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The purpose of this paper is to explore relations among constraints and motivation for running events commitment along with relations among motivation and future commitment intentions.

A quantitative approach was utilized for the aim of the present study and 1,944 questionnaires were gathered. The self-determination theory and the categorization among intrinsic and extrinsic motivators as proposed by Alexandris et al. (2002) were utilized and the suggested research tools were selected for the purposes of the study.

Intrapersonal constraints found to influence motivation factors while all three motivation factors had a significant effect on continuous participation intentions.

The experimental data for the present research came from participants in a given running race. As mentioned in the discussion, the distinctive characteristics of running may have affected the examined relations in a way which might not be straightforwardly pertinent to different sports. Additional analysis in various activities is essential for the generalization of the findings.

This paper provides the context for a discussion. It shows that motivation factors (amotivation, intrinsic and extrinsic motivation) have a significant influence on individuals’ intention to participate in sport and exercise, as well as on their ability to negotiate associated constraints. The large sample is a major element of the originality of this study because adds to the validity of the results.

This study aims to bridge the gap left by earlier studies regarding the issue of whether the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) certification is a stepping stone that ultimately leads to instilling a total quality management (TQM) culture, or whether it is the end-point in their journey toward quality.

The study was primarily quantitative in nature supported from a qualitative survey following the triangulation approach, as the aim was to test a number of hypotheses related to TQM’s role in the operation of Greek ISO certified small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). A questionnaire was developed based on the critical success factors that were used in the self-assessment instrument developed by Hunt (1992) and Sashkin (1996) to assess the level of TQM implementation in approximately 400 Greek SMEs.

The study revealed that Greek ISO certified SMEs, emphasize performance appraisal, invest in quality elements that require minimum usage of their resources and prioritize their ISO certification.

TQM is one of the most powerful concepts available to businesses today. However, most of the literature focuses on the practice of TQM within large manufacturing organizations. This paper aims to readdress the situation by outlining a study on TQM in the SME sector in Greece.

The entrepreneurial vision, strategic goals, organizational capabilities and processes, alone, will not be adequate to attain business success, unless there is a quality management philosophy in the company (Al-Dhaafri, Al-Swidi, & Yusoff, 2016). Successful entrepreneurial endeavours essentially rest on action, assertiveness, persistence and know-how of leadership (Azyan, Pulakanam, & Pons, 2017) who comprehend the application of quality management methods as a long-term ‘quality journey’. The appropriate implementation of a quality management system (QMS) or total quality management (TQM) system results in enhanced organizational performance (Sahoo & Yadav, 2017).

A wide range of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have nowadays been aware of the indisputable importance of quality and have reaped the benefits of TQM, having in mind that TQM is not just a method or a tool but a whole business philosophy. TQM is a systematic approach that focuses on continuous improvement of the organizational processes with the participation and contribution of all the stakeholders, so as to manage and enhance quality, productivity and customer satisfaction. It is the best way for the enterprise's growth and domination in the contemporary national and international competitive marketplace (Kriemadis, Thomopoulou, & Sioutou, 2017). According to several studies, by embracing the TQM philosophy, SMEs can compete in the global competitive environment (Womack & Roos, 1990; as cited in Karani & Bichanga, 2012; Sainis & Kriemadis, 2019; Pashiardis & Kriemadis, 1999).

The present study aims to develop a generic TQM model for SMEs in order to improve their competitiveness, productivity and quality as well as to enhance their entrepreneurial orientation.

This paper seeks to contribute to an understanding of the organizational culture of the spin‐off knowledge‐based enterprises, which operate within the science and technology parks in Greece. In this context, a critical number of questionnaires have been distributed to the spin‐offs to examine whether firms born within the parks have developed a functional organizational culture, one that provides a solid foundation for organizational effectiveness and business excellence.

The Organizational Culture Assessment Questionnaire (OCAQ) was developed by Sashkin to help people identify and understand the nature of the culture in their own organization, as a first step in identifying problems and defining the sort of culture they want (and the sort of culture that will help deal with organizational problems). The data for the present study were obtained by the OCAQ mailed to a sample of 33 spin‐off companies that operate within the aforementioned science and technological parks. The mailing consisted of the questionnaire itself, a cover letter, and a stamped pre‐addressed return envelope. Of the 90 questionnaires mailed after phone contact, 33 were received, representing a 37 percent response rate.

There seems to have been ascertained serious organizational culture weaknesses regarding management of change practices, goal and customer orientation, cultural strength and efficient team working. It is of critical importance for policy makers to set general principles, guidelines as well as organizational reform measures and priorities to achieve better efficiency and effectiveness of spin‐offs in Greece and approach business excellence. Finally, implications for theory, managers and future research are presented.

This paper provides useful information on organizational culture assessment.

The purpose of this paper is to provide a better understanding of how the internet is used as a strategic tool in electronic customer relationship management (e‐CRM) in the football sector. In particular, the research questions this paper addresses are: How can the online environment be described? How are the customers served in this online environment? The first research question provides an overview of the online environment and the second research question describes the services offered in this online environment.

The qualitative research is the appropriate approach, in order to collect the required data, as the particular research characterizes a complete and comprehensive view and understanding of a phenomenon in its entity. The research is based on the use of double case study approach combining two data collection methods, participant observation and documentation. This particular research adopts the approach of participant observation and documentation. Primary data are collected through an observation checklist, with the help of browse target web sites related to the study. In order to get additional information about the clubs' specific data, the paper used e‐mails. Secondary data were collected through documents from different sources to verify the collected data. In documentation are used official publications, newspapers, journals, and brochures.

The study indicates that the design of a web site needs to be viewed primarily as a business task, which is consistent with previous research, not a technical task. The web site design needs to be appropriate to the needs of the club and should focus supporting business goals. Managers need to increase web site self‐problem solving functions. It helps to decrease customer's interactivity with company's representatives. The contents match with the theory mostly. They are match efficient in providing online services but they still need to provide complete shipping information. This study contributes to previous theory since it has investigated the use of the internet in customer relationship management (CRM). However, due to the lack of research concerning the e‐CRM in the football sector this study needs further consideration by collecting data through interviews with CRM managers and fans. Finally, the same study can be conducted on a larger sample of web sites.

CRM and internet as strategic tools in the football sector is a new research area and not covered adequately in recent and past publications in recognized international journals.

Offers new insight in the case of educational evaluation in Greece by presenting the history and the current state of school effectiveness research (SER). From an historical perspective, presents the beginnings and the two generations of SER. A number of essential studies are reviewed. From a comparative perspective, examines the current advances of SER in many other parts of the world. Using these approaches, a number of theoretical and statistical issues are clarified. Examines the policy implications of SER in France, England and Greece. Expresses a number of thoughts for the future of SER and its contribution to the issue of educational evaluation.