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1 – 10 of over 104000
Article
Publication date: 22 November 2022

Feiyang Guan, Wang Tienan and Liqing Tang

This study aims at the sudden outbreak of COVID-19, which had an unprecedented negative impact on the Chinese economy, with firms being affected most. Firms differ in terms of…

1083

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims at the sudden outbreak of COVID-19, which had an unprecedented negative impact on the Chinese economy, with firms being affected most. Firms differ in terms of their specific internal environment, shaping their ability to respond to the outbreak, so the impact may also vary.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper Chinese listed firms are selected as samples to investigate the mediating effect of prior digital technology on the relationship between R&D (research and development) investment (funds and staff) and firm performance during the epidemic. Firm size and diversification are then introduced as moderating variables to explore the conditional mediating effect of digital technology.

Findings

The results indicate that the higher the firm's prior R&D investment, the higher its digital technology level, and thus the stronger its resistance to the epidemic. Moreover, compared with large-scale firms, small-scale firms have the advantage of strategic flexibility to technological changes, which can help them accumulate experience from R&D activities for digital transformation, thus attenuating the negative impact of the COVID-19 on firm performance. Finally, the results also show that digital technology mediates more strongly between R&D investment and firm performance in diversified firms than in centralized firms.

Originality/value

The study builds a mediation model to reveal the process mechanism through which R&D investment affects firm performance via digital technology. Firm size and diversification are then innovatively introduced as situational factors to build the moderated mediation model, which opens up a new perspective for understanding the effect of firm internal factors on the relationship between R&D investment, digital transformation and firm performance.

Details

Industrial Management & Data Systems, vol. 123 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-5577

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 August 2020

Manali Chatterjee and Titas Bhattacharjee

This study aims to understand the influence of R&D intensity and ownership concentration on performance of Indian technology SMEs, at the intersection of “value creation”…

1250

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to understand the influence of R&D intensity and ownership concentration on performance of Indian technology SMEs, at the intersection of “value creation” perspective of corporate governance and country cultural context in innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

Cross-sectional data of 264 Indian technology SMEs have been employed to probe the impact of ownership and R&D intensity on market performance of the technology SMEs.

Findings

This study does not find support of individual influence of R&D intensity on SME performance. The authors find support for the “value creation” hypothesis of corporate governance in Indian technology SME context. This study finds that interaction of promoter's ownership concentration and R&D intensity has a positive influence on the performance of Indian technology SMEs.

Research limitations/implications

This study has deployed cross-sectional data. Future studies can examine the “value creation” hypothesis based on panel data for a long-run understanding. Ownership can be further segregated into different categories of ownership in future studies.

Practical implications

This study underscores on distinct necessity in the concentrated ownership in the context of Indian technology SMEs. The findings of the study may encourage policymakers to focus on the “value creation” of the technology SMEs than “value protection.”

Originality/value

This study aims to understand the market value of R&D practice of SMEs. The findings of this study establish that R&D intensity individually may not have any significant influence on SME performance. R&D intensity coupled with concentrated ownership can significantly increase SME performance. Thus, this study identifies factors that can help in SME innovation and growth options. Additionally, this study advocates for the fact concentrated ownership in technology SMEs of India by establishing the link with SME performance.

Details

South Asian Journal of Business Studies, vol. 10 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2398-628X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 September 2020

Omer Cinar, Serkan Altuntas and Mehmet Asif Alan

The purpose of this study is to determine the relationships between technology transfer, innovation and firm performance.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to determine the relationships between technology transfer, innovation and firm performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The relationship between technology transfer, innovation and firm performance is examined by using data obtained from 252 Turkish export firms, which are among the top 1,000 firms in terms of export volume in Turkey. To examine these relationships, a theoretical framework is empirically tested using structural equation modeling and tested via an empirical study of Turkish export companies.

Findings

The results of this study can benefit policymakers in government at the national level and company decision-makers at the firm level. Furthermore, an understanding of the relationship between technology transfer, innovation and firm performance may help firms to make correct technology transfer decisions and focus on the correct type of innovation to increase firm performance in practice. The findings indicate the positive effects of technology transfer on innovation and firm performance. In addition, innovation mediates the relationship between technology transfer and firm performance in Turkish export companies. This study suggests that decision-makers should transfer the right technology because well-realized technology transfers lead to the improvement of corporate innovation capacities and improvement of firm performances for export companies.

Originality/value

There is no study that fully examined the relationship between technology transfer, innovation and firm performance. The proposed literature-based theoretical framework in this study is novel for Turkish export companies.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. 50 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 July 2021

Abdullah Fahad AlMulhim

This study aims to explore the impact of digital transformation on firm performance with the help of smart technologies.

3791

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to explore the impact of digital transformation on firm performance with the help of smart technologies.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a valid and well-structured survey to collect data from 460 respondents from 150 Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Saudi Arabia. In order to analyze this data, SmartPLS software was used.

Findings

The empirical results of this study found that the digital transformation has no significant direct impact on firm performance. Therefore, in this situation, smart technologies play an important role in developing the link between digital transformation and firm performance.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the digital supply chain from SMEs' perspective by investigating the mediating role of smart technologies between digital transformation and firm performance.

Details

Business Process Management Journal, vol. 27 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-7154

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 28 September 2015

Md Shah Azam

Information and communications technology (ICT) offers enormous opportunities for individuals, businesses and society. The application of ICT is equally important to economic and…

Abstract

Information and communications technology (ICT) offers enormous opportunities for individuals, businesses and society. The application of ICT is equally important to economic and non-economic activities. Researchers have increasingly focused on the adoption and use of ICT by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as the economic development of a country is largely dependent on them. Following the success of ICT utilisation in SMEs in developed countries, many developing countries are looking to utilise the potential of the technology to develop SMEs. Past studies have shown that the contribution of ICT to the performance of SMEs is not clear and certain. Thus, it is crucial to determine the effectiveness of ICT in generating firm performance since this has implications for SMEs’ expenditure on the technology. This research examines the diffusion of ICT among SMEs with respect to the typical stages from innovation adoption to post-adoption, by analysing the actual usage of ICT and value creation. The mediating effects of integration and utilisation on SME performance are also studied. Grounded in the innovation diffusion literature, institutional theory and resource-based theory, this study has developed a comprehensive integrated research model focused on the research objectives. Following a positivist research paradigm, this study employs a mixed-method research approach. A preliminary conceptual framework is developed through an extensive literature review and is refined by results from an in-depth field study. During the field study, a total of 11 SME owners or decision-makers were interviewed. The recorded interviews were transcribed and analysed using NVivo 10 to refine the model to develop the research hypotheses. The final research model is composed of 30 first-order and five higher-order constructs which involve both reflective and formative measures. Partial least squares-based structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) is employed to test the theoretical model with a cross-sectional data set of 282 SMEs in Bangladesh. Survey data were collected using a structured questionnaire issued to SMEs selected by applying a stratified random sampling technique. The structural equation modelling utilises a two-step procedure of data analysis. Prior to estimating the structural model, the measurement model is examined for construct validity of the study variables (i.e. convergent and discriminant validity).

The estimates show cognitive evaluation as an important antecedent for expectation which is shaped primarily by the entrepreneurs’ beliefs (perception) and also influenced by the owners’ innovativeness and culture. Culture further influences expectation. The study finds that facilitating condition, environmental pressure and country readiness are important antecedents of expectation and ICT use. The results also reveal that integration and the degree of ICT utilisation significantly affect SMEs’ performance. Surprisingly, the findings do not reveal any significant impact of ICT usage on performance which apparently suggests the possibility of the ICT productivity paradox. However, the analysis finally proves the non-existence of the paradox by demonstrating the mediating role of ICT integration and degree of utilisation explain the influence of information technology (IT) usage on firm performance which is consistent with the resource-based theory. The results suggest that the use of ICT can enhance SMEs’ performance if the technology is integrated and properly utilised. SME owners or managers, interested stakeholders and policy makers may follow the study’s outcomes and focus on ICT integration and degree of utilisation with a view to attaining superior organisational performance.

This study urges concerned business enterprises and government to look at the environmental and cultural factors with a view to achieving ICT usage success in terms of enhanced firm performance. In particular, improving organisational practices and procedures by eliminating the traditional power distance inside organisations and implementing necessary rules and regulations are important actions for managing environmental and cultural uncertainties. The application of a Bengali user interface may help to ensure the productivity of ICT use by SMEs in Bangladesh. Establishing a favourable national technology infrastructure and legal environment may contribute positively to improving the overall situation. This study also suggests some changes and modifications in the country’s existing policies and strategies. The government and policy makers should undertake mass promotional programs to disseminate information about the various uses of computers and their contribution in developing better organisational performance. Organising specialised training programs for SME capacity building may succeed in attaining the motivation for SMEs to use ICT. Ensuring easy access to the technology by providing loans, grants and subsidies is important. Various stakeholders, partners and related organisations should come forward to support government policies and priorities in order to ensure the productive use of ICT among SMEs which finally will help to foster Bangladesh’s economic development.

Details

E-Services Adoption: Processes by Firms in Developing Nations
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78560-325-9

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 October 2022

Lisa Katharina Harrmann, Andreas Eggert and Eva Böhm

This study aims to conceptually propose and empirically validate a path perspective on the servitization process of manufacturing firms. It identifies a customer and an outcome…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to conceptually propose and empirically validate a path perspective on the servitization process of manufacturing firms. It identifies a customer and an outcome path to servitization, sheds light on the pivotal role of digital technology usage for both value-creating paths and explores their financial and relational performance outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use a mixed-method approach, combining a qualitative study with a cross-sectional survey in the USA, the UK and Germany.

Findings

Manufacturing firms choose between two generic paths to servitization, a customer and an outcome path. Digital technology usage is equally important for both value-creating paths. Progress on the outcome path has a positive effect on firms’ financial performance, whereas the customer path has an indirect effect only, fully mediated by firms’ relational performance. Customer tenure and customer’s open-mindedness are contingency variables in the digital technology usage – servitization path – firm performance framework.

Research limitations/implications

A path perspective is useful to conceptualize the servitization processes in manufacturing industries. Future research should investigate the sequential choice of servitization paths and explore its drivers and performance outcomes.

Practical implications

To create and claim superior value for their customers, managers can choose between two servitization paths, leading to differential performance outcomes. While digital technology usage is key to progress on both paths, it is particularly effective for newly acquired customers on the customer path. Suppliers should target their value-creating service offerings at open-minded customer firms to reap their full performance potential.

Originality/value

Propose and empirically validate a path-perspective on servitization. Understand the pivotal importance of digital technology usage for both servitization paths.

Details

European Journal of Marketing, vol. 57 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0309-0566

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 October 2018

Himanshu Shee, Shah Jahan Miah, Leon Fairfield and Nyoman Pujawan

Theorising from the intersection of supply chain and information systems (IS) literature, this study aims to investigate supply chain integration (SCI) as a multidimensional…

3537

Abstract

Purpose

Theorising from the intersection of supply chain and information systems (IS) literature, this study aims to investigate supply chain integration (SCI) as a multidimensional construct in the context of cloud-based technology and explores the effect of cloud-enabled SCI on supply chain performance, which will eventually improve firm sustainability from a resource-based view (RBV). In addition, the moderating effect of top management is explored.

Design/methodology/approach

Using cross-sectional survey data collected from a sample of 105 Australian retail firms, this study used structural equation modelling to test the hypothesised relationship of cloud-enabled SCI with performance in a theoretical model.

Findings

Results show that cloud-based technology has positive effect on SCI, and the cloud-enabled SCI is positively related to supply chain performance which eventually influenced firm sustainability. Further, top management intervention moderates the relationship between supplier and internal integration with supply chain performance. But it is found to have no moderating effect on the relationship between customer integration and supply chain performance.

Practical implications

Recognising the potential benefits of emerging cloud-based technologies reported in this study, retail managers need to understand that higher order SCI requires the support of cloud-based technology to improve supply chain performance and firm sustainability.

Originality/value

This research extends prior research of information and communication technologies-enabled SCI and its effect on supply chain performance which overly remains inconsistent. In addition, IS literature abounds with discussion on cloud computing technology per se, and its adoption in supply chain is overly rhetoric. This study fills this gap by conceptualising the multiple dimensions of SCI enabled by cloud-based technology and the way it affects supply chain and firm sustainable performance. Investigating SCI in context of cloud-based technology is a unique contribution in this study. The moderating effect of top management in this decision also adds to the current body of literature.

Details

Supply Chain Management: An International Journal, vol. 23 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1359-8546

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 June 2023

Javed Aslam, Aqeela Saleem and Yun Bae Kim

This study aims to proposed that blockchain helps the organization improve supply chain (SC) performance by improving integration, agility and security through real-time…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to proposed that blockchain helps the organization improve supply chain (SC) performance by improving integration, agility and security through real-time information sharing, end-to-end visibility, transparency, data management, immutability, irrevocable information and cyber-security platforms.

Design/methodology/approach

This study has made an initial effort toward proposing a framework that shows the problems and challenges for the O&G SC under its segments (upstream, midstream and downstream) and provides the interlink among blockchain properties for SCM problems. SC managers were selected for survey questionnaires from the Pakistan O&G industries.

Findings

This study analyzes the impact of blockchain-enabled SC on firm performance with an understanding of the SC robustness capabilities as a mediator. The result revealed that the SC manager believes that the blockchain-enabled SC has a positive and significant on firm performance and robustness capabilities.

Research limitations/implications

Blockchain technology is reflected as high-tech to support the firm process, responses and methods. The technology helps eliminate bottlenecks, avoid uncertainties and improve decision-making, leading to improved SC functions. This study guides managers about the potential problems of existing SC and how blockchain solves SC problems more effectively.

Originality/value

The oil and gas (O&G) sectors are neglected by researchers, and there are limited studies on O&G supply chain management (SCM). Additionally, no empirical evidence suggests implementing blockchain for O&G as a solution for potential problems. Furthermore, present the roadmap to other industries those having complex SC networks for the implication of blockchain to improve the SC performance.

Details

Business Process Management Journal, vol. 29 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-7154

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 July 2021

Najlae Zhani, Nacef Mouri and Ahmed Hamdi

This paper aims to investigate the underlying mechanisms that come into play in the relationship between technology orientation (TO) and performance in technology firms. In doing…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the underlying mechanisms that come into play in the relationship between technology orientation (TO) and performance in technology firms. In doing so, this paper explores how different levels of TO affect firm innovativeness, how different levels of firm innovativeness affect performance and the moderating role of risk-taking propensity in the relationship between innovativeness and performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 112 information technology firms. Control variables include firm size and age and industry effects. The model was tested using PLS-based SEM.

Findings

Results show that in technology firms, innovativeness plays a mediating role in the relationship between TO and firm performance, the relationship between TO and firm innovativeness is curvilinear, the relationship between innovativeness and performance is curvilinear and risk-taking propensity moderates the curvilinear relationship between innovativeness and performance.

Originality/value

The shape of the relationships in the mediating paths between TO, innovativeness and performance, is curvilinear (inverted U-shaped). Managers in technology firms focused on bolstering the TO and/or innovativeness should be cognizant of the fact that beyond a certain level, they might actually be doing more harm than good. Additionally, managers seeking to reinforce the relationship between innovativeness and performance need to be sensitive to the role that risk-taking propensity plays in this relationship.

Details

European Business Review, vol. 33 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0955-534X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 January 2022

Na Li and XuDong Pei

Integrating supplier innovation is considered an effective strategy to reduce uncertainty at the fuzzy front end (FFE). However, the large number of supplier innovation resources…

Abstract

Purpose

Integrating supplier innovation is considered an effective strategy to reduce uncertainty at the fuzzy front end (FFE). However, the large number of supplier innovation resources and the task environment forces buying firms to precisely identify more valuable or interesting innovation resources for integration. The impact of the interaction between supplier innovation and task environment on FFE performance needs to be further explored. Therefore, this paper aims to propose a contingency framework to examine the relationship between supplier innovation (technology-push and market-pull) and buying firm’s FFE performance in different task environments, with the aim of clarifying which supplier innovation resources should be integrated to create high FFE performance in the face of an uncertain task environment.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data from new product development team leaders in Chinese high-tech firms were collected and analyzed. Furthermore, using multiple regression analysis, the relationship among supplier innovation, task environment and FFE performance was examined.

Findings

The results show that although both technology-push and market-pull supplier innovation can improve FFE performance, there are significant differences between the influences of these two types of supplier innovation in the face of different task environments.

Practical implications

Practical guidelines are provided for buyer managers on how to effectively identify the “best” supplier innovation resources to improving the effectiveness and efficiency of supplier involvement in the FFE.

Originality/value

This paper deepens the knowledge of identifying supplier innovation resources in the FFE and enriches the research on supplier-enable FFE innovation.

Details

Journal of Business & Industrial Marketing, vol. 37 no. 12
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0885-8624

Keywords

1 – 10 of over 104000