Athanasios Hadjimanolis

Bio: Athanasios Hadjimanolis is an academic researcher from European University Cyprus. The author has contributed to research in topics: Occupational safety and health & Developing country. The author has an hindex of 13, co-authored 23 publications receiving 1370 citations. Previous affiliations of Athanasios Hadjimanolis include Cyprus College.

A Resource-based View of Innovativeness in Small Firms

Abstract: The resource-based view is presented here as the theoretical framework for empirical research on the determinants of technological innovativeness in small firms. These determinants include the characteristics of the owner/manager (O/M) and the firm and some technological assets (resources and capabilities). Evidence based on case studies is used for the evaluation of their effect on innovativeness and their interaction. The study highlights the key role of the O/M and the importance of some of his/her characteristics. It also shows the impact of certain resources and capabilities. The O/M emerges as the orchestrator of resource accumulation and capability development in the innovative firms.

An investigation of innovation antecedents in small firms in the context of a small developing country

Abstract: The present research was conducted in Cyprus, a small developing country. A large number (n=140) of manufacturing small and medium sized firms were surveyed, via a questionnaire administered during personal interviews with the firms’ owners or managers. A research model based on the antecedent factor approach was used. The main variables affecting innovation according to the survey results include: strategy, expenditure on R&D, co-operation with external technology providers, use of technological information sources and overall performance of the firm. Contrary to expectations and literature claims, some environmental variables, e.g. intensity of competition, were not correlated to innovation. Managers and public policy makers in similar contexts can increase the innovativeness of firms by paying attention to its main determinants, as identified by the above research.

The Barriers Approach to Innovation

Abstract: The nature of barriers is first clarified and their effect on innovation is broadly outlined. The various taxonomies of barriers are presented and critically evaluated. Their impact and mechanisms of action are then developed. The pattern of barriers in different contexts is considered and various aspects of a theoretical explanation of barriers are discussed. Since barriers are especially important in small firm innovation and in difficult environments, e.g. in small countries, these special cases are studied in some depth. Finally, the empirical studies on barriers are reviewed. The chapter ends with suggestions to overcome barriers and a conclusions section.

Innovation and networking amongst small manufacturing firms in Cyprus

Abstract: The practice of innovation management in Cyprus is investigated via case studies of innovative small manufacturing firms. The analysis concentrates on how Cypriot firms develop networks (or avoid them!) and the effects of network relationships on innovation performance. The behaviour of firms is related to two contrasting models of network development: First, the “local strategic network model” where firms intentionally develop and maintain a network of long‐term relationships based on trust, cooperation and mutual benefit, with a view to obtaining the necessary resources and knowledge for innovation. Second, the “local self sufficiency model” where firms obtain any required resources from other local firms through ‘arms length’ market based transactions and any technical knowledge primarily from foreign suppliers. Such firms follow an insular pattern of behaviour in order to protect their independence and innovative activities. The possible association between performance (in terms of profitability, sales growth) and innovation strategies of Cypriot firms is examined and the implications for business managers and for Government support programmes are drawn out.

From Marketing Mix to Relationship Marketing

Abstract: Discusses the nature and sometimes negative consequences of the dominating marketing paradigm of today, marketing mix management, and furthermore discusses how modern research into, for example, industrial marketing and services marketing as well as customer relationship economics shows that another approach to marketing is required This development is supported by evolving trends in business, such as strategic partnerships, alliances and networks Suggests relationship marketing, based on relationship building and management, as one emerging new marketing paradigm of the future Concludes that the simplicity of the marketing mix paradigm, with its Four P model, has become a straitjacket, fostering toolbox thinking rather than an awareness that marketing is a multi‐faceted social process, and notes that marketing theory and customers are the victims of today′s mainstream marketing thinking By using the notion of a marketing strategy continuum, discusses a number of consequences of a relationship‐type ma

A Resource-Based Approach to the Study of Export Performance

Abstract: This paper presents a comparative study of the export performance of U.S. and Canadian small and medium-sized exporters. A parsimonious model is developed drawing on the resource-based theory of the firm, with three sets of resources, namely firm size, enterprise, and technological intensity. These key resources are good predictors of the export strategy of a firm. Export strategy is modeled as degree of internationalization, and its effect on the overall firm performance is studied using firm-level performance measures. LISREL's multiple group analysis feature is used in the analysis to test the model. The results confirm the validity of the model across the two data sets.