|
on Project, Program and Portfolio Management |
| By: | Agné Paliokaité (ISM, University of Management and Economics, Vilnius, Lithuania) |
| Abstract: | Purpose. In this paper, I argue that corporate foresight can play the important role not only for large multinational companies, but also for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). Rohrbeck et al (2010) proposed that effective corporate foresight can be organized without a process model but with certain capabilities and activities. In this paper it is hypothesized that the latter approach could be suitable for SMEs. Furthermore, it is hypothesized that organizational future orientation of an SME can be also enhanced by engaging in networks with other stakeholders. Therefore, the paper aims to explore the different routes to enhance corporate foresight capabilities in SMEs. The fundamental research question addressed in this paper is: what are the key corporate foresight capabilities and how can these capabilities be built in small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) to enhance strategic thinking and future orientation in these companies? More specific objectives are: (1) To establish what the key capabilities within the corporate foresight practices are; (2) To establish what kind of value contributions can be expected from corporate foresight; (3) Based on research results, to propose a benchmarking framework of CF capabilities with a distinction between different routes SMEs can take for achieving higher value associated with CF. (4)To propose how the variables in the networking route could be measured. The analysis in this paper is comprised of three main parts. The first part is to formally establish the need for corporate foresight capabilities in the Lithuanian high technology SMEs. The second part, which is the crux of this paper, is to propose the benchmarking framework for corporate foresight in SMEs, following three different routes: structural approach, cultural approach, networking approach. The third part provides conclusions and discussion. |
| Keywords: | Corporate foresight, networking, SMEs, weak signals, weak tie networks, strong tie networks, Lithuania |
| JEL: | D81 D85 L14 M10 O52 |
| Date: | 2010–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ieu:wpaper:31&r=ppm |
| By: | Monica Beuran (World Bank Country Office in Zambia et Centre d'Economie de la Sorbonne); Gaël Raballand (World Bank Country Office in Zambia); Julio Revilla (World Bank Country Office in Zambia) |
| Abstract: | Zambia was a middle-income country when it achieved independence from Great Britain in 1964. After decades of international aid Zambia has become a low-income country, and its per capita GDP is only now returning to the levels it had reached over forty years ago. While aid is far from the only variable at work in Zambia's development, its impact has been questionable. This paper examines the issue of aid effectiveness in Zambia, especially in terms of how the incentive structure faced by donors may lead to decreased accountability and inadequate concern for long-term outcomes, rendering aid less beneficial. The paper concludes by proposing a revised approach to the provision and use of international aid in Zambia, as well as in other aid-dependent countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. |
| Keywords: | Aid effectiveness, Zambia, donors, projects, aid incentives. |
| JEL: | F35 O19 O22 O55 |
| Date: | 2011–07 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:mse:cesdoc:11040&r=ppm |
| By: | Abdou Kâ Diongue (Saint-Louis Université - Sénégal); Gaël Giraud (Centre d'Economie de la Sorbonne - Paris School of Economics et ESCP-Europe); Cécile Renouard (ESSEC - Business School) |
| Abstract: | Extractive industries face two main challenges in terms of CSR and poverty reduction : 1) recognize that societal activity is part of their core business ; 2) take part in socio-economic projects that contribute to their stakeholders' empowerment and not only to their living conditions. Based on surveys achieved in Nigeria in 2008, the paper presents two societal performance indices meant to be complementary : the Poverty Exit Index (PEI) and the Relational Capability Index (RCI). We show that, while they have fostered the PEI of the local communities, the development projects of the oil companies had a rather negative impact on their RCI. We then identify key variables that can influence positively the RCI and on which a sensible development policy should focus. |
| Keywords: | Development indices, capability approach, relational capability, development, poverty, impact assessment. |
| JEL: | C43 D21 F21 L71 O12 O55 |
| Date: | 2011–07 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:mse:cesdoc:11043&r=ppm |