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Article
Publication date: 8 February 2022

Simon Stephens and Roisin M. Lyons

This paper presents a conceptual framework based on a literature review and the findings from an empirical study using data collected from entrepreneurs (business incubatees) over…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper presents a conceptual framework based on a literature review and the findings from an empirical study using data collected from entrepreneurs (business incubatees) over a 15-year period (2004–2019). This paper aim is to discuss and propose areas to consider when (re)designing business incubation.

Design/methodology/approach

The data set is based on the experiences of five different cohorts (n = 100), each of which spent 18–24 months participating in a start-up programme sponsored by a business incubation centre (BIC) located in Ireland. To add further depth and nuance to this paper’s findings, an expert focus group was undertaken.

Findings

The findings highlight the importance of different activities and skills in a BIC over time and recommend the inclusion of a number of activities in a BIC framework. The activities include continued professional development (CPD), action research, participation in a simulation, development of emotional intelligence, leadership skills and mindset and critical reflection.

Practical implications

This paper presents an appropriate conceptual framework for the (re)design of business incubation. The framework facilitates an improved understanding of the evolution of entrepreneurial activities and outcomes associated with engagement with a BIC.

Originality/value

BIC 4.0, as described in this paper, proposes success as multi-faceted and including space, facilities, networks, mentors, professional development, reflective practice, emotional development and engagement with continuous professional development.

Details

Journal of Science and Technology Policy Management, vol. 14 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2053-4620

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 16 August 2023

Julia M. Puaschunder

Abstract

Details

Responsible Investment Around the World: Finance after the Great Reset
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80382-851-0

Article
Publication date: 4 December 2023

Maria Cristina Longo, Calogero Guccio and Marco Ferdinando Martorana

This paper aims to assess whether incubation affects the technical efficiency of innovative firms after entering the market. The study of efficiency allows firms to understand how…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to assess whether incubation affects the technical efficiency of innovative firms after entering the market. The study of efficiency allows firms to understand how well resources have been used in production processes. The research intends to contribute to the literature on the performance of incubated firms.

Design/methodology/approach

This study estimates the relative efficiency of innovative firms adopting a DEA-based two-stage semi-parametric method. Incubation, firm age and initial capital are used for explaining the relative performance of previously incubated firms compared to non-incubated ones over a six-year period of activity. This research focuses on Italian innovative firms using a large sample of companies.

Findings

Results show that incubators have a positive and significant effect on efficiency for firms that have been in the market for more than two years. Efficiency also improves with age and with the level of initial capital of the firm.

Research limitations/implications

This analysis is limited to the quantitative dimension of inputs as reported in the balance sheets, without qualitative considerations.

Practical implications

Findings enhance firms' understanding of the role of incubators as neutral places to develop a business culture of efficiency. From an empirical standpoint, this study provides useful insights to start-uppers who intend to attend incubation programs. Overall, incubators matter to the extent that they enable new firms, net of those that fail to survive in the first two years of activity, to improve their efficiency in the use of inputs. This research also suggests incubators consider the start-ups’ potential of being efficient.

Social implications

Findings provide tips to policymakers when they are called upon to propose funding programs to support prominent firms entering the business scalability.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature on the relative performance of post-incubated firms, highlighting the efficiency frontier analysis. This methodological approach is relatively new in this field. It allows researchers to study the innovative firms' performance in relative terms, that is with respect to the input level. It integrates the performance-based with efficiency frontier analysis. Also, this study reinforces the idea that incubators prepare start-ups to develop capacities and managerial skills, which will be useful in post-incubation life to improve their cost competitiveness.

Details

European Journal of Innovation Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1460-1060

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 February 2023

Alex H. Cohen, Jorge E. Fresneda and Rolph E. Anderson

This research seeks to fill a gap in the service and retailing marketplace experience literature as well as retailing practice by extending Attribution and Expectancy…

Abstract

Purpose

This research seeks to fill a gap in the service and retailing marketplace experience literature as well as retailing practice by extending Attribution and Expectancy Disconfirmation Theories to the large and growing market of consumers with vision disabilities. It reveals how accessibility-related service failures with a retailer's website can lead to anti-firm reactions from blind and low vision consumers, including social media sharing, negative word-of-mouth (NWOM) and avoidance of the retailer's other sales channels even if they are accessible.

Design/methodology/approach

Blind respondents were recruited from national blindness organizations to participate in this study using a within-subjects design to test reactions to accessibility-related propositions in two different scenarios involving varying degrees of effort.

Findings

In both high- and low-effort conditions, an accessibility-related service failure leads to the anti-firm consequences of NWOM, social media sharing and avoidance of the retailer's sales channels. Additionally, blind and low vision consumers who also feel inaccessible websites are discriminatory develop stronger anti-firm attitudes toward the offending retailers. Further, we aver that the retailer's entire website including all its features, not just the homepage, should be made accessible to the growing market of vision-impaired consumers and thereby obtain substantial competitive advantages.

Originality/value

This research pertains to the service failure and recovery nomological network. It extends the existing paradigm to include accessibility-related service failures experienced by consumers with disabilities into the specialized category of discrimination-based service failures in instances where service recovery is not easily achieved. Empirical investigations of these experiences have been rare, despite the frequency with which they occur.

Details

Journal of Service Theory and Practice, vol. 33 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2055-6225

Keywords

Open Access
Book part
Publication date: 30 November 2023

Kerstin Sahlin and Ulla Eriksson-Zetterquist

Recent changes in university systems, debates on academic freedom, and changing roles of knowledge in society all point to questions regarding how higher education and research…

Abstract

Recent changes in university systems, debates on academic freedom, and changing roles of knowledge in society all point to questions regarding how higher education and research should be governed and the role of scientists and faculty in this. Rationalizations of systems of higher education and research have been accompanied by the questioning and erosion of faculty authority and challenges to academic collegiality. In light of these developments, we see a need for a more conceptually precise discussion about what academic collegiality is, how it is practiced, how collegial forms of governance may be supported or challenged by other forms of governance, and finally, why collegial governance of higher education and research is important.

We see collegiality as an institution of self-governance that includes formal rules and structures for decision-making, normative and cognitive underpinnings of identities and purposes, and specific practices. Studies of collegiality then, need to capture structures and rules as well as identities, norms, purposes and practices. Distinguishing between vertical and horizontal collegiality, we show how they balance and support each other.

Universities are subject to mixed modes of governance related to the many tasks and missions that higher education and research is expected to fulfill. Mixed modes of governance also stem from reforms based on widely held ideals of governance and organization. We examine university reforms and challenges to collegiality through the lenses of three ideal types of governance – collegiality, bureaucracy and enterprise – and combinations thereof.

Details

University Collegiality and the Erosion of Faculty Authority
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80455-814-0

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 May 2023

Zakee Saadat and A.M. Sultana

Gender disparity is a global phenomenon where females outnumber male participants. It has been observed that males are the early leaver from higher education, thus reflecting a…

Abstract

Purpose

Gender disparity is a global phenomenon where females outnumber male participants. It has been observed that males are the early leaver from higher education, thus reflecting a severe concern about social instability. Malaysia is a prominent example where females outnumber males in higher education. In this context, this paper aims to examine the effect of individual, social and financial factors on the higher education self-efficacy of male and female students. It develops a comprehensive understanding of gender-based decision factors in pursuing higher education.

Design/methodology/approach

The hypothesis was formed based on a comprehensive literature review following the hypothetico-deductive positivist approach. These hypotheses were tested based on a sample of 250 respondents. A multiple regression analysis was deployed to test the relationship between the dependent variable and its predictors.

Findings

The results suggest that male and female students’ self-efficacy depends on five determinants, i.e. family influence, peer influence, career expectancy outcome, gender roles and institutional factors. Male students tend to be influenced more by these five determinants than females. Additionally, male students with better financial backgrounds are more likely to have higher self-efficacy, whereas gender roles negatively affect male and female students’ self-efficacy for higher education.

Research limitations/implications

The breakout of COVID-19 resulted in the selection of limited students in Malaysia. Due to restricted movement orders, it was impossible to reach out to the students for data collection. Future research could include a broader area to include multiple other regions of Malaysia. For a broader aspect, the study could be conducted in other areas/countries where the problem of less male participation exists.

Practical implications

The relationship between higher education self-efficacy is assessed with social, financial and institutional factors for male and female students. It will enable the stakeholders and policymakers to make better decisions in increasing the self-efficacy of students to attain equity in higher education institutions.

Social implications

The finding of this paper will assist in increasing male participation in higher education institutions to avoid any social instability.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the literature in understanding the causes of gender gap reversal, focusing on Malaysian higher education institutions. It also provides empirical evidence to look at potential factors that affect the higher education self-efficacy of male and female students.

Details

Journal of Science and Technology Policy Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2053-4620

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 August 2023

Jaehong Joo, Hee Sun Kim, Sae Gyoung Song, Yun Jeong Ro and Ji Hoon Song

The purpose of this study is to emphasize the important role of performance-oriented human resource (HR) practices and gender equality perceptions in supervisors and chief…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to emphasize the important role of performance-oriented human resource (HR) practices and gender equality perceptions in supervisors and chief executive officers (CEOs) for career development among women in management.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a quantitative methodology to examine relationships among variables. The authors conducted a survey to investigate factors influencing the career development of women managers in professional settings, with a sample of 1,502 female managers in South Korea.

Findings

The relationship between performance-oriented HR practices and career development for women managers was supported. In addition, self-leadership significantly mediated the relationship between performance-oriented HR practices and career development. Finally, double moderator effects of gender equality perceptions of CEOs and supervisors on the relationship between performance-oriented HR practices and self-leadership were significant.

Originality/value

This study emphasizes that career development for women in South Korea depends on gender equality awareness and institutional reorganization for best practices at top management levels. Specifically, this study identified the essential role of performance-based HR practices to support self-leadership and career development in women managers. Furthermore, this study recognized gender equality perceptions of CEOs and supervisors as a critical factor in the successful career development of women managers.

Details

European Journal of Training and Development, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2046-9012

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 October 2023

Gerson Barboza De Las Casas

In pursuit of affordable housing, the Sustainable Urban Development Act of 2021 contains regulations for community land trusts (CLTs) in Peru. This study aims to assess whether…

Abstract

Purpose

In pursuit of affordable housing, the Sustainable Urban Development Act of 2021 contains regulations for community land trusts (CLTs) in Peru. This study aims to assess whether the CLT model can be an effective tool for low-income housing generation in the Peruvian context.

Design/methodology/approach

This study draws upon information collected from qualitative research and official statistical data to identify the main problems in the Peruvian housing sector. The authors gathered evidence from specialised literature to examine the benefits and drawbacks of CLT implementation and functionality as experienced in the USA, England and Canada in contrast to Puerto Rico and Brazil. To assess the potential effectiveness of the CLT model in Peru, the results from the examination of both groups of countries are analysed and contrasted with the evidence from the Peruvian experience.

Findings

Through micro-scale interventions in places with a consolidated sense of community, the CLT model can be an effective tool for affordable housing generation. However, no robust evidence suggests that the CLT model could be an effective tool for large-scale intervention in cities with disorganised and accelerated growth. Moreover, the level of housing affordability defined by the CLT model may be insufficient for people from the lowest-income percentiles.

Originality/value

Peruvian CLT adaptation will require a shift in individual property mind-sets. Furthermore, the model should be enhanced by governmental support through public subsidies and backed by mortgage loans and land grant programmes.

Details

Journal of Property, Planning and Environmental Law, vol. 15 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2514-9407

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 November 2021

Farzana Gulzar and Aiman Fayaz

The purpose of this study is to identify factors instrumental in developing entrepreneurial intentions among youth. Although, numerous studies have been conducted focusing on…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify factors instrumental in developing entrepreneurial intentions among youth. Although, numerous studies have been conducted focusing on entrepreneurship intention, however, this study attempts to provide an integrated model by means of analyzing the impact of internal (personal) and external (environmental) factors in developing entrepreneurial intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

This cross-sectional study is based on primary and secondary data. A sample of 358 respondents belonging to the age group of 21–25 years from various universities and colleges in Kashmir participated in the study. Primary data collection was done using self-administered questionnaires. A purposive sampling approach was used to identify respondents for the current study. Structural equation modeling has been used for testing hypotheses besides other statistical methods and techniques.

Findings

The study identifies three important antecedents of entrepreneurship intentions, namely, personal competencies, contextual factors and entrepreneurial exposure and tests the relationships using path analysis. It further suggests that there exists a significant relationship between personal competencies, entrepreneurial exposure, contextual elements and entrepreneurial intention.

Originality/value

The paper presents an integrated and comprehensive model of entrepreneurial intentions discussing important antecedents instrumental in developing entrepreneurship intentions among youth considering both personal and environmental factors. It is, therefore, an important contribution toward entrepreneurship literature and of interest to different policymakers and institutions related to entrepreneurship.

Details

International Journal of Organizational Analysis, vol. 31 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1934-8835

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 February 2024

Inbar Livnat and Michal Almog-Bar

This article asks how gender, ethnicity and other identities intersect and shape the employment experiences of social workers. During recent decades, governments have contracted…

Abstract

Purpose

This article asks how gender, ethnicity and other identities intersect and shape the employment experiences of social workers. During recent decades, governments have contracted social care to for-profit and nonprofit organizations (NPOs) globally as a part of the adaption of the neoliberal approach. Most employees in these organizations are women. However, there is a lack of knowledge about women working in social service NPOs and their unique working environments.

Design/methodology/approach

This article explores the experiences of women employed as social workers in social care NPOs in Israel regarding intersectionality. 27 in-depth interviews were conducted with women social workers working in social service NPOs. Participants reflected diversity in ethnicity, religion and full-time and part-time jobs. Thematic analysis was used.

Findings

The findings shed light on: (1) the contradiction social workers experienced between the stated values of the social care NPO and those values’ conduct, (2) intersectional discrimination among social workers from vulnerable populations and (3) the lack of gender-aware policies.

Social implications

The need to raise awareness of the social care sector and governments to those contradictions and to promote diversity through gender-aware policies and practices.

Originality/value

The article suggests a conceptualization describing gender employment contradictions in social care NPOs, discusses how the angle of intersectionality expands the understanding of the complexities and pressures exerted on social workers from minority groups and emphasizes the need for social care NPOs to acknowledge and deal with these contradictions.

Details

International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-333X

Keywords

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