bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Barriers to successful new product development within small manufacturing companies
Authors: Millward Huw , Lewis Alan 
Published: September 2005

PurposeThe objective of the research is to identify and analyse the main barriers to new product development within small manufacturing companies.Design/methodology/approachThe study has employed a longitudinal case‐study methodology, which has focused on data gathering from three manufacturing companies that have undertaken new product development activities in‐house. The detailed case‐study material has been derived from project documentation and interviews with personnel at various technical and managerial levels.FindingsThree generic managerial issues that impinge on new product development are identified: the influence of a dominant owner/manager; a focus on time and cost ahead of other key factors; and a failure to understand the importance of product design.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough the case studies are detailed, only three manufacturing companies are assessed. Future research should expand on the generic issues, increase the number of case‐study companies, and ideally include an assessment of new product development within small companies from outside of the UK.Practical implicationsIn order to overcome some of the inevitable managerial limitations within small companies, new product development activities should seek to promote a more systematic approach to design. This may encompass formal design training for senior managers and the implementation of simple design tools, such as product design specifications.Originality/valueBarriers to and opportunities for new product development within small manufacturing companies are neglected areas in terms of detailed research studies. The issues highlighted in this paper will help to inform managers, practitioners and policy makers who are engaged in enhancing the competitive advantage of “traditional” manufacturing companies.
Cognitive and behavioural determinants of trust in small and medium‐sized enterprises
Authors: Sharif Khurram J. , Kalafatis Stavros P. , Samouel Phillip 
Published: September 2005

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a systematic examination of the importance of trust‐developing constructs and the impact of trust on long‐term orientation within the small and medium‐sized enterprises (SME) domain.Design/methodology/approachA theoretically grounded model has been developed that comprises three cognitive (reputation, skill and transaction specific investments) and three behavioural (information exchange, coercive power and flexibility) antecedents of trust, which in turn is posted to be a determinant of long‐term orientation. The model has been tested using 229 responses obtained through a postal survey carried out in the UK electrical and electronic industry.FindingsWith the exception of the skill to trust, all other hypothesised relationships have been supported. In relative terms, reputation followed by flexibility have been found to be the most important determinants of trust.Research limitations/implicationsThe moderating impact of company size and length of relationships have not been examined. The potential for differential behaviour of upstream and downstream business relationships also merits examination.Practical implicationsThe results indicate that development of trust can best be affected by a balanced and coordinated set of activities designed to enhance both cognitive and behavioural aspects of trust. Advice as to how this can be achieved is offered.Originality/valueDespite the extensive study of trust between large organisations there is a general lack of corresponding research with the SME domain. The results reported here provide support for the claim that related findings based on large organisations can be extended to apply to SMEs.
The impact of organizational change on entrepreneurship in community settings
Authors: Heilbrunn Sibylle 
Published: September 2005

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of organizational change upon entrepreneurship in communities such as the Israeli kibbutz, which underwent during the last two decades a process of crisis and change. Based on a theoretical model that identifies how cultural orientations of individualism versus collectivism affect the entrepreneurial process, attempt is made to analyze whether and how the move from organizational collectivism towards organizational individualism influences the volume and type of entrepreneurship in community settings.Design/methodology/approachA comprehensive questionnaire has been administered to a sample of 60 kibbutzim in 1997 and in 2004. The questionnaire includes issues of organizational culture, structure and business orientation, as well as reports on the ventures initiated during the relevant years. The data received by means of the questionnaire are analyzed by quantitative statistical methods. In‐depth interviews with office holders in a small number of kibbutzim add understanding of the underlying ongoing processes of change.FindingsThe results of the study show that after processes of organizational change, resource leverage is still characterized by induced strategic behavior, but venture policy is no longer one of nurturing. Market criteria such as profitability and competition at the organizational level promote individualistic‐oriented motivation and economic behavior of entrepreneurs within the community setting.Research limitations/implicationsUsing a model of corporate entrepreneurship is the inherent limitation of the design of this study. Future research should consider alternative theoretical models for the analysis of entrepreneurship in community settings, focusing on independent variables such as human and social capital of the community entrepreneur.Originality/valueThe paper provides an investigation into the influence of organizational change upon the volume of entrepreneurship in a community setting.
Does size matter?
Authors: Wincent Joakim 
Published: September 2005

PurposeTo develop and empirically test a framework on how firm size can matter for firm behavior and performance in strategic networks of small and medium‐sized enterprises (SME networks).Design/methodology/approachEmpirical study based on statistical analysis of standardized questionnaires and analysis of interview material from face‐to‐face interviews with managers in a population of 54 firms that operates in SME networks.FindingsFirm size can be an important determinant for firm performance, and for networking inside and outside the SME network. Different networking behaviors are found to have different roles for pursuing corporate entrepreneurship and for gaining performance effects in interaction with corporate entrepreneurship.Originality/valuePrior research has suggested larger firms as valuable for holding firms in SME networks together, but has not put much effort in explaining why and how, and what they gain from doing this. This study advances these suggestions by showing how larger firms can prosper simultaneously as they bind firms together in these networks. Since firm size may determine networking behavior and outcomes in SME networks, the suitability of a larger vs a smaller firm size for SME network participation is discussed.
Testing the statistical significance of sector and regional diversification
Authors: Lee Stephen , Stevenson Simon 
Published: September 2005

PurposeThe question as to whether it is better to diversify a real estate portfolio within a property type across the regions or within a region across the property types is one of continuing interest for academics and practitioners alike. However, this study is somewhat different from the usual sector/regional analysis in that this study is designed to investigate whether a real estate fund manager can obtain a statistically significant improvement in risk/return performance from extending out of a London based portfolio into firstly the rest of the South East of England and then into the remainder of the UK, or whether the manger would be better off staying within London and diversifying across the various property types.Design/methodology/approachIn order to examine these issues we form a number of portfolios that can be directly compared to a number of benchmark portfolios, as well as to each other. Then using the statistical tests developed by Gibbons et al. and Jobson and Korkie, we investigate whether the benefits that accrue from the differing diversification strategies are statistically significant or not.FindingsThe results show that staying within only one sector and one region (London) is undesirable in terms of risk and return compared with all three benchmark portfolios considered here. Secondly diversification on a naïve basis, or in an optimal fashion, leads to significant improvements in performance, irrespective of whether it is across different property types within London or within the same sector across the regions. Finally the results indicate that staying within London and diversifying across the various property types may offer performance comparable with regional diversification, although this conclusion largely depends on the time period and the fund manager's ability to diversify efficiently.Originality/valueThe results suggest that diversification almost always offers increased performance. Indeed a little diversification can quickly lead to levels of performance that is superior to number of benchmarks as well as performance insignificantly different from that of the most diversified portfolio that could be constructed! Consequently fund managers should be encouraged to diversify, be it across the regions or across the sectors of the UK.
Lessons from the private finance initiative in the UK
Authors: Dixon Timothy , Pottinger Gaye , Jordan Alan 
Published: September 2005

PurposeThis paper summarises the main research findings from a detailed, qualitative set of structured interviews and case studies of private finance initiative (PFI) schemes in the UK, which involve the construction of built facilities. The research, which was funded by the Foundation for the Built Environment, examines the emergence of PFI in the UK. Benefits and problems in the PFI process are investigated. Best practice, the key critical factors for success, and lessons for the future are also analysed.Design/methodology/approachThe research is based around 11 semi‐structured interviews conducted with stakeholders in key PFI projects in the UK.FindingsThe research demonstrates that value for money and risk transfer are key success criteria. High procurement and transaction costs are a feature of PFI projects, and the large‐scale nature of PFI projects frequently acts as barrier to entry.Research limitations/implicationsThe research is based on a limited number of in‐depth case study interviews. The paper also shows that further research is needed to find better ways to measure these concepts empirically.Practical implicationsThe paper is important in highlighting four main areas of practical improvement in the PFI process: value for money assessment; establishing end‐user needs; developing competitive markets and developing appropriate skills in the public sector.Originality/valueThe paper examines the drivers, barriers and critical success factors for PFI in the UK for the first time in detail and will be of value to property investors, financiers, and others involved in the PFI process.
The importance of property‐specific attributes in assessing CBD office building quality
Authors: Ho Daniel , Newell Graeme , Walker Anthony 
Published: September 2005

PurposeThis paper identifies the importance of key factors influencing the quality of CBD office buildings. An office building quality index (BQI) is constructed and its relationship with net rent assessed.Design/methodology/approachThe importance of 30 property‐specific CBD office building attributes on the quality of CBD office buildings is assessed using a survey of property industry respondents. The analytical hierarchy process procedure is used to determine weights for each of these attributes to construct an office BQI.FindingsFindings indicate that functionality (31.0 per cent), services (22.6 per cent), access and circulation (16.4 per cent), presentation (13.1 per cent), management (11.5 per cent) and amenities (5.4 per cent) are the order of importance in assessing office building quality. There was found to be a strong functional relationship between office building quality and net rent.Practical implicationsA better understanding of the factors influencing CBD office building quality is determined, with a more effective and practical office BQI developed for benchmarking purposes in property portfolios.Originality/valueImportance of CBD office building attributes is determined and a new CBD office BQI is developed for practical implementation in the property industry.
Reporting on contaminated land: a comparison of Australian and British practice standards
Authors: Adair Alastair , Chan Nelson 
Published: September 2005

PurposeThe paper seeks to ascertain if there exists a uniform approach towards reporting on contaminated land in practice standards employed in Australia and the UK. The UK is a highly industrialised country and Australia is less so. The paper also tries to find out if the practice standard in a less industrialised country is less stringent than the practice standard in a highly industrialised country.Design/methodology/approachThe paper compares the valuation practice standards in Australia and the UK. In the former country, formal guidance on contaminated land valuation was first published in 1994 by the Australian Institute of Valuers and Land Economists (now the Australian Property Institute) in the Contaminated Land Practice Standard. This document was subsequently downgraded from a practice standard to a guidance note, “Guidance Note 15 Reporting on Contaminated Land” of Professional Practice 2002. In the UK practice standards are contained in the RICS guidance note Contamination and Environmental Matters their Implications for Property Professionals. (RICS, 2003a).FindingsBoth Australia and the UK have developed significant and detailed guidance notes on contamination and environmental matters. The respective guidance notes reflect the varying socio‐economic backgrounds of the two countries in particular differing industrial legacies. Despite a high degree of similarity in the approaches and procedures adopted there are nonetheless significant differences across the two sets of standards. The extended guidance in the UK highlights the increasing knowledge on contamination and environmental matters as it affects all types of chartered surveyors rather than focussing solely on the valuation function. In contrast the Australian guidance note appears to be more prescriptive concentrating on the details of the valuation role.Originality/valueContaminated land is an environmental problem that causes great concerns among the general public, landowners, occupiers, investors and financial institutions. Despite the negative image of contaminated land, valuers are from time to time instructed to assess its market value. In this regard, valuation institutions in most developed countries have prepared a practice standard to help members report on contaminated land. Each country has its unique socio‐economic background. The various practice standards will no doubt reflect the respective conditions in their country and the reporting standards will be different. Thus, it can be inferred that there is a substantial difference in the reporting standards between highly industrialised countries and less industrialised countries.
The acceptability of digital resources
Authors: Gorman G.E. 
Published: September 2005

PurposeTo introduce a review of the most recent literature concerning electronic information. Also to look at the problem of permanency of electronic work regarding ever‐changing internet links.Design/methodology/approachBased on a range of comments, articles and book reviews.FindingsAdvises that libraries should initiate the recording of changes in internet addresses and disseminate those of significance to their clientele.Originality/valueThis review is a useful source of information for librarians and others interested in electronic information.
Reforming scholarly publishing and knowledge communication
Authors: Ramalho Correia Ana Maria , Carlos Teixeira José 
Published: September 2005

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the continuous evolution of scholarly publishing and knowledge communication as a result of the internet revolution.Design/methodology/approachInformation was obtained from a literature review of the main contributions on “self‐archiving” – the broad term often applied to electronic publishing of author‐supplied documents on the web without commercial publisher mediation. The paper analyses the impact of the open access movement, which came to fruition after the OAI Metadata Harvesting Protocol was established, as it creates the potential for interoperability between e‐print repositories. It concludes by outlining the challenges for information managers in developing the full potential of open access.FindingsWith regard to the future of self‐archiving, particularly in relation to peer‐reviewed journals, information managers have a very important role to perform within their organization.Originality/valueThe paper highlights the benefits of publishing in e‐print repositories for authors and their institutions. It points to the roles and responsibilities of information managers, primarily within academic and research institutions, in devising clear institutional policies and assisting users to self archive their papers for the benefit of their own organizations and the global scientific community.
MyLibrary: the library's response to the campus portal
Authors: McGeary Tim 
Published: September 2005

PurposeIn August 2004, the Library Collections and Systems team at Lehigh University released MyLibrary @ Lehigh within the campus portal to the university community. The purpose of this article is to explain how what began as an integration strategy of the library's electronic resources into one complete stand‐alone application became the library's response to the fast‐growing campus portal.Design/methodology/approachExplains how MyLibrary@Lehigh was developed and implemented.FindingsIt became evident during its development and integration stages that MyLibrary@Lehigh would greatly enhance the success and usage of the campus portal. As a repository of all of the library's electronic resources, MyLibrary@Lehigh has become the one‐stop shop for the library within the campus‐wide, one‐stop shop of the campus portal.Originality/valueMyLibrary has become a clear choice as an open‐source solution.
Subjective and objective evaluation of interactive and automatic query expansion
Authors: Shapira Bracha , Taieb‐Maimon Meirav , Nemeth Yael 
Published: September 2005

PurposeQuery expansion and query limitation are two known techniques for assisting users to define efficient queries. The purpose of this article is to examine the effectiveness of the two methods.Design/methodology/approachThe research entailed an objective and subjective evaluation of the effectiveness of automatic and interactive query expansion and of two query limit options. The evaluation included both lab simulations and large‐scale user studies. The objective aspects were evaluated in lab simulations with experts judging user performance. The subjective analysis was carried out by having the participants evaluate the quality of, and express their satisfaction with, the retrieval process and its results, thus employing perceived‐value analysis.FindingsThe main findings reveal a difference between the perceived and real values of these techniques. While users expressed their satisfaction with interactive query expansion and its performance, the real‐value analysis of their performance did not show any significant difference between the retrieval modes.Originality/valueThe article evaluates the objective and subjective effectiveness of automatic and interactive query expansion and two query limit options.
The web as a free source for scientific information: a comparison with fee‐based databases
Authors: Doldi Luisa M. , Bratengeyer Erwin 
Published: September 2005

PurposeThe aim of this study was an evaluation of the web as a source of scientific bibliographic information.Design/methodology/approachIn order to give this evaluation a quantitative dimension, a comparison with the information obtained from fee‐based bibliographic databases was performed. Based on a concrete search example in the field of plant production biotechnology, a comparative study of selected fee‐based bibliographic databases (CAB Abstracts and Biosis Preview) and a search of the web with selected search engines (Scirus and Google) was carried out. A comparison of the information retrieved through the databases and that retrieved through search engines was conducted with respect to the quantity and quality of retrieved documents, search time, the cost of information, retrieval strategies, the reliability of information and the demands on the skills of the searcher.FindingsThe surprising results of this comparison clearly indicate that the web, assuming a professional use of the medium, is not only a valuable source for scientific information, but also provides the scientific community with an instrument to make knowledge available and accessible for almost anyone.Originality/valueThis study shows that the web has reached a certain level of maturity in regard to scientific and qualitative content and can be considered a worthwhile source of scientific information.
Options for presenting search results
Authors: Jacsó Péter 
Published: September 2005

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the growing importance of information available when searching for cited papersDesign/methodology/approachLooks at the different formats available when searching for cited papers and how these formats can be manipulated to provide more relevant information.FindingsAlthough progress has been made to provide user‐friendly citation information, it seems there are more features that might prove useful that have not as yet been implemented.Originality/valueProvides an overview of various options available for searching for cited articles and any relevant information.
The pay‐per‐use revolution in the internet world
Authors: Kim Sangkyun 
Published: September 2005

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to assess the spread of internet use and the pay‐per‐use system.Design/methodology/approachPresents the active debate with regard to “pay‐per‐use” for internet access, and pays particular consideration to the progress and propects of pay‐per‐use in Korea.FindingsAlthough the trend is towards a pay‐per‐use system, the Korean Government has concerns about a pay‐per‐use system.Originality/valueIndicates that transformation into pay‐per‐use will require a dramatic revolution and a change in the internet service indudustry.