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1 – 10 of over 4000Wenwen An, Yuehua Xu and Jianqi Zhang
Previous studies have produced inconsistent findings regarding the effects of resource constraints on corporate illegal behavior. This study aims to explore how entrepreneurial…
Abstract
Purpose
Previous studies have produced inconsistent findings regarding the effects of resource constraints on corporate illegal behavior. This study aims to explore how entrepreneurial firms can overcome the difficulties generated by resource constraints.
Design/methodology/approach
Drawing on insights from general strain theory and focusing on listed entrepreneurial firms, this study proposes that failure to obtain enough resources through listing generates strain in the managers of listed entrepreneurial firms, driving them to resort to corporate financial fraud as a solution. Nevertheless, such relationships between resource constraints and the likelihood of corporate financial fraud can be weakened by innovation capability, because innovation capability can generate more confidence in their managers and relieve their strains, thereby dissuading them from engaging in corporate financial fraud.
Findings
According to our empirical results, both financial and human resource constraints are positively related to the likelihood of corporate financial fraud in listed entrepreneurial firms, but such effects can be mitigated by innovation capability.
Practical implications
This study provides practical implications for both regulators and managers by indicating that although entrepreneurial firms with resource constraints are more likely to commit financial fraud, innovation capability could be a strategic approach to enhance managers’ confidence and relieve the strain.
Originality/value
Our study contributes to the literature by enriching our understanding of the consequences of resource constraints in entrepreneurial firms and highlighting the strategic importance of innovation capability in mitigating such effects.
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Juan M. Gil-Barragan, José A. Belso-Martínez and Francisco Mas-Verdú
Given the unresolved question about which causal conditions contribute to accelerated internationalization among small and medium enterprises (SMEs) from weak institutional…
Abstract
Purpose
Given the unresolved question about which causal conditions contribute to accelerated internationalization among small and medium enterprises (SMEs) from weak institutional environment, this paper aims to combine theoretically relevant antecedents of domestic networks relationships (weak or strong domestic ties) and decision-making logic (effectuation or causation) to explore the configurations that are the most promising for explaining accelerated internationalization.
Design/methodology/approach
This study uses fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to examine the accelerated internationalization of 33 contrarian cases of SMEs located in weak institutional environment. The data set has been collected through in-depth interviews with managers in Colombia (21 cases) and Peru (12 cases). Building on the findings, an integrative model for accelerated internationalization is presented.
Findings
The authors found that the combination of weak domestic ties and effectuation logic accelerated the internationalization of SMEs with fewer resource constraints. In contrast, strong domestic ties and causation behavior lead to accelerated internationalization of SMEs with greater resource constraints. They propose a model to help enrich the existing literature about the causal configurations for achieving accelerated internationalization in SMEs from weak institutional environment.
Originality/value
The contribution of this study is to provide empirical evidence to address three shortcomings in the literature. First, the mixed results regarding the impact of strong and weak domestic ties and decision-making logic in the accelerated internationalization of SMEs; second, the limited research on domestic networks; and third, the scarce investigation in weak institutional environment, where the emphasis on constrained resources is higher.
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The aim of this study is to provide a holistic analysis of all possible maritime business logistics processes related to import and export shipments in a fuzzy environment through…
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this study is to provide a holistic analysis of all possible maritime business logistics processes related to import and export shipments in a fuzzy environment through a case study of a maritime logistics company based on the as-is and to-be models within business process management (BPM).
Design/methodology/approach
The analyses considered the following perspectives: (i) in the stage of the process identification, the definition of the problem was carried out; (ii) in the stage of the process discovery, ocean department was divided into ocean export/import operation departments; ocean export/import operation were divided into freight collect/prepaid operation processes; ocean export/import logistics activity groups were broken down into sub-activities for freight collect/prepaid operation; the logistics activity groups and their sub-activities were defined; each sub-activity as either operation or documentation process group was classified; the durations of sub-activities were evaluated by decision-makers (DMs) as fuzzy sets (FSs); the monthly total jobs activities were estimated by DMs as FSs; the applied to monthly jobs activities of total shipments were estimated by DMs as FSs; the durations of each sub-activities were aggregated; the duration of the logistics activity groups and the sub-activities for per job were calculated; the cumulative workload of logistics activity groups and sub-activities were calculated; the duration of sub-activities for per job as operation or documentation departments were calculated, (iii) in the stage of the process analysis, cumulative ocean export/import workload as operation or documentation for freight collect/prepaid were calculated; duration of activity groups and sub-activities for per job as operation or documentation were calculated; cumulative workload activity groups and sub-activities as operation or documentation were calculated, (iv) in the stage of the process redesign, cumulative workload, process cycle time as operation and documentation group and required labor force were calculated; the process cycle time of the theoretical, the as-is model and the to-be model were calculated: (i) the theoretical minimum process cycle time without resource were calculated by the critical path method (CPM), (ii) the process cycle time of the as-is model perspective with the 1 person resource constraint and (iii) the process cycle time of the to-be model perspective with the 2-person resource constraint were calculated by the resource constrained project scheduling problem (RCPSP) method.
Findings
The methodology for analyzing the ocean department operation process was successfully implemented in a real-life case study. It is observed that the results of the to-be model can be applicable for the company. The BPM-proposed methodology is applicable for the maritime logistics industry in the present study; however, it can be applied to other companies in maritime logistics as well as other industries.
Originality/value
This study contributes to research using BPM methodology in maritime logistics. This is the first study the logistics process analyses were carried out in terms of including all operation processes for a company. All processes were analyzed by using BPM methodology in maritime logistics. This study demonstrated the application of the BPM as-is and to-be models to maritime logistics. The as-is and the to-be models of the BPM methodology were applied in maritime logistics.
Research implications
This methodology applied in this study can enable organizations operating in the time-urgent maritime logistics sector to manage their logistics processes more efficiently, increase customer satisfaction, reduce the risks of customer loss due to poor operational performance and increase profits in the long term. Through the use of these methodologies utilizing FSs, the CPM and the RCPSP methods, this study is expected to make contributions to the BPM literature and provide original insights into the field. Furthermore, this study will undertake a comprehensive analysis of maritime logistics with respect to BPM to deliver noteworthy contributions to the maritime logistics literature and provide original perspectives into the field.
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Rui Wang, Liqiong Liu and Yu Feng
The mechanism of marketing strategy style and its impact on firms are research issues received wide attention. In particular, the aggressive style of marketing strategy has been…
Abstract
Purpose
The mechanism of marketing strategy style and its impact on firms are research issues received wide attention. In particular, the aggressive style of marketing strategy has been chosen by many companies, but recent studies have shown that it has a negative effect on corporate performance. This leads to the core issue of this paper – does the aggressive style of marketing strategy always had a negative impact on corporate performance? Are there any factors that can alleviate this negative impact?
Design/methodology/approach
Based on the resource-based theory and agency theory, this paper takes the Growth Enterprise Market (GEM) listed companies as the research objects, collects secondary data and conducts the research by regression model.
Findings
The empirical research shows that: (1) the aggressive style of marketing strategy significantly and negatively affects the performance of firm; (2) the resource constraint can moderate the main effect and resource control play a weak adjustment role.
Practical implications
In practice, this paper confirms the adverse impact of aggressive style of marketing strategy on the performance of listed companies on GEM and inspires the industry to strengthen the control and supervision of marketing resources.
Originality/value
This paper makes up for the research gap in the field of cross-research in finance and marketing theoretically.
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Linet Özdamar, Gündüz Ulusoy and Mete Bayyigit
Considers the resource‐constrained project scheduling problem where cash inflows and outflows are tied to the occurrence of events. The objective is the maximization of the…
Abstract
Considers the resource‐constrained project scheduling problem where cash inflows and outflows are tied to the occurrence of events. The objective is the maximization of the project net present value (NPV) as well as the minimization of project tardiness in the presence of a project due date. Develops hybrid scheduling rules with both NPV and tardiness considerations to enhance both objectives. Experiments extensively with a set of benchmark problems originally designed for the objective of minimizing the project duration. Demonstrates that thje hybrid rules developed here are superior in performance with respect to both objectives when compared with well known rules which are developed for the two objective of minimizing the project duration. Demonstrates that the hybrid rules developed here are superior in performance with respect to both objectives when compared with well‐known rules which are developed for the two objectives taken individually. Furthermore, the iterative algorithm improves the performance of all tested rules significantly.
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Abhijit Mandal, Howard Thomas and Don Antunes
The purpose of this paper is to focus around the literatures of the resource‐based firm and cognitive mental models, explores the dynamic linkages between cognitive models…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to focus around the literatures of the resource‐based firm and cognitive mental models, explores the dynamic linkages between cognitive models, resources and firm performance in the context of the insurance industry.
Design/methodology/approach
In a real‐life example drawn from the insurance industry, a process‐based simulation model is developed to explore the linkages between managerial mental models, resources and performance. It represents resources as endogenous flows and mental models and resource constraints as exogenous parameters. This allows, for example, the impact of heterogeneity in mental models, on such factors as the time path of resource allocations, resources and capabilities, and ultimately performance, to be studied in two firms (business units) in the insurance industry.
Findings
In general, heterogeneity in mental models leads to differences in performance in the long run. This finding is reinforced by the presence of resource constraints. Facing strategic change, however, it is often difficult for senior managers to overcome the influence of well‐established managerial mental models or recipes which create cognitive inertia and, in turn, hinder performance improvements.
Originality/value
There are few empirical studies which explore the impact of changes in mental models and resource constraints on firm‐performance and resource allocation decisions.
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Yu-Li Huang, Sarah M. Bach and Sherry A. Looker
The purpose of this paper is to develop a chemotherapy scheduling template that accounts for nurse resource availability and patient treatment needs to alleviate the mid-day…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to develop a chemotherapy scheduling template that accounts for nurse resource availability and patient treatment needs to alleviate the mid-day patient load and provide quality services for patients.
Design/methodology/approach
Owing to treatment complexity in chemotherapy administration, nurses are required at the beginning, end and during treatment. When nurses are not available to continue treatment, the service is compromised, and the resource constraint is violated, which leads to inevitable delay that risks service quality. Consequently, an optimization method is used to create a scheduling template that minimizes the violation between resource assignment and treatment requirements, while leveling patient load throughout a day. A case study from a typical clinic day is presented to understand current scheduling issues, describe nursing resource constraints, and develop a constraint-based optimization model and leveling algorithm for the final template.
Findings
The approach is expected to reduce the variation in the system by 24 percent and result in five fewer chemo chairs used during peak hours. Adjusting staffing levels could further reduce resource constraint violations and more savings on chair occupancy. The actual implementation results indicate a 33 percent reduction on resource constraint violations and positive feedback from nursing staff for workload.
Research limitations/implications
Other delays, including laboratory test, physician visit and treatment assignment, are potential research areas.
Originality/value
The study demonstrates significant improvement in mid-day patient load and meeting treatment needs using optimization with a unique objective.
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Kiho Kwak and Wonjoon Kim
– The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between service integration and manufacturing firms’ profitability and to identify profitable services.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between service integration and manufacturing firms’ profitability and to identify profitable services.
Design/methodology/approach
The study examines the service integration data of 202 firms in the machinery and equipment sector in Korea. Firm profitability comes from secondary data to eliminate common method bias.
Findings
The relationship between service integration, measured as the service-revenue ratio, and profitability has an inverted U-shape, likely stemming from political costs, a loss of opportunity in manufacturing improvements arising from resource constraints, and an increase in transaction costs. In addition, process operation outsourcing and technical consulting significantly contribute to profitability.
Research limitations/implications
The authors show that the effect of service integration on profitability diminishes when firms experience both resource constraints and an increase in transaction costs from implementing the strategy. Furthermore, the profitability of services is heterogeneous across different offerings. Further research in other countries and sectors is necessary to refine the relationships suggested herein.
Practical implications
Managers should strive to minimize the costs and problems stemming from resource constraints and transaction costs. It is also important to utilize external resources to achieve profitability from service integration. Managers also need to realize the different cost-revenue structure of each service.
Originality/value
The authors find that the relationship between profitability and service integration depends on the degree of resource constraints and transaction costs. The authors also identify which service offerings are highly profitable, which has not been done in previous research.
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This study aims to investigate how bricolage and improvisation increase the opportunities for supply chain integration of contract manufacturers. Connecting…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate how bricolage and improvisation increase the opportunities for supply chain integration of contract manufacturers. Connecting bricolage/improvisation with resource dependence theory offers an appropriate theoretical lens with which to understand the increasing focus on the view that bricolage and improvisation are feasible ways to create desired resources for contract manufacturers. Such resources can then enhance the autonomy of contract manufacturers in supply chain by building contract manufacturer–supply chain partner relationship interdependencies.
Design/methodology/approach
Given that the primary focus of the study was whether and how contract manufacturers respond to resource constraints, namely, bricolage and improvisation and environmental uncertainty as a moderating effect of fastener contract manufacturers' supplier/buyer integration, only firms that had contractual agreements involving manufacturing services for original equipment manufacturer and/or original design manufacture data were included in this population. This study selected a population from a list of 674 fastener firms provided by the Taiwan Industrial Fastener Institute in 2020 using a mailed survey to test the hypotheses. By the beginning of 2022, 165 completed questionnaires were returned, and the total useable sample was 158.
Findings
Hypotheses are tested using 158 contract manufacturers of the Taiwanese fastener industry. Results show that bricolage can lead contract manufacturers to initiate supplier and buyer integration. The moderating effect of environmental uncertainty further strengthens the above positive relationships. Without the moderating effect of the environmental uncertainty, improvisation leads contract manufacturers to initiate only supplier but not buyer integration. However, when the moderating effect of environmental uncertainty is included, improvisation leads contract manufacturers to initiate only buyer integration.
Originality/value
This finding highlights the importance of the environmental uncertainty when contract manufacturers adopt bricolage/improvisation to initiate supply chain integration.
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Vadim Krivorotov, Alexey Kalina, Vasiliy Tretyakov, Sergey Yerypalov and Anna Oykher
The purpose of this study is to develop a model for the selection of optimal development projects for an industrial complex (IC), aimed at improving its competitiveness.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to develop a model for the selection of optimal development projects for an industrial complex (IC), aimed at improving its competitiveness.
Design/methodology/approach
Selection of optimal projects for IC development is carried out within the framework of a methodical approach to assessing and forecasting the competitiveness of IC based on the phased implementation of the following steps: assessment of the current level of competitiveness of an IC; optimization of the project portfolio aimed at improving the IC competitiveness; forecasting the IC competitiveness. The methodology for assessing the IC competitiveness is based on a comparative analysis of its activities against those of its leading competitors and evaluates two integral characteristics, namely, the level of current competitiveness and the indicator of the competitive potential. The methodical approach to the selection of the optimal portfolio of projects for the development of competitiveness is based on a step-by-step optimization of the portfolio using a dynamic programming procedure, which takes into account the implementation conditions of the projects, resource constraints and the prioritization of these projects. The targeted benchmark for the optimization is an integral indicator of IC competitiveness, comprising various aspects of its activities.
Findings
Method for multi-factor evaluation of IC competitiveness and the impact of a set of factors driving competitive advantage; set of benchmarks of IC competitiveness; the model for the selection and step-by-step optimization of the portfolio of IC development projects, aimed at increasing competitiveness in the context of resource constraints.
Practical implications
Methodology described in this paper was used to assess the competitiveness and optimize the project portfolio of Uralelektrotyazhmash Group of Enterprises (UETM), one of the largest power engineering complexes in Russia. The assessment was carried out in comparison with the leading domestic and global manufacturers of electrical equipment, which form UETM’s primary competition in the marketplace.
Originality/value
The study establishes a method for the comprehensive assessment of IC competitiveness based on the comparison of IC activity indicators with those of leading competitors. The proposed method defines an integral competitiveness index to allow for the quantitative assessment of IC competitiveness, development of measures to improve IC competitiveness and producing a methodology to forecast the impact of such measures; the study proposes a methodical approach to selecting the optimal portfolio of projects for the development of IC based on the stepwise optimization of such a portfolio while taking into account the conditions of their implementation, resource constraints and the impact on the indicator of competitiveness. This approach allows the IC to prioritize the implementation of the development projects and maximize its competitiveness in the context of available resources.
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