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11 – 20 of over 29000The purpose of the paper was to help resolve the problem if only the universities possessing strategic entrepreneurship manage to advance significantly in their global ranking…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of the paper was to help resolve the problem if only the universities possessing strategic entrepreneurship manage to advance significantly in their global ranking positions, while most of their competitors fail.
Design/methodology/approach
Conceptual part of the study introduces a new strategic entrepreneurial latecomer university framework, based on the combination of the resource-based view, dynamic capabilities, strategic innovation, strategic entrepreneurship and latecomer organization concepts. For verification of the proposed conceptual framework, case study of the Lausanne Federal Polytechnic Institute is considered by structuring the materials of its well-documented success story of its advancing in global rankings in terms of the construct dimensions.
Findings
The case study findings were identification of entrepreneurial mindset, managing human resources strategically and strategic innovativeness. It confirms conceptual findings that the presence of strategic entrepreneurship construct dimensions in latecomer university is instrumental in sensing business opportunities at most lucrative market segments of scientific research, carrying out its strategic innovation responsible for university difference in strategic transformational development and exploiting the opportunities ahead of its competitors so as to become more competitive and overtake them.
Research limitations/implications
The main limitations of this study are that only one case of university transition to catch-up development is explored and not all strategic entrepreneurship construct distinctive dimensions are considered. The research will be further elaborated to incorporate all strategic entrepreneurship construct dimensions.
Practical implications
The approach introduced here has shown that to advance in global rankings, university should carry out its strategic innovation ahead of its competitors.
Originality/value
The study is supposed to be the first where university at the stage of its transition to catch-up development is considered using new framework based on strategic entrepreneurship construct dimensions.
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João Lopes, Sergio Jesus Teixeira, João J.M. Ferreira, Paulo Silveira, Luís Farinha and João Lussuamo
The purpose of this paper is to involve the differences in the entrepreneurial intentions of student at higher education institutions (HEIs) in the Portuguese regions (mainland…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to involve the differences in the entrepreneurial intentions of student at higher education institutions (HEIs) in the Portuguese regions (mainland and insular).
Design/methodology/approach
Applying a sample of 594 valid responses, the authors analyzed the data according to linear regression models.
Findings
The results convey how HEI students generally do not intend to become entrepreneurs in both the mainland and the insular regions. Although HEI students broadly do not aim to launch their own businesses, the results show that students in mainland regions feel they have the skills to start a business and drive it to success. In insular regions, students feel encouraged by their friends and family to set up their own business. When comparing insular and mainland regions, the results demonstrate how in insular regions, there is a greater probability that HEI students become entrepreneurs than in the mainland regions. Furthermore, entrepreneurial intentions in the mainland regions develop in terms of “opportunities” while driven by necessity in the insular regions.
Practical implications
This furthermore makes recommendations to regional governments and to HEIs in order to enable better encouragement of entrepreneurship in academia.
Originality/value
This study is original and innovative due to its comparison of the entrepreneurial intentions prevailing in mainland and insular regions and may propose new highlights to the academic scientific literature.
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Manal Yunis, Abdul-Nasser El-Kassar and Abbas Tarhini
Research has shown that information and communication technologies (ICT) are crucial for economic growth. The purpose of this paper is to develop a framework that would depict and…
Abstract
Purpose
Research has shown that information and communication technologies (ICT) are crucial for economic growth. The purpose of this paper is to develop a framework that would depict and examine the nature of the relationship between ICT use and organizational performance in the Lebanese market, taking into consideration the impact that innovation and corporate entrepreneurship may have on this relationship.
Design/methodology/approach
To investigate the proposed model a survey targeting employees, and managers who adopted ICT applications in SMEs located in Lebanon was conducted.
Findings
The results indicate that ICT and innovation are strategic resources. However, their contribution to sustainable competitive advantage vitally depends on the implicitness and entrepreneurial behaviors of those involved. It is through this capability that ICT and ICT-based innovations could make a difference in organization’s performance – both present and future.
Research limitations/implications
First, the respondents were selected using the convenience sampling technique. Second, the data were collected through self-report questionnaires. Finally, the use of perceptual data related to performance may have a bias effect on the study results.
Practical/implications
At the practical level, the study results have repercussions for managers, technology suppliers, and innovation adopters and managers, as this may contribute to better understanding of the factors that could influence the adoption, management, and use of ICT resources for enhancing the competitiveness level of the firm.
Originality/value
The results of this study have implications for ICT adoption in Lebanese SMEs. More importantly, they suggest a framework which depicts the relationship between ICT and the organization’s innovation level on one hand, and a company’s performance on the other, taking entrepreneurship as a mediator in this relationship.
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Aron O'Cass and Jay Weerawardena
The current study aims to examine the role of international entrepreneurship and innovation in small to medium‐sized enterprise (SME) internationalisation, also touching on the…
Abstract
Purpose
The current study aims to examine the role of international entrepreneurship and innovation in small to medium‐sized enterprise (SME) internationalisation, also touching on the role of the firm size as a proxy of resources in the SME internationalisation process. The study seeks to look at these issues in the context of manufacturing firms, arguing that entrepreneurial SMEs pursuing international market entry undertake organisational innovation, which in turn enables such firms to achieve higher marketplace performance.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper was based on the development and administration of a self‐completed survey of 302 managers.
Findings
The results suggest that international SMEs differ from non‐international SMEs in terms of international entrepreneurship, organisational innovation intensity and firm size.
Research limitations/implications
The cross‐sectional research design and the regional nature of the sampled firms may limit the generalisability of the findings. The manufacturing sectors that were studied provided an appropriate setting, although research in other industries is required.
Practical implications
The findings provide SME managers with a feasible path to internationalisation, in that firms striving towards internationalisation must undertake organisational innovation. Innovative firms are better equipped to exploit international market opportunities and perform better in such markets.
Originality/value
In spite of the central role assigned to innovation in a firm's competitive strategy, the literature that examines the role of innovation in SME internationalisation has been limited. Addressing this research gap the paper examines the role of international entrepreneurship and innovation in SME internationalisation.
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Sule Ishola Omotosho and Hod Anyigba
The purpose of this paper is to conceptualize corporate entrepreneurial strategy using collaborative dynamics of contingency and agency theories, and to demonstrate how some…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to conceptualize corporate entrepreneurial strategy using collaborative dynamics of contingency and agency theories, and to demonstrate how some constructs of these two theories are integrated to support long-term strategies of entrepreneurial firms in sustaining their competitive advantages and enhancing their performance.
Design/methodology/approach
Review of literature on strategic entrepreneurship, firm growth, contingency and agency theories were explored to support the conceptualized framework of the entrepreneurial strategy developed in this paper. The authors adopt a vignette approach to problematize theoretical gaps identified. The vignette was also used to embody the entrepreneurial strategy matrix developed.
Findings
This paper suggests that the effectiveness of corporate entrepreneurial strategies is influenced by the impacts of contingent environment and agency problem of goal conflicts. It provides some propositions for qualitative and empirical research that will extend the rigours of strategic entrepreneurship literature.
Practical implications
This paper highlights the implications of understanding and adopting diverse competitive and sustenance strategies. It provides avenues for entrepreneurial firms to take cognizance and use of the contingency and agency approaches to influence their long-term strategic directions to stay competitive. Institutional authorities will also benefit from having a conceptual reference and guide to further improve their entrepreneurship policies.
Originality/value
The authors took three novel steps to address the existing gap in the literature. First, the theories of entrepreneurship, contingency and agency were bound together and unified as a single framework to conceptualize entrepreneurial strategy. Second, the identified gaps were embodied in a vignette to problematize the theoretical issues and lastly, some testable propositions were put forward to explain different forms of entrepreneurial strategy. The authors also developed a corporate entrepreneurial strategy matrix based on the Covin and Miles (1999) forms of corporate entrepreneurship. It forms the basis for the propositions.
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Georgios Theriou and Dimitrios Chatzoudes
The purpose of this paper is to introduce a conceptual framework (research model) that investigates the linkages between “entrepreneurial orientation (EO)”, “entrepreneurial…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to introduce a conceptual framework (research model) that investigates the linkages between “entrepreneurial orientation (EO)”, “entrepreneurial management (EM)”, “environmental factors (EF)”, “access to financial capital” and “firm performance”. In more detail, “EF” and “access to financial capital” are proposed as moderating factors in the “orientation-performance” relationship, while “EO” and “EM” are hypothesised to have a direct effect on “firm performance”. The proposed model includes factors that have never been collectively examined by the entrepreneurship literature before and is expected to enhance the empirical knowledge about the entrepreneurship-performance relationship in small and medium enterprises (SMEs), offering important practical guidelines to small and medium companies.
Design/methodology/approach
The present study is empirical, explanatory, deductive and quantitative. The examination of the proposed conceptual framework was made with the use of a newly developed questionnaire. The population of the study is the sum of Greek SMEs operating during the year 2012. The sample was selected using random sampling techniques: four sectors of the economy were selected (cluster sampling technique) and 760 companies were randomly selected from that sub-group (simple random sample technique). The questionnaire, consisting of 62 items (questions) used to measure the five research factors, was distributed to 333 Greek companies that agreed to participate in the study. After the completion of the research period (September-November 2011), 303 usable questionnaires were returned. Given the fact that the initial target sample was 760 companies the response rate is 39.86 per cent. The empirical data were analysed using the regression analysis and the “Structural Equation Modelling” technique.
Findings
Results indicate that “EF” and “access to financial capital” moderate the relationship between “EO” and “firm performance”, through “EM”. Moreover, results confirm a positive relationship between “EO” and “firm performance”, when “EO” is accompanied by “EM” and a direct relationship between “EM” and “firm performance”.
Research limitations/implications
The main limitation of the study includes the relatively small sample size. Despite that, the sample size is considered appropriate for the statistical analysis conducted, while similar sample size has been used in other similar studies of the field (Gurbuz and Aykol, 2009; Lumpkin and Dess, 2001; Zahra and Garvis, 2000). Another limitation stemming from the implemented methodology is the use of self-report scales to measure the constructs of the proposed model.
Originality/value
This paper attempts to shed some light on those entrepreneurial actions that seem to influence performance. The study makes use of contingent variables and is conducted in SMEs within a European context. As it is obvious from the literature, thus far, there has been a limited amount of research conducted in small European firms examining the entrepreneurship-performance relationship.
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Muhammad Usman, Wim Vanhaverbeke and Nadine Roijakkers
This study explores how open innovation (OI) can be instrumental for entrepreneurs in sensing and seizing entrepreneurial opportunities in small and medium enterprises (SMEs)…
Abstract
Purpose
This study explores how open innovation (OI) can be instrumental for entrepreneurs in sensing and seizing entrepreneurial opportunities in small and medium enterprises (SMEs). This study also illustrates how OI can help SMEs overcome the liability of smallness.
Design/methodology/approach
This is exploratory research using an inductive, multiple-case study approach. This study capitalizes on five in-depth case studies of European SMEs to explore a phenomenon using replication logic and provide a robust basis for theory building.
Findings
This study presents a holistic view of the OI process in SMEs and illustrates the crucial role of entrepreneurs. The study provides a better understanding of how OI can help entrepreneurs sense and seize entrepreneurial opportunities by envisioning venture ideas and implementing business model innovation through the management of innovation partners.
Originality/value
The study emphasizes two critical roles of entrepreneurs in implementing OI in SMEs. First, the entrepreneur can be the instigator of strategic change, and second, he/she can orchestrate the innovation network. The findings emphasize that OI helps avoid knowledge corridors at the venture idea stage, leading to a (re)structuring of the business model and the emergence of a network of innovation partners, which should be managed hands-on. This study discusses in detail the two crucial roles of entrepreneurs.
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Strategic entrepreneurship (SE) exemplifies the interconnection of strategic management and entrepreneurship, inferring that organisations could yield tremendous wealth by…
Abstract
Purpose
Strategic entrepreneurship (SE) exemplifies the interconnection of strategic management and entrepreneurship, inferring that organisations could yield tremendous wealth by synchronously pursuing advantage- and opportunity-seeking behaviour. This study examines how small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) thrive SE by leveraging organisational change forces.
Design/methodology/approach
This study uses a covariance-based structural equation model (CB-SEM) based on 477 key role employees in 95 import and export SMEs in Vietnam.
Findings
SE in SMEs requires organisational change forces, namely leadership, employee engagement and buffering foundation of adaptive culture (AC). In particular, transformational leadership (TL) is beneficial and significantly influences SE behaviour via the mediating role of organisational change commitment. In addition, the adaptable culture of SMEs can serve as a buffer, allowing TL concepts to permeate and transfer to administrative bodies, thereby encouraging SE.
Practical implications
This paper describes why and how SME leaders can make decisions and manage SE to generate a comparative edge. Leaders must understand and assess organisational change forces that play a crucial role in thriving SE, which must pay considerable attention to employees' commitment to change and create an AC.
Originality/value
The findings indicate that achieving SE in SMEs requires a blend of core organisational change forces, such as leadership, cohesive employees and an environment that facilitates adaptation.
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Karin Berglund, Maria Dahlin and Anders W. Johansson
The purpose of this paper is to challenge a traditional image of the content of entrepreneurship, which is associated with creativity, identity and discovery recognition.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to challenge a traditional image of the content of entrepreneurship, which is associated with creativity, identity and discovery recognition.
Design/methodology/approach
A narrative approach is used in telling the story about the artist/entrepreneur Mikael Genberg. The story is based on interviews, newspaper material and observations. Taking this story as the point of departure, an alternative image of entrepreneurship is suggested.
Findings
First, from a traditional Schumpeterian perspective Genberg could be portrayed as a good example of a hero entrepreneur, an archetype of the creative artist/entrepreneur. Instead Genberg in this paper is described in terms of a creative imitator. Second, the Schumpeterian “hero entrepreneur” is associated with a fixed and strong identity. This picture is challenged and replaced by a demonstration of how double or multiple identities are used in legitimizing work which is argued to be more illustrative to the content of entrepreneurship than finding the true identity of the hero entrepreneur. Third, discovery recognition from a traditional perspective is attributed to the individual, while in this case opportunity creation signifies the process of making discoveries collectively shared.
Research limitations/implications
This study is exploratory and based on a single case, while the results cannot be taken as generalizations. Instead an alternative understanding of the content of entrepreneurship is illustrated.
Originality/value
The value of this study is the demonstration of an alternative image of the content of entrepreneurship.
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Nobin Thomas, Angela Randolph and Alejandra Marin
Research in entrepreneurial cognition has called for a better understanding of interactions between contextual variables and cognitive processes. Based on previous work done on…
Abstract
Purpose
Research in entrepreneurial cognition has called for a better understanding of interactions between contextual variables and cognitive processes. Based on previous work done on organizational learning and social networks, the purpose of this paper is to propose a formal model in which information acquisition, distribution and interpretation are tested as a function of cognition-based trust, perceived expertise and tie strength between organizational members in two different corporate entrepreneurship (CE) types.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors conduct a quantitative analysis based on network data in two companies located in India. Special procedures known as quadratic assignment procedure and multiple regression quadratic assignment procedure were used to run the correlations and multiple regressions, respectively. The authors complement this analysis with interviews and qualitative information to build a rich description in each of these cases.
Findings
The results indicate moderate support for the model. The evidence suggests that between both types of CE types, domain redefinition requires higher levels of tie strength, trust and perceived expertise. Sustained regeneration shows moderate significant results in tie strength, and cognition-based trust.
Originality/value
The authors combined insights on social network and organizational cognitive processes to analyze interactions between context and cognition. The authors were also able to compare two different companies. The authors found consistent results regarding tie strength, but the authors also found differences between both companies, which suggest that different CE types tend to require different dynamics between context and cognitive processes.
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