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on Economics of Strategic Management |
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Issue of 2011‒06‒18
fifteen papers chosen by Joao Jose de Matos Ferreira University of the Beira Interior |
| By: | John Van Reenen |
| Abstract: | John Van Reenen and colleagues assess the impact on growth of 'knowledge spillovers' between corporate research labs located close to each other |
| Date: | 2011–03 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cep:cepcnp:332&r=cse |
| By: | Fletcher, Denise; Knol, Erik; Janicki, Marcin |
| Abstract: | The Energy2B Project is an EU funded innovation stimulating initiative that targets university students at five universities across Europe and encourages them to practice environmental entrepreneurship and turn energy innovation ideas into new business start-ups. The project is administered by a European consortium of commercial and academic co-ordinators through an online web platform. The web-platform is used to develop an energy infrastructure that connects diverse stakeholders (including industrial actors, energy bodies and field experts) through the administration of local idea challenges and energy innovation competitions at a local and European level. In this paper, we discuss how the project contributes to the practice of environmental entrepreneurship and explain the projects theoretical significance as a case of institutional entrepreneurship. We also outline the academic deliverables of the project in terms of individual case studies and a survey that measures the project’s effectiveness in accelerating the practice of environmental entrepreneurship. First results are available in the second quarter of 2011. |
| Keywords: | environmental entrepreneurship; sustainable entrepreneurship; institutional entrepreneurship |
| JEL: | I21 Q01 L26 |
| Date: | 2010–11–08 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:31361&r=cse |
| By: | Dr. Mohammad-Ali Sarlak (Payam-E-Noor University, Iran); Sayed-Mahdi Viseh; Abd-al-samad Khademy (Governmental Management, Payam-E-Noor University, Iran) |
| Abstract: | Owing to the day-by-day development of technology, global communication, and information networks, the dynamicity of investment and work forces has increased and the organizations such as join stock companies have no choice but to a new organizing era. Value-based organizations are one of the newest forms of today's organizations in which customers are as affecting the production and providing services, working and process strategies, and developing knowledge and competitive power, alongside with the members. "The organizations are always looking for the new methods and creating innovation, and they even name the value of the customer as their 'future source of competitive advantage'" (Kandampully & Khahn, 2004, p.398). Management based on value and value-based organizations are now affecting today's organizations, and values are regarded to be an undeniable source of competitive advantage. Hence, effectively managing the relationship with the customer, and creating and presenting values are the main mission of such organizations. This paper is attempting to provide a definition for the concept of value, and discuss the nature, their features and aspects, the importance, the advantages, key factors in their success, the phases of creating a value-based organization, expanding the values, the future of such organizations, their challenges, and also the role of the leaders in institutionalizing the values |
| Keywords: | Value, Value-based Organizations, Value-based Management |
| JEL: | M0 |
| Date: | 2011–03 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cms:2icb11:2011-093&r=cse |
| By: | Hans Koster (VU University Amsterdam); Jos N. van Ommeren (VU University Amsterdam); Piet Rietveld (VU University Amsterdam) |
| Abstract: | This paper examines the effects of specialisation (within-sector clustering) and diversity (between-sector clustering) on business services profitability and location choice. We apply a semiparametric Poisson sorting model allowing for firm-specific effects. We find that for most firms, profitability of business services firms is substantially higher close to specialised clusters of business services firms. A standard deviation increase in business services specialisation leads to on average a 40 percent increase in the probability that a business services firm locates there, supporting theories of Marshall, Arrow and Romer. It is also profitable for most business services firms to locate near a group of firms that belong to the same sector, not necessarily business services firms, so diversity is negatively related to location decisions. Almost all firms either benefit from within-sector clustering or between-sector clustering. Within-sector clusters are particularly profitable for large mature firms, whereas between-sector clusters are relatively more profitable for smaller innovative firms. |
| Keywords: | Sorting; Agglomeration Economies; Specialisation; Diversity; Heterogeneity; Semiparametric Estimation |
| JEL: | R12 R14 R39 |
| Date: | 2011–06–06 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:dgr:uvatin:20110085&r=cse |
| By: | Angelina Seow Voon, Yee; Jin Sheng, Liew (NUBS, University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus) |
| Abstract: | Polytechnic Transformation Plan is launched to reinforce the role of polytechnics and technical education in Malaysia. The third thrust of the Plan puts forth the need to equip polytechnics’ teaching personnel and support staff with high skills and competency (MoHE, 2009). As a result, performance of teaching personnel needs to be evaluated to ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of teaching personnel in polytechnics and thus, it is crucial to assert the key indicators used. Based on the literature review, the tentative key indicators identified include, teaching and supervision, research and innovation, administrative tasks, professional activities and services to community. These key indicators are tested in polytechnic context on comparative basis between Northern and Central Region in Malaysia. Researchers employed hybrid/mixed method as the research approach for this study because the method elaborate or develop analysis by providing richer details, and initiate new line of thinking through attention to surprise and provide fresh sight. Amongst the six strategies introduced by Creswell (2003), concurrent embedded strategy is implemented to empirically test the research objective. The purpose of this strategy is to use quantitative data and results to assist in the interpretation of qualitative findings through triangulation. Researchers interviewed the Directors and/or Deputy Directors/Heads of Department of the polytechnic on face-to-face semi-structured basis. In addition, questionnaires developed are distributed to academic staff of the polytechnics to gather their perspective on the key indicators of academic Performance Measurement System. The data collected via interviews are transcribed and translated into English for data analysis process using thematic coding. Besides that, quantitative data are described and analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) as a tool |
| Keywords: | Academic Staff, Performance Measurement System, Polytechnic, Key Indicators |
| JEL: | M0 |
| Date: | 2011–03 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cms:2icb11:2011-120&r=cse |
| By: | Cordelia Mason (International School of Entrepreneurship, Universiti Kuala Lumpur) |
| Abstract: | IOI Corporation, or commonly referred to as IOI, is one of Malaysia's home grown business conglomerates which started off from humble beginnings in industrial gas manufacturing. Today IOI Group is a global organization with over 150,000 hectares of plantations where 98% are planted with oil palm; 12 palm oil mills across Malaysia; three CPO refineries with total capacity of 1.8 million MT/yr located in Peninsular and East Malaysia, and Rotterdam in the Netherlands; the largest oleochemical plants in Asia; and specialty fats plants across the world in the Netherlands, the United States, Egypt, Canada, and Malaysia (source: IOI Annual Report 2009).The Group’s plantation business strong growth in a short span of 24 years since 1983 was achieved through acquisitions and distinctive plantation management practices which emphasizes on continuous improvements in yields and cost efficiencies. As a major player in the oil palm industry, which is the third biggest contributor to the Malaysian economy (,Economic Report 2007/2008), IOI corporation faces many challenges to sustain its competitiveness. What strategic moves must IOI take to remain tops in this oil palm industry? This paper seeks to provide a perspective on how IOI Corporation can sustain its competitiveness by undertaking a SWOT Analysis the corporation. A diagnosis of the corporation is made after the SWOT analysis |
| Keywords: | Competitiveness, SWOT Anlaysis, Oil palm industry, Case study |
| JEL: | M0 |
| Date: | 2011–03 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cms:2icb11:2011-140&r=cse |
| By: | Karaçuka, Mehmet; Catik, A. Nazif |
| Abstract: | In this paper we aim to analyze the productivity spillovers of foreign affiliated and domestic firms in Turkish manufacturing industries. As a novelty inter-sectoral linkages are modeled through the use of spatial models. Our results indicate the existence of positive and significant productivity spillovers among the neighborhood firms. We also find that an increase in the share of foreign affiliated firms in a given industry has positive impact on the productivity level of vertically related industries. However, our results do not provide any clear evidence that domestic firms benefit from the foreign affiliated firms either operating in the same industry or in the neighborhood industries. The findings suggest that unlike the effects of foreign affiliated firms, research and development expenditures significantly contribute to the productivity levels of domestic firms. -- |
| Keywords: | Productivity,foreign direct investment,research and development,spatial econometrics |
| JEL: | C31 J24 O14 O33 |
| Date: | 2011 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:dicedp:21&r=cse |
| By: | Elsadig Musa Ahmed (Faculty of Business and Law, Multimedia University (MMU), Melaka, Malaysia) |
| Abstract: | This study attempts to fill the gap of extensive growth theory model by providing statistical analysis in a parametric form that removed the doubts in the results generated. Using this model, the factors affecting the output growth in the food industries were identified in this study to be the individual contributions of capital, labour, material as well as the combined contributions of the quality of these inputs, which were expressed as the total factor productivity (TFP) growth |
| Keywords: | Malaysian food industry, productivity performance, total factor productivity |
| JEL: | O12 |
| Date: | 2011–03 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cms:2icb11:2011-069&r=cse |
| By: | Kumara, Ajantha Sisira; Pfau, Wade Donald |
| Abstract: | This study compares the performance of various fixed and lifecycle portfolio strategies for the accumulation phase of retirement planning in emerging market countries. With an expected utility framework and a bootstrapped Monte Carlo procedure, we find that the majority of emerging market investors with varying attitudes toward risk can maximize their expected utility by using lifecycle strategies instead of fixed allocation strategies. Most commonly, emerging market investors maximize expected utility with a lifecycle strategy using a 30 percent average equity exposure, though the results vary among countries. |
| Keywords: | Emerging Markets; Fixed Allocations; Lifecycle Allocations; Pension Funds; Monte Carlo Simulations |
| JEL: | G11 H55 G23 D14 |
| Date: | 2011–06–09 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:31389&r=cse |
| By: | Aerni Isa; Rajeswari A/P Devadass (University Tenaga Nasional); Mohan Dass (Swinburne University, Australia) |
| Abstract: | The main purpose of this paper is to examine the performance and reward system at Victoria Government Schools. Furthermore, the paper highlights on the area of performance management, performance development, performance assessment and the outcome in their job satisfaction and the effectiveness in performance among the school teacher at Victoria Government School. Based on in open- ended interview, direct observation, and the voice respondent on the qualitative approach it helps the participant and the researcher to make sense of interpret their shared of understanding on the implementation of performance and reward system approach at Victoria Government School. Finally, the results demonstrate that the implementation of the performance system approach at Victoria Government school are motivating the teachers to have a great expectation in implementing a variety of promoting choices, quality and strong values in Australia’s education |
| Keywords: | Job satisfaction, performance, fairness, justice, voice |
| JEL: | M0 |
| Date: | 2011–03 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cms:2icb11:2011-107&r=cse |
| By: | Tan Pei Kian (Faculty of Business and Law, Multimedia University, Melaka, Malaysia) |
| Abstract: | The study aimed to investigate the critical success factors of service recovery towards service quality at the National University of Malaysia (UKM) library. The study also proposes a model of systematic complaint management which applied to academic library as a tool of service recovery. The variables included in this research are empowerment, culture and psychology, management system, compensation and speed of recovery as the independent variables and service quality as the dependent variable. A questionnaire was designed and used as the data gathering instrument based on past research. A total of 315 samples were successfully gathered from 377 questionnaires distributed among the regular users of Tun Seri Lanang Library (UKM). Based on the generated results, it’s proven that there is a positive significant relationship between service recovery and service quality (r = 0.632**, p = 0.000) at the 1 per cent significance level |
| Keywords: | Service recovery, Complaint management, Service quality, Library |
| JEL: | M0 |
| Date: | 2011–03 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cms:2icb11:2011-118&r=cse |
| By: | Paola Bertolini; Valentina Toscano; Linda Tosarelli |
| Abstract: | Given the deep economic and social differences of the Italian territories, the aim of the paper is to examine if there is a relationship between the territorial features of the Italian provinces and the school participation of young immigrants. The analysis focuses on the education experiences of young immigrants, especially on school participation in different levels, noting also the experiences of failure and higher education choices. The descriptive analysis of school participation and the economic-social characteristics has as objective to verify if there is a relationship between the latter and school participation. The analysis shows that the presence of foreign children in kindergarten is high and, in some regions, it is even higher than Italian children ones. Regarding the presence of immigrants in mandatory school, the turnout is above 90% in all regions. The participation rate of students in high school is commonly very low and compared with immigrants peers, the Italian school participation is widely higher. The presence of immigrant students has been analyzed considering the participation in different types of high school. In general, they prefer the vocational school. Moreover, the geographical distribution of participation in vocational schools is higher in northern region, where there is a significant industrial development and high employment rate. A statistical analysis of the determinants influencing the migrants’ choices has been made using some socio-economic indicators able to describe the economy of the different areas, especially in terms of sector-based specialization, presence of industrial districts, dynamics of labour market and households’ income. The results underline that the economic context is able to influence the individual choices; in particular the presence of manufacturing, the wealth of agriculture and the presence of schools exercise a positive influence. At the opposite, GDP per capita and agricultural orientation of the economy play a negative influence of immigrants school attendance. |
| Keywords: | immigrant students, education, territorial pattern, schooling determinants |
| JEL: | I21 J24 |
| Date: | 2010–12 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:mod:depeco:0647&r=cse |
| By: | Cuypers, Y.K. (Universiteit van Tilburg) |
| Date: | 2011 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ner:tilbur:urn:nbn:nl:ui:12-4578469&r=cse |
| By: | Wan Liza (University of Wisconsin Madison, Wisconsin, USA and Private Law Department, IIUM) |
| Abstract: | Of late, the element of competition has posed to be a conundrum to the emerging economies; Malaysia is no exception. Selection of economies theories indicated; competition has been used in innumerable sense. Entrepreneurial competition among producers defines competition as an attempt to offer product at lower prices, in contrast to the adjective; competition policy denotes deregulation of markets with a framework that elevates market disciplines, eliminates distortion and promotes economic efficiency. In developing a competitive framework: a significant question arose; does competition policy merely generates economic efficiency? Empirical analysis on trade and communication has indicated positive impacts. However, competition in Malaysia i.e. implemented through sector regulation; for example in electricity generation has shown little changes on economic efficiency and other benefits. This paper suggests competition policy advocates economic advantages and maximization of other benefits i.e. customer welfare. Simultaneously effects business dynamics. The key to workable ‘model’ originates from strong and independent structural and administrative implementation of the policy. This research reiterates plausible arguments of the benefits i.e. competitive markets generate efficiency and allow for the reflection of true prices in the markets. Alternatively, it also highlights competition impacts on business dynamics and cognizance of Malaysian Competition Act 2010 |
| Keywords: | competition, competition policy, economic efficiency, Malaysia and Competition Act 2010 |
| JEL: | M0 |
| Date: | 2011–03 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cms:2icb11:2011-114&r=cse |
| By: | Yuen-Onn Choong; Kee-Luen Wong; Teck-Chai Lau (University Tun Abdul Razak (UTAR)) |
| Abstract: | The main purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between psychological empowerment and organizational commitment of academics in Malaysian Private Universities. The research is aim to appraise the existing literatures and eventually set the research agenda. Past studies revealed that there are relationships between the four cognitions of psychological empowerment: meaning, self-determination, competence and impact cognitions with organizational commitment. Furthermore, the extant literature also encapsulates the relationships between psychological empowerment and the three dimensions of organizational commitment: affective, normative and continuance commitment. However, results from the existing literatures are shown to be inconsistent. The paper concludes with suggestions for educational leaders to focus on enhancing psychological empowerment of impact, meaning and competence cognitions in order to increase academic staff commitment within an organization. Successfully shaping the attitude of academics in private universities will lead to improvement of overall organizational performance |
| Keywords: | Psychological Empowerment, Organizational Commitment |
| JEL: | M0 |
| Date: | 2011–03 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cms:2icb11:2011-060&r=cse |