bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Knoware Tree and the Regional Intellectual Capital Index
Authors: Schiuma Giovanni , Lerro Antonio , Carlucci Daniela 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the relevance of intellectual capital (IC) as a strategic resource and source of regional value creation dynamics. Adopting a knowledge‐based approach, the authors aim to argue that knowledge assets represent the IC's components, and the Knoware Tree and the Knoware Dashboard are proposed as frameworks to assess the IC within regions. For the global assessment of the IC, the Regional Intellectual Capital Index (RICI) is to be introduced and its application is proposed for the assessment of the IC within Italian regions. Finally, in order to explore the links between the IC ownership of a region and its value creation dynamics, the Value Creation Index (VCI) is adopted and linear correlations of the RICI and VCI are performed, providing first empirical evidences of the positive links between IC and value creation.Design/methodology/approachThe paper integrates the results of an intensive literature review with a longitudinal empirical research applied to Italian regions.FindingsThe paper provides a knowledge‐based understanding of the IC, highlighting the existence of a positive correlation between IC and value creation of the Italian regions.Research limitations/implicationsThe adoption of linear correlation for analysing the empirical data set could be considered as a research limitation, since more rigorous statistical approaches, such as the robust canonical analysis and the structural equation modelling could be adopted.Practical implicationsThe paper provides a methodology for assessing IC within regions.Originality/valueThe proposed frameworks for assessing IC within regions are original as well as the empirical results showing a positive links between IC ownership and value creation.
Entrepreneurship research
Authors: Landström Hans 
Published: April 2008

PurposeA great deal of policy thinking in the last ten to 15 years has been driven by the insights gained from the so‐called “new growth theory”. The theory emphasizes that investments in knowledge and human capital generate economic growth through spillover of knowledge, and the policy implication is that investments in knowledge and human capital are the best way to stimulate growth. However, there is a couple of missing links in the “spillover argument” in that the theory seems to disregard the role of the entrepreneur. The paper aims to answer the question: Why haven't entrepreneurship researchers become a strong voice regarding the understanding of the development of the knowledge economy?Design/methodology/approachThe author argues that a dynamic and innovative research field is characterized by a balance between the pursuit of new issues and knowledge in research, for example, by being sensitive for changes in society, and the development of existing knowledge, by integrating and validating the knowledge base already existing within the field.FindingsThe paper shows that one important reason for the lack of visibility of entrepreneurship research can be found in an internal scientific development of the research field – entrepreneurship research has become more and more theory‐driven and shows less sensitivity and openness for changes in society.Originality/valueThe article gives a critical reflection on the development of entrepreneurship as a research field. In this sense the article provides an increased understanding of the knowledge that is within the field, and gives also suggestions for the future development of the research field.
Hedonic models, internet‐based technologies, and the provision of online property appraisal
Authors: Mak Stephen W.K. , Choy Lennon H.T. , Ho Winky K.O. 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe objective of this paper is to propose the use of transaction data, hedonic model and internet‐based technologies to provide potential home buyers and sellers with instant and online property appraisal services by real estate‐related firms.Design/methodology/approachHedonic price model is performed to estimate the price index of individual housing estate. The values of the coefficients of the attributes may change in response to a changing environment. A professional judgment should be given by appraisers on time intervals to re‐run the hedonic price models, if needed. Once the algorithms have been updated, authenticated users can connect to the system via a secure socket layer. They can browse and search the valuation reports by entering search criteria of premises into the system that filters the results instantly according to the request of users, and a detailed asset valuation report will be displayed in the browser.FindingsThis sort of online services is believed to save consumers' time, by offering timely property appraisal services that facilitate property transactions.Originality/valueCurrently, local large property developers, agencies and surveying firms are still relying on manual processes of providing selected transaction data via the web to their prospective customers. The system proposed and developed as described in this paper is an automatic and self‐learning system that produces reliable and authentic results based on large quantity of historical transaction records. The professional judgments of appraisers add flavor to the final valuation of properties. As well as providing information to individual buyers/sellers, the system is most suitable to investors who own a large portfolio of properties as the total capitalization of the portfolio can be computed easily and quickly. REITs are examples of these portfolio owners.
Towards establishing a domain specific commercialization model for innovation in residential construction
Authors: McCoy Andrew P. , Thabet Walid , Badinelli Ralph 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to offer a commercialization framework that outlines phases and functional areas for technical and business practices in getting innovative products to market. The development of this framework was motivated by a history of failures of entrepreneurial business ventures in the commercialization of construction products.Design/methodology/approachThis paper presents Phase 1 of commercialization research efforts, which includes a definition of innovation and commercialization for the residential construction industry; a review of literature related to generic commercialization models; and construction of a new commercialization framework for innovative construction products. This paper also introduces Phase 2 of this research, which includes qualitative and quantitative knowledge capture from construction industry experts; and the development of a domain‐specific commercialization model for the residential industry based on these inputs to reflect the unique challenges of construction products.FindingsThis paper presents a generic commercialization framework as a basis for interpreting various data from product interviews and case study literature. These data were used to further specify the framework. This paper presents an example of the many construction products reviewed in this research and its possible impact on the framework.Practical implicationsThe generic commercialization model presented here could benefit innovators of construction products. The research indicates the importance of key steps in the commercialization of these kinds of products.Originality/valueSince, no model captured the specific issues of commercializing residential construction products, this paper introduces a basis for one. In creating a generic commercialization framework, this paper facilitates entrepreneurial product commercialization for the construction industry.
Innovapost uses Web 2.0 tools to engage its employees
Authors: Xarchos Chris , Brent Charland M. 
Published: April 2008

PurposeWeb 2.0 is becoming increasingly popular in mainstream culture; blogs, wikis and social networking sites are springing up rapidly. Businesses are now adopting this suite of technologies and practices to improve the connectivity of their employees and derive benefits from increased employee engagement. Innovapost has recently started to investigate the use of Web 2.0 in a number of ways. The purpose of this case study feature is to report the results of a number of initiatives.Design/methodology/approachThis paper uses the experiences of Innovapost as a case study.FindingsEarly experiences with a CEO blog were very positive and provided the impetus for additional experimentation. Forums provided mechanisms for employees to contribute to the development of the strategic business plan and to engage in ongoing discussions of Innovapost business and HR topics. The most ambitious foray to date has been InnovaConnections, which is a social networking tool that allows project managers to post opportunities and have interested employees “bid” for the work.Originality/valueThese initial experiments have led employees to suggest new and exciting possibilities for Web 2.0 at Innovapost and continued developments in this burgeoning area are anticipated.
The virtues of the virtual organization
Authors: Pedersen Cec , Nagengast Johann 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThis paper attempts to conceptually clarify and examine success factors for the establishment and subsequent sale of a successful small virtual organization, Millennium3, in the financial services sector in Australia.Design/methodology/approachThe paper describes the concept of a virtual organization, outlines some distinct characteristics of virtual organizations and provides some historical and current background to Millennium3 (M3). It then provides a descriptive evaluation of outcomes from semi‐structured interviews with all M3 executives and, based on those interviews and organizational structure, examines its overall performance.FindingsThe following values describe how M3 conducts business: lifelong learning; teaching by example; interdependence; customer intimacy; all relationships founded on a win/win basis; and respect and courtesy.Originality/valueThe paper concludes with some critical success factors for M3 and gives the reader an idea how a corporation successfully works as a virtual organization.
eBusiness and supply chain integration
Authors: Smart Alan 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine how four large organisations have approached the implementation of new eBusiness mechanisms: namely online order processing, eProcurement, reverse auctions, and a private exchange. The objectives are to establish whether supply chain integration is an identified goal for the firms involved and to evaluate the extent of integration achieved through these projects.Design/methodology/approachA case study approach is used, with four separate cases being examined, leading to cross‐case analysis and conclusions. The primary form of data collection was interviews with managers participating in the implementations. In order to measure the degree of supply chain integration pertaining in the examples, two frameworks from the literature are used.FindingsIn three of the cases it is established that there is very little, or nil integration at supply chain level and only in one case is there evidence of a supply chain perspective contributing to the project. Three of the firms did not consider the supply chain implications of implementing their eBusiness applications.Research limitations/implicationsThe article builds on previous studies and illustrates the problems of achieving integration in the supply chain. Further research is needed to establish common attributes relating to supply chain integration.Practical implicationsThree of the projects examined here were based predominantly on a business case for the implementing firm only. Firms need to be aware that IT projects by their trading partners may have supply chain cost implications for their own business.Originality/valueWhilst much of the literature propounds the need for integration, leading to extension of the supply chain concept, firms are pursuing IT implementations which are premised solely on internal benefits. The research illustrates that, if the new eBusiness mechanisms are to support wider supply chain goals, then the focal firms involved must take a more holistic view of how and why such solutions are implemented.
Life after ERP implementation
Authors: Häkkinen Lotta , Hilmola Olli‐Pekka 
Published: April 2008

PurposeCase studies examining long‐term ERP system success/failure are scarce. However, there is a clear need for critical knowledge in this field. This paper aims to address this issue through providing evidence from a case study completed in an after‐sales division of a multinational corporation.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from ERP users in two phases: during the so‐called shakedown phase and two years after system implementation. Data gathering was done by means of a questionnaire based on the DeLone and McLean model.FindingsOverall, user evaluations were more negative in the shakedown phase. However, problems were still identified two years after system implementation. For example, the quality of user support was considered to have worsened during this time. Evaluations also differed depending on the user's respective business process and user type. For instance, data integration was generally identified as a positive issue, but at the same time others considered it a downside of the new system.Research limitations/implicationsThe research results are based on data from one organization, which naturally limits the generalizability of the findings.Practical implicationsAlthough the study relies on case‐based evidence, it underlines the value of using user evaluations in identifying problem areas during the ERP implementation process. Results elaborate on the effects that ERP system inflexibility and integration may have in a complex business environment.Originality/valueThe study is seminal in its field as evidence covers multiple points in time. The results are valuable for improving the quality of ERP evaluation in companies as well as for developing research in this curriculum.
Enterprise resource‐planning systems adoption in Bahrain: motives, benefits, and barriers
Authors: Kamhawi Emad M. 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to provide better understanding of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems adoption, as well as non‐adoption practices in a less developed country setting, namely Bahrain.Design/methodology/approachA survey method was employed to elicit opinions from IT executives from two types of companies: those which adopted ERP systems and those which so far have not.FindingsThe study highlighted the benefits, motives and barriers of implementing such systems. Moreover, for those which have not experienced these practices before, it investigated the reasons behind not implementing these systems, executives' attitudes, and future intentions towards these systems. Implications and insights for businesses, ERP systems' vendors, educators, and researchers have been discussed based on the results of the survey.Originality/valueThis study extends research efforts concerning the adoption of ERP systems to include strategic and decision‐making aspects of evaluation, which have not had appropriate attention from past research. It explores connections between these two aspects with other classical ones such as operational and technical dimensions of evaluation. Responding to repetitive research calls for appropriately scrutinizing adoption practices of this technology in different countries – especially developing ones – the paper presents the results of a survey of ERP systems adoption in Bahrain.
The development of equity derivative markets
Authors: Jobst Andreas A. 
Published: April 2008

PurposeAmid benign monetary policy in mature market countries and high liquidity‐induced demand, lower risk premia have encouraged risk diversification into alternative asset classes outside the scope of conventional investment. The development of derivative markets in emerging economies plays a special role in this context as more institutional money is managed on a global mandate, with more and more capital being dedicated to emerging market equity. This paper aims to focus on these issues.Design/methodology/approachThis paper reviews the recent development of equity derivative markets in emerging Asia and informs a critical debate about market practices and prudential supervision. Goal of the paper is also to outline essential elements and key policy considerations in developing derivative markets.FindingsThe supervision of emerging derivative markets depends on the expedient and tractable resolution of challenges arising from consistent risk management, risk mutualization, and prudential standards that guarantee market stability in crisis situations. In particular, further efforts are needed in areas of cash market liquidity, trading infrastructure as well as legal and regulatory frameworks based on a set of coherent principles for capital market development.Originality/valueThe paper offers a comprehensive set of principles for the development of equity derivative markets based on the current state of equity derivative trading in emerging Asia. Given current efforts by national regulators in the region to implement comprehensive guidelines on derivatives and revise short selling restrictions, the scope of this paper has topical appeal from the perspective of market participants and regulators.
A common currency area for MENA countries? A VAR analysis of viability
Authors: Ismath Bacha Obiyathulla 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the feasibility of a Common Currency Area (CCA) among ten MENA (Middle East and North Africa) Countries. The ten sample countries constitute the six GCC Countries and the four Agadir nations.Design/methodology/approachMacroeconomic data for the 34‐year‐period 1970‐2003 is used. Feasibility is examined by analyzing the symmetry of response of countries within each group to a common external shock. The impulse response functions (IRF) from a Vector Autoregression Model is used. The strength of linkages within each economic bloc was examined using Pearson pairwise correlation and variance decomposition.FindingsAmong GCC countries, the results show the existence of strong linkages among the monetary variables, signifying strong monetary sector integration. Such integration however is lacking where the real sector is concerned. Despite the symmetry seen in the impulse response functions, variance decomposition showed the absence of any meaningful influence of countries on each other within the bloc. Amongst the Agadir nations, the results show no correlation in real output growth, some correlation among monetary variables but no symmetry whatsoever in response to external shocks. The variance decomposition too did not show mutual influence intra group.Practical implicationsThe lack of real sector integration will present a challenge to GCC's desired goal of a CCA by 2010. The Agadir nations appear to be simply a loosely knit economic grouping with little integration of any kind. Thus, hopes of a CCA among Agadir nations is far too premature.Originality/valueThe paper concludes that the GCC is, at present, a quasi‐monetary bloc with little real sector integration.
Catalysts and barriers to cut flower export
Authors: Belwal Rakesh , Chala Meseret 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to conduct a case study on the recent rise of floriculture industry in Ethiopia which has taken aback the stakeholders in the global flower industry. Further to understand this success, an attempt has been made to conduct an environmental appraisal of the floriculture industry in Ethiopia amid explicit promotional efforts of the incumbent government towards boosting floriculture exports. Particularly, the study intends to reveal the catalysts and barriers prevalent in the industry that concerns the growth.Design/methodology/approachThe first stage of research involves a general assessment of global and Ethiopian floriculture industry using desk research. The second stage includes analysis of primary data secured through interview of managers at eight functional floriculture farms located around Addis Ababa. The study utilizes qualitative analysis of data acquired using judgmental‐cum‐convenience sampling and semi‐structured interviews with concerned officials.FindingsThe success of Ethiopia in the cut flower exports from Africa has been remarkable. Ethiopia enjoys certain advantages that create ample opportunities for being one among the principal producers and exporters of flower in the world. As a whole, the finding reveals that foreign investments, government support and the formation of the Horticulture Producers and Exporters Association are the major catalysts in the sector. However, the opportunities are not without threats. Infrastructural bottlenecks appended by shortage of agricultural inputs, narrow product range, and lack of adherence to international codes of practices are major among the perceived barriers. As a whole, there is a growing trend in the development of the floricultural industry in Ethiopia. With the attention given by the government to this sector coupled with the advantages that Ethiopia has, the country has been able to attract both domestic and foreign investors. Ethiopia's performance in floriculture acts as an eye opener for other African countries.Originality/valueThe study is of benefit to the floriculture industry as well as the investors and policy makers intending to support establishing floriculture industries in countries such as Ethiopia.
Measuring gender differences in cognitive functioning
Authors: Downing Kevin , Chan Sui‐Wah , Downing Woo‐Kyung , Kwong Theresa , Lam Tsz‐Fung 
Published: April 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate relationships between gender, A‐level scores and scores on the learning and study strategies inventory (LASSI) of undergraduate students.Design/methodology/approachThe participants for this study were selected at random from the overall LASSI sampling exercise and males and females were compared using the LASSI scales at a Hong Kong University.FindingsGender differences in cognitive functioning and achievement do not always favour one sex with the literature related to intelligence testing suggesting that males outperform females on tests of visuo‐spatial ability, and mathematical reasoning whereas females do better on tests involving memory and language use. This paper examines relationships between gender, A‐level scores and scores (LASSI) of undergraduate students and argues that whilst there are significant gender differences in A‐level scores, these provide limited practical information at a cognitive level. In contrast, the data from LASSI allows a more detailed and practical metacognitive analysis suggesting significant gender differences in certain areas of self‐perceived performance, with females demonstrating significantly higher levels of self‐regulation and a more positive attitude to academic study than their male counterparts.Originality/valueThe analysis of the data produced by the LASSI indicates that there are significant differences in self‐perceived metacognition between the genders.