprise policy in China, and the emergence of intermediaries and local strategies designed to encourage SME development.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on interviews and workshops held with local and national government in 2003 and 2006, and informed by reference to and analysis of the policy and academic literature.FindingsThe dynamics and nature of local implementation of national enterprise legislation are mapped out, indicating an interactive dynamic between central government directive, local government adoption and response, and localised dynamics of enterprise and economic development. This “three‐way” model provides a nuanced explanation of local implementation of national enterprise legislation.Practical implicationsThe framework can be used at the municipal level to understand how national enterprise legislation can be implemented. The framework also points to wider patterns of local implementation of national government legislation.Originality/valueThe paper provides a detailed model of local policy implementation, using the SME Promotion Law as a specific case of legislation.
Developing the small business market for business development services in Chengdu
Authors: Smallbone David , Xiao Jianzhong , Xu Lei 
Published: November 2008

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to assess the state of the business development services (BDS) market in Chengdu, with a view to identifying demand and/or supply side deficiencies, which public policy might help to address.Design/methodology/approachThe data are drawn from two surveys undertaken in Chengdu between November 2005 and January 2006.FindingsThe research shows there are small firms that are active users of BDS, reflecting the emergence of non‐state owned enterprises in the city. The survey also shows evidence of unfulfilled latent demand, with a particular reference to sales and marketing advice and helping firms to access sources of finance. In addition, the survey of BDS providers shows that some are sensitive to the needs of small firms, although the latter are typically under‐represented in their client base.Practical implicationsThe findings suggest that the BDS market in Chengdu is underdeveloped from a small business perspective, which can be illustrated by pointing to both demand‐ and supply‐side deficiencies. It can be argued that this is an important policy issue, if small enterprises are to fulfil their potential contribution to local economic development, particularly in relation to the development of non‐local sales.Originality/valueThis research adopts an “evidence‐based” approach to inform policy development.
A quantitative analysis of the characteristics of rapid‐growth firms and their entrepreneurs in China
Authors: Zhang Yuli , Yang Xiaofei , Ma Fengling 
Published: November 2008

PurposeThis study aims to compare rapid‐growth companies with slow‐growth ones in order to provide fresh insights into the attributes of Chinese rapid‐growth companies through an integrated research framework, which was adapted from the framework proposed by Wiklund and by Barringer.Design/methodology/approachTo obtain data for analysis, the research selected the top 30 rapid‐growth firms and the bottom 30 slow‐growth firms from a data bank which contains complete financial data of 533 firms from 2001 to 2003. All data concerning rapid‐growth were coded either one or zero, and were analyzed by Fisher's Exact Test to find out the frequency of important growth variables.FindingsIt is found that the major differences between rapid‐growth and slow‐growth firms lie in different favorite firm resources and capacities, task environment, and entrepreneurial strategies. They can create greater value for success with certain entrepreneurs, and might spur those entrepreneurs to push their firms onto a rapid growth road. In addition, the variable of creating unique value emerges as a strong predictor of rapid growth. Entrepreneur orientation strategy is not found to be significantly facilitating rapid growth. This illustrates that all growth companies value highly entrepreneurship‐oriented strategy.Practical implicationsThese research findings confirm that growth is not a random event and that entrepreneurs are not necessarily natural. These research findings will promote entrepreneurship education and entrepreneurship in China.Originality/valueThere are two originalities in this research. First, the authors developed a new integrated framework based on previous research achievements. Second, it is the first empirical study concerning company growth variables in China.
The impacts of external factors on the growth of Chinese entrepreneurial enterprises
Authors: Zhang Yanfeng , Si Chunlin 
Published: November 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the key external factors that are impacting on the performance of Chinese entrepreneurial enterprise (EE).Design/methodology/approachA linear regression model was developed that comprised three types of organisations(government, university and R&D institute, agency, financial institution) and three kinds of environmental factors(legal and institutional environment, culture, geographic location) which greatly influence Chinese venture enterprises growth. The model was validated using 91 responses obtained through a questionnaire survey carried out in Shanghai, Zhejiang, Jiangsu and Fujian Province of China.FindingsEvidence suggests that a fine relationship with a financial organisation positively impacts on the growth of EEs and a close relationship with government shows a disadvantageous impact on the EE's growth. The significant influence of environmental factors appeared to come from entrepreneurial culture and atmosphere.Practical implicationsThe findings suggest that Chinese EEs need more favorable financial support. And they also need to have more entrepreneurial learning in a good entrepreneurial culture and atmosphere. Chinese governmental departments should adjust their strategy and means to motivate EEs, not only to give them favourable policy and support but also to improve their competitive power.Originality/valueThe paper highlights the external factors which can significantly affect the growth of Chinese EEs and is, therefore, of practical use for Chinese EEs and support agencies in China. The analysis also offers a more comprehensive understanding about Chinese EEs' development context.
Local government's “black box” in small and medium‐sized private enterprises' trans‐ownership M&A failure
Authors: Wang Haisu , Han Gang 
Published: November 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the reasons for small and medium sized private enterprises' (SMPE) trans‐ownership M&A failure, with particular focus on the local government behavior in the multi‐property claimant environment.Design/methodology/approachUsing evidence from two typical cases of private enterprises' trans‐ownership M&A failure, the study adopts a multi‐method approach to illuminating the important reason.FindingsThe findings show that the alienation of local government is the most important reason for the failure of M&As and this has more to do with the economic and political gains of some individuals or groups in local governments than the ideology prejudice of local governments.Practical implicationsThe paper suggests that it is necessary for SMPEs not only to look into target corporation but also the local government, when they prepare to engage in trans‐ownership M&A activities.Originality/valueThe paper explores the alienation of local government, which largely results in SMPEs' trans‐ownership M&A failure in China.
Technological entrepreneurship and policy environment: a case of China
Authors: Zhang Gang , Peng Xuebing , Li Jun 
Published: November 2008

PurposeThis study aims to better understand the level of China's regional technological entrepreneurship (TE) and the impact of entrepreneurship policy on TE through an integrated research framework.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses factor analysis and regression analysis to analyse regional TE and entrepreneurship policy with the data of 30 provinces in China in 2003 and 2004.FindingsThe research finds that there are regional variations in the level of technological entrepreneurship in China and that regional entrepreneurship policy has considerable impact on technological entrepreneurship activity. Furthermore, a holistic rather than a fragmented policy is needed to improve the level of regional technological entrepreneurship activity.Practical implicationsThe research findings are valuable for policy makers who are responsible for promoting technological entrepreneurship activity and for entrepreneurs who need to be aware of opportunities as a result of entrepreneurship policy.Originality/valueA new integrated framework is developed for empirical analysis of technological entrepreneurship in China.
The impact of higher education on entrepreneurial intentions of university students in China
Authors: Wu Sizong , Wu Lingfei 
Published: November 2008

PurposeThe aim of this article is to investigate the relationship between Chinese university students' higher educational background and their entrepreneurial intentions.Design/methodology/approachThe TPB model was adopted and tested for the formation of Chinese university students' entrepreneurial intentions using structural equation modeling. Data were collected from students of Tongji University in Shanghai, China.FindingsThe main results of this empirical research suggest that diversity of educational background offers plausible explanations on the difference of entrepreneurial intentions of Chinese university students. Higher educational institutions should develop more flexible approaches with focus on different groups of students in accordance with their various educational backgrounds.Practical implicationsIn response to the change of graduate labour market and the quest for sustainable competitive advantage in China, higher educational institutions have to integrate the change of mindset, skills and abilities about entrepreneurship in their general academic education in order to nurture university students' entrepreneurial intentions in China.Originality/valueThe paper provides comprehensive empirical evidence about the impact of higher education on entrepreneurial intentions of university students in mainland China and thus fills an important gap in the entrepreneurship literature.
From tradition to modern
Authors: Anderson Alistair R. , Yiu‐chung Lee Edward 
Published: November 2008

PurposeThis article aims to examine one aspect of Chinese culture, guanxi. Guanxi, “special relationships” has long been employed to facilitate business in China. The authors ask whether this is likely to continue in the rapidly changing environment. China's long history of insularity has created a culture and business environment considered to be uniquely based on Confucian values. Yet in the last couple of decades China has opened its doors to globalisation. These forces, in conjunction with what many see as Confucian dynamism of Chinese entrepreneurship, have generated economic growth levels in excess of 11 per cent per annum. This blending of the old and the new raises questions about how practices may be changing.Design/methodology/approachThe authors employed a survey of two groups; middle managers in Hong Kong and young middle class in mainland China. These groups represent the modern, Hong Kong as westernised; the old, but with new perspectives, the affluent middle classes of present day China. Open‐ended questions about perceptions of understanding and use of guanxi were asked.FindingsThe research finds many contrasts between the respondent groups. The Hong Kong respondents did not really understand guanxi, but still thought it important in China. The mainland group both understood and used guanxi, but similarly to the Hong Kong group, did not like it or enjoy its use. Both groups saw a diminishing application of guanxi as China's regulatory and market environment improves.Originality/valueThe paper establishes that guanxi persists and may remain essential in China. However guanxi will work in conjunction with markets and regulations, rather than as a replacement.
Networking and innovation in SMEs: evidence from Guangdong Province, China
Authors: Xu Zongling , Lin Jiali , Lin Danming 
Published: November 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate structural characteristics of a business network comprising small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs), and to explore the relationships between such network characteristics and innovative capabilities of the participating firms.Design/methodology/approachThis paper adopts a survey approach and conducts empirical analysis by drawing data from 92 firms operating in the packaging and printing industry in Shantou City, Guangdong Province.FindingsIn relation to the participating firms' innovative capabilities, density, reciprocity and multiplicity of the business network are figured out as factors with positive association, while hypotheses concerning intensity, non‐redundancy and betweenness of the network are not supported.Research limitations/implicationsThe authors only conducted a survey in a single industry in one location. Thus the extent to which the results of this study can be generalized remains to be further investigated.Practical implicationsSmall and medium‐sized enterprises can enhance their innovative capability by understanding and leveraging the structure of the business network in which they participate.Originality/valueThis paper sheds additional insights to the relationship between a business network and firms' innovative capabilities in a Chinese context.
Entrepreneurship education in China: a case study approach
Authors: Millman Cindy , Matlay Harry , Liu Fan 
Published: November 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to provide an overview of entrepreneurship education in the wider context of the Chinese educational system in transition and raise pertinent questions regarding its direction and future development.Design/methodology/approachA case study approach is used to provide an in‐depth analysis of the challenges and outcomes of the “Know about your business” (KAB) programme initiated by the International Labour Organisation and piloted at the China Youth University for Political Sciences in Beijing.FindingsThe evaluation of the KAB pilot programme showed that it proved largely successful: 43.9 per cent of participating students were very satisfied with it, 52.6 per cent claimed to be satisfied and only 3.5 per cent were not content with it. Student feedback highlighted a small number of problems with this programme, including issues relating to a lack of market research knowledge, limited contact hours, a shortage of business plan models and difficulties in managing related team work.Originality/valueThe results of the pilot programme could be used to further improve and develop entrepreneurship education in general and the KAB programme in particular, with a view to implement it more widely in selective business schools across China.
In pursuit of technological innovation
Authors: Ding Xuedong , Li Jun , Wang Jia 
Published: November 2008

PurposeThis paper intends to examine the change of R&D fiscal policies in China since 1978 and its impact on China's drive to become an innovation‐oriented country.Design/methodology/approachThis paper adopts an archive approach and undertakes an overview of the policy changes and their implications.FindingsIt is found that policy changes have gradually made enterprises the focal point of the national innovation system and that correspondingly a new financial and fiscal mechanism has been created to create incentives for innovation in firms.Originality/valueThis paper provides a comprehensive overview of the changing financial and fiscal policies in support of technological innovation in China.
Benchmarking practices of quality function deployment: results from a field study
Authors: Augusto Cauchick Miguel Paulo , Carnevalli José Antonio 
Published: November 2008

PurposeThis paper continues the analysis of the data collected in a survey of quality function deployment (QFD) carried out in Brazil, and deepens the study by carrying out interviews at some of the companies which participated in the survey to identify best practices on QFD application.Design/methodology/approachTo analyze the data collected in a survey of QFD and interviews, eight exemplary criteria based on the QFD literature were considered. The paper then presents and discusses best practices in QFD application.FindingsThe results of analyzing the interviews showed that there were exemplary aspects in the use of the method and the key points in the QFD implementation that should be considered were related to: support from upper management, carrying out training, creating the team, frequency and length of meetings, and creating a conceptual model, among other aspects.Research limitations/implicationsIt is important to stress that the importance of some of these exemplary aspects varies with the type of company and the product developed with QFD, and could be less important for other products and industries.Practical implicationsThe results showed that there were key points in the QFD implementation that should be considered depending on type of company and the product.Originality/valueThe key points in the QFD implementation identified in this paper may be useful to QFD users and academics.
Relative balanced measurement of trainee civil servants: a case example from Greece
Authors: Vasilakis Athanasios G. 
Published: November 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present the concept of relative balanced measurement as benchmarking tool for public training centers and public services.Design/methodology/approachBorrowing the concept of balanced scorecard we have modified the perspectives to reflect the special circumstances of Civil Service. Each perspective is assigned a number of key performance indicators, which are ranked in a Linker scale, in order to create rankings for each perspective. Then the rankings of each perspective are averaged in order to create a unique final ranking, which sets the performance frontier.FindingsThe real case example for Civil Servants Trainee's Work Unit (TWU) validates the relative balanced measurement conceptual framework.Research limitations/implicationsOne of the limitations of this paper is that the conclusion is drawn from a single Training Center at Greek Ministry of Economy and Finance and a limited number of TWUs. A linked research should follow, with field researches for trainees and supervisors of the trainees (Heads of Trainee Work Units) in order to enrich and validate further the concept.Practical implicationsIn the proposed concept the establishment of performance frontier, consisting of the best performing TWUs, could be used as a guide of inefficient TWU compare to the other in order to undertake their own improvements.Originality/valueThis paper provides a new concept for relative balance measurement of TWU of Public Services Training Centers. No such concept or method has been proposed and implemented to date.
Provider‐perceived dimensions of total quality management in healthcare
Authors: Duggirala Mayuri , Rajendran Chandrasekharan , Anantharaman R.N. 
Published: November 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to highlight key dimensions of provider‐perceived total quality management (TQM) in the healthcare sector in India. Further, the impact of the dimensions of provider perceived TQM on hospital performance is examined.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire has been developed based on an extensive literature review of research in service quality and based on responses of the pilot survey among medical professionals. The instrument thus developed has been examined for its psychometric properties using tests of reliability and validity. Multiple regression analysis has been used to examine the impact of the dimensions of provider‐perceived TQM on hospital performance.FindingsFindings highlight 14 distinct dimensions of provider‐perceived TQM and the relationships among them. Positive and significant relationships among the dimensions and hospital performance have been found.Research limitations/implicationsContribution to research on healthcare quality by the development of a comprehensive instrument of provider‐perceived healthcare quality.Practical implicationsThis instrument would enable hospitals to examine the quality of care being delivered by them to the patients. Hospital administrators and medical professionals could use this feedback to assess hospital performance, and benchmark their performance against that of other competitive hospitals.Originality/valueComprehensive instrument of provider‐perceived healthcare quality
Benchmarking applications in public sector principal‐agent relationships
Authors: Andersen Bjørn , Henriksen Bjørnar , Spjelkavik Ingrid 
Published: November 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the range of benchmarking applications that can be used in a principal‐agent relationship setting often found in the public sector.Design/methodology/approachCollection and critical analysis of secondary data from relevant publications addressing applications of benchmarking in the public sector. Extraction of knowledge from several research projects where the authors have been involved in studying and developing benchmarking approaches for different public sector organizations. Induction of new theory about the use of benchmarking in principal‐agent relationships in the public sector, grounded through empirical evidence from case studies.FindingsA number of new approaches to benchmarking in the public sector have been identified and described, some of which are already used in real life cases, others which need further development before being implemented. All of these can introduce benefits to both principals and agents involved in such benchmarking efforts.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper explores benchmarking applications that are almost exclusively relevant in a public sector setting, although some of them might be adapted to certain private sector conditions.Originality/valueWhereas most work on benchmarking in the public sector tend to view only improvement‐oriented, voluntary benchmarking as relevant and useful, this paper demonstrates how many different imposed benchmarking schemes with other purposes can be useful.