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11 – 20 of over 157000Anna Stamatelatos and Robert Brooks
This study investigates simulated business learning and performance effectiveness during a simulation task. The learning and performance outcomes of two groups of postgraduate…
Abstract
Purpose
This study investigates simulated business learning and performance effectiveness during a simulation task. The learning and performance outcomes of two groups of postgraduate student participants are investigated namely: (a) participants who do not struggle with the task and (b) participants who do struggle with completing the task.
Design/methodology/approach
An experiment was conducted using a simulated business, which was manipulated into two initial commencement formats: positive initial format (PIF) and negative initial format (NIF). Individual performance on the task was measured via achievement of performance targets whilst individual learning was measured via causal cognitive maps.
Findings
Participants using PIF did not struggle with completing the task and achieved higher performance outcomes compared to participants using NIF, who struggled with completing the task. In addition, the positive association between learning and performance was significantly reduced for participants using NIF who struggled with completing the task
Research limitations/implications
This study’s findings are tentative as the sample size is small and several moderator/mediator variables, which may influence the findings (i.e. student learning style/instructor style/cognitive factors), are outside the scope of the study and thus not included.
Practical implications
Causal cognitive mapping results and students’ self-assessment of learning during simulated business debriefing, may further help instructors/students identify the differences in individual learning outcomes between those who have and have not struggled with increasing simulated business performance.
Originality/value
By using an experiment and causal cognitive mapping to measure individual learning, this study contributes further empirical evidence to the literature.
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Muneer Abbad, Ibrahim Hussien Musa Magboul and Kholoud AlQeisi
In response to a turbulent industrial environment, especially for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), organizations have widely adopted e-business to improve their processes…
Abstract
Purpose
In response to a turbulent industrial environment, especially for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), organizations have widely adopted e-business to improve their processes. This study aims to propose a model that encapsulates the determinants and outcomes of e-business adoption.
Design/methodology/approach
The determinants and outcomes of e-business adoption were tested using data gathered from 282 managers and analysed using structural equation modelling techniques.
Findings
The results indicated that owner support, perceived ease of use and government support were important determinants that influence e-business adoption. Attitude, competitive pressureand relative advantage were not significant. Regarding outcomes, e-business adoption had a major impact on SME functioning and operational progress; however, it had no influence on competitive advantage.
Originality/value
By ascertaining the determinants and outcomes of e-business adoption, the findings provide e-business practitioners and managers with guidelines that can encourage more efficient and effective e-business adoption within their organizations. The results also provide a basis for more precise e-business studies to be conducted in developing countries.
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John Watson, Elizabeth J. Gatewood and Kate Lewis
In this paper, the authors aim to develop a framework that provides a holistic approach to the assessment of entrepreneurial performance outcomes (EPOs) incorporating the…
Abstract
Purpose
In this paper, the authors aim to develop a framework that provides a holistic approach to the assessment of entrepreneurial performance outcomes (EPOs) incorporating the multitude of factors (such as entrepreneurial goals and cultural norms) that research suggests can impact the entrepreneurial process.
Design/methodology/approach
In developing the suggested framework, the authors draw on both the existing literature and the findings provided in the five papers selected for this special issue.
Findings
The framework the authors advance suggests that the satisfaction male and female entrepreneurs derive from their ventures is principally determined by a combination of the goals they set for their business and the outcomes/outputs achieved. There is also some evidence to suggest that, other things equal, females may experience higher levels of satisfaction with their ventures than males. Other key issues the authors have incorporated into the framework that are important to a better understanding of the entrepreneurial process include the resources the entrepreneur has available (human, financial and social); various external environmental factors (for example, government support programmes); and gender (for example, to the extent that women are more risk averse than men they may set more modest goals for their ventures).
Originality/value
The holistic framework the authors present for assessing (and better understanding) the entrepreneurial process should help direct/focus: future research concerned with assessing, evaluating and understanding EPOs; government policies designed to promote entrepreneurial initiatives; and those providing advice to the sector.
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Jonathan Lean, Robert Newbery, Jonathan Moizer, Mohamed Haddoud and Wai Mun Lim
This paper investigates how individuals' decision-making approach and perceptions of a game's cognitive realism affect the performance of virtual businesses in a web-based…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper investigates how individuals' decision-making approach and perceptions of a game's cognitive realism affect the performance of virtual businesses in a web-based simulation game.
Design/methodology/approach
Survey data are collected from 274 business simulation game users and is analysed using the fsQCA technique.
Findings
The study identifies three alternative pathways to high and low performance in a business simulation game. Results indicate that a flexible decision-making approach exists in all high performance pathway solutions. Where a game is perceived to be realistic, a more focused decision-making approach is associated with high performance. However, where perceived cognitive realism is absent, a less focused experimental decision-making approach is employed, which increases the chances to achieve low performance. Finally, perceived cognitive realism and an experimental decision-making approach are found to be mutually exclusive for achieving high performance.
Originality/value
Whilst the learning benefits of web-based simulation games are widely acknowledged, the complex interplay amongst factors affecting performance in games is under-researched. Limited research exists on how perceptions of a game's cognitive realism interact with user decision-making approaches to affect performance.
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Stanislaus Lobo, Premaratne Samaranayake and Kenan M. Matawie
The purpose of this paper is to propose a national framework for promoting business excellence (NFPBE) using a quality management assessment framework (QMAF) with information…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to propose a national framework for promoting business excellence (NFPBE) using a quality management assessment framework (QMAF) with information knowledge communication (IKC) as an enabler.
Design/methodology/approach
The NFPBE using the plan–do–check–act (PDCA) cycle is developed, re-enforcing key quality management aspects/areas including national quality awards, QMAF summary and national innovation programmes using a meta-analysis.
Findings
The operationalising of the NFPBE is enabled and supported by an auditing tool to assess the degree of mentoring provided by universities/research institutions/consulting firms to participating firms whose progress will be assessed by the QMAF. It was emphasised that the success of the framework requires the buy-in of national governments to support the programme through stimulus incentives such as government assistance with the costs of research and development, and cooperative research ventures between universities and companies.
Research limitations/implications
The framework is conceptualised into a process flowchart, which is a blueprint to advancing business excellence in organisations at a national scale. The study is limited to only the conceptualisation of the framework. Therefore, an extended study of the framework implementation/application is required for revealing implementation guidelines.
Practical implications
The national framework has a propensity to enhancing the business excellence of organisations at a national level. Therefore, quality managers and policy makers could use the framework to understand the quality management shortfalls and consider strategies to achieving business excellence.
Originality/value
This research study proposed a blueprint to advancing quality excellence in organisations at a national level, guided by several quality frameworks.
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Paull Christopher Weber and Louis Geneste
Small and medium enterprise (SME) research into the meaning and perception of success is now reaching beyond (the somewhat stereotypical) extrinsic success measures such as sales…
Abstract
Purpose
Small and medium enterprise (SME) research into the meaning and perception of success is now reaching beyond (the somewhat stereotypical) extrinsic success measures such as sales, number of employees, and profit. Researchers now identify the goals and expectations of the owner(s) of a business as central to their likely performance and preferred success metrics. Therefore, this paper aims to overlay perceptions of success and gender to establish whether success is conceptualised in the same way across genders.
Design/methodology/approach
The study analyses the responses from 375 male and female SME owners to a range of quantitative success metrics and also explores the responses provided to a number of qualitative questions surrounding the owners' perceptions of success.
Findings
Although the average female-owned business in the study is significantly smaller than the average male-owned business, they perform equally well on extrinsic measures that relate outputs (profit) to inputs (assets and hours worked). Further, the female SME owners appear to be more satisfied with both the success of their business and their lifestyle, than their male counterparts.
Originality/value
The findings suggest that the social feminists hold sway (men and women have different perceptions of success) and there is value in incorporating a feminine perspective when examining what business owners are looking for from their ventures. That is, measures of SME success need to adopt a person-centered perspective.
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Mina Westman, Shoshi Chen and Dov Eden
The goals of this review are to identify key theories, constructs and themes in the international business travel (IBT) literature and to propose a model based on findings…
Abstract
Purpose
The goals of this review are to identify key theories, constructs and themes in the international business travel (IBT) literature and to propose a model based on findings, theories and constructs drawn from adjacent research literature.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors reviewed the business travel (BT) literature to identify conceptual and empirical articles on IBT published from 1990 to 2022. Only 53 publications were suitable for review. The authors reviewed them using an open coding system.
Findings
The IBT literature is dispersed across several disciplines that use different methods, focus on different aspects of travel and emphasize different positive and negative outcomes that IBT engenders. The publications employed a diverse range of methods, including review and conceptual (11), quantitative (28) and qualitative methods (14). The samples were diverse in country, age, marital status and tenure. Many publications were descriptive and exploratory. The few that based their research on theory focused on two stress theories: Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) theory and conservation of resources (COR) theory.
Research limitations/implications
Experimental and longitudinal designs are needed to reduce the causal ambiguity of this body of mostly correlational and cross-sectional research. The authors discuss the impact of emerging advances in virtual global communication technology on the future of IBT.
Practical implications
More research is needed on positive aspects of IBT. Human resource (HR) people should be aware of these issues and are encouraged to decrease the deleterious aspects of the international trips and increase the positive ones.
Social implications
Increasing well-being of international business travelers is important for the travelers, their families and the organization.
Originality/value
This is the first IBT review focused on the theoretical underpinnings of research in the field. The authors offer a model for IBT and introduce adjustment and performance as important constructs in IBT research. The authors encompass crossover theory to add the reciprocal impact of travelers and spouses and label IBT a “double-edge sword” because it arouses both positive and negative outcomes.
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Erastus Karanja and Laurell C. Malone
Although project management (PM) continues to rise in popularity, there is still a significant PM talent deficit, leading to more challenged or failing projects. To lower the PM…
Abstract
Purpose
Although project management (PM) continues to rise in popularity, there is still a significant PM talent deficit, leading to more challenged or failing projects. To lower the PM talent deficit and mitigate the higher project failure rates, academic institutions have been developing PM curriculums aimed at inculcating a repertoire of competencies to the potential project managers. In developing an ideal well-rounded PM curriculum, academic institutions occasionally engage the input of industry partners and governing entities. The study aims to (1) compare the competencies in one of the leading industry competency model and framework (PMI Talent Triangle) to the competencies in the PM course syllabi learning outcomes, (2) determine the extent to which these two sets of PM competencies are aligned and (3) and explore avenues for improvements.
Design/methodology/approach
The study uses a purposeful sampling method to gather PM course syllabi. The PM competencies data are gleaned from the syllabi using the content analysis method. Thereafter, QSR NVivo qualitative statistical software is used to summarize and analyze the competency data from the learning outcomes.
Findings
The results reveal that most of the PM competencies in the course syllabi fall under the technical PM domain. Specifically, the top three competency elements in each domain are technical PM domain (PM skills, tools and techniques, schedule management and cost estimation/budget), leadership domain (team-building, verbal/written communication and problem-solving) and strategic and business management domain (strategic planning, analysis and alignment, benefits management and realization, customer relationship and satisfaction).
Research limitations/implications
The study investigates the alignment of the PM course competencies with competency domains in the PMI Talent Triangle, a global competence model that is well aligned with other global competence models such as the APM Competence Framework, the ICB4 Individual Competence Baseline and the PROMA3.
Practical implications
The results from this study provide guidelines useful in informing PM curricula re/design, as well as the inculcation of knowledge, skills, tools, techniques and behaviors needed for effective PM.
Social implications
The PM curriculum can be improved by partnering with PM industry leaders who can serve as advisors to the academy on industry needs, direction and emerging innovations that can inform PM learning outcomes, PM curricular design and the development of quality PM talent. The academy and the industry are encouraged to actively strive for mutual partnerships where PM professionals and academicians serve on each other's advisory boards. Also, the academy can partner with the industry professionals by developing curriculum resources such as case studies that bring the real-life PM applications to the classroom.
Originality/value
This study is motivated by the call for research studies that provide a holistic picture of the desired PM competencies and an exploration and definition of the educational needs in the PM curriculum.
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Richard C. Becherer, Marilyn M. Helms and John P. McDonald
This study examines how entrepreneurial marketing dimensions (proactiveness, opportunity focused, leveraging, innovativeness, risk taking, value creation, and customer intensity…
Abstract
This study examines how entrepreneurial marketing dimensions (proactiveness, opportunity focused, leveraging, innovativeness, risk taking, value creation, and customer intensity) are related to qualitative and quantitative outcome measures for the SME and the entrepreneur (including company success, customer success, financial success, satisfaction with return goals, satisfaction with growth goals, excellence, and the entrepreneurʼs standard of living). Using factor analysis, three success outcome variables (financial, customer, and strong company success) emerged together. A separate factor analysis identified satisfactory growth and return goals. Stepwise regression revealed entrepreneurial marketing impacts outcome variables, particularly value creation. Implications for entrepreneurs and areas for research are included.
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Shubham Singh, Paul C. Hong and Sandeep Jagani
This paper aims to examine the role of technology-enabled leadership (TEL) in achieving performance-enhancement outcomes. This empirical investigation is from a dynamic…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to examine the role of technology-enabled leadership (TEL) in achieving performance-enhancement outcomes. This empirical investigation is from a dynamic capabilities perspective.
Design/methodology/approach
A conceptual framework presents a general model with an overarching dynamic capabilities theory. The research model defines key variables – macroeconomic turbulence (MET), TEL, analytics-based responsiveness (ABR), knowledge-driven innovation (KDI) and performance enhancement outcomes (PEOs). Empirical tests of eight hypotheses are conducted using an original survey instrument based on the respondents (n = 203).
Findings
In response to MET, TEL is crucial in implementing ABR in strategic planning aspects and KDI in operational dimensions. In turn, ABR and KDI are key mediating variables that achieve a desirable level of PEOs.
Research limitations/implications
Despite the limitations associated with survey-based research, the findings suggest robust analytical results. For example, the alternative model suggests that MET negatively moderates the positive impact of TEL on ABR, while KDI positively moderates the positive impact of ABR on PEOs.
Practical implications
Outstanding firms demonstrate both TEL and data-savvy decision-making processes. Knowledge-intensive innovation allows firms to achieve multiple performance outcomes that help firms survive and thrive in challenging market environments.
Social implications
There has been a growing concern about how firms use customers’ data in choosing their business practices. Customers are concerned about privacy and data security issues if firms misuse the data while pursuing profit-based goals. However, this empirical investigation confirms that business analytics improve firm performance (e.g. firm productivity enhancements), ultimately benefiting the customers. Providing relevant data to firms has potentially positively enhanced customer services and thus benefits societal well-being.
Originality/value
Using an original survey instrument, this research empirically tests a research model that defines the complex paths between TEL and competitive performance outcomes.
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