Showing papers by "Carla Susana Marques published in 2011"

The contribution of yoga to the entrepreneurial potential of university students: a SEM approach

Abstract: The literature suggests that all entrepreneurs share certain psychological and cognitive characteristics. Yoga is currently experiencing a surge in popularity due to both the physical and psychological benefits gained by yogi (practitioners of yoga). Irrespective of its more philosophical dimension, changes attributable to yoga have been identified in individuals’ psychological and behavioural patterns. It is in this context that this study analyses the characteristics associated both with entrepreneurs and yogis, seeking to specifically understand the respective personal attributes or the psychological and cognitive predispositions of both groups. The results of this study demonstrate that students who do engage in yoga show a propensity towards or strengthening of the psychological and cognitive attributes that are commonly associated with an entrepreneurial profile. Thus the study suggests that if entrepreneurial behaviour is a priority, then yoga should be integrated as a compulsory subject into general education from the primary school onwards.

Innovation and the performance of Portuguese businesses: a 'SURE' approach

Abstract: There is a general consensus that in a competitive business environment, firms' performance will depend on their capacity to innovate. To clarifying how, when and to what extent innovation affects the market and financial performance of firms, the authors deploy seemingly unrelated regression equation model to examine innovation in over 500 Portuguese firms from 1998 to 2004. The results confirm, as theorists have frequently assumed, that innovation positively affects firms' performance; but they also suggest that the reverse is true, a result that is less intuitively obvious, given the complexity of the innovation process and local, national and global competitive environments.

Competitiveness, resources, and capabilities: empirical evidence from retail banking

Abstract: This research aims to identify and measure bank employee perceptions of the determinants of competitiveness in terms of resources, skills, and capabilities within the retail banking sector. All the 40 branches of a leading Portuguese bank—the Caixa Geral de Depositos—operating in two Portuguese districts were surveyed. Our results show that bank competitiveness differs according to performance evaluation, human resource (HR) planning, the system of incentives, and managerial motivation. They also demonstrate that human capital is a source of success in the business of banks, which relies heavily on stable and enduring relationships with customers. The study also provides recommendations for retail bank managers seeking to refine their HR strategies as a means of improving their competitiveness.

KIBS Innovation Management Capability in Rural Portuguese Regions: Empirical Evidence

Abstract: This article aims to evaluate the innovation management capacities of knowledge intensive business services (KIBS) and verify to what extent these companies return different profiles when classified by urban versus rural. Taking a sample of 500 KIBS, we applied a questionnaire with results revealing different explanatory variables for KIBS innovation capacities. From the set of five dimensions studied, factors relating strategy, learning, and network best explained rural versus urban KIBS innovation capacities.

Entrepreneur's profile of health staff (HS): a SEM approach

Abstract: This study aims at identifying the entrepreneurial spirit of a specific professional group: health staff (HS). In this context, the psychological and cognitive structure of the HS was compared with the non entrepreneurial HS. The study used primary data collected through a face to face and an online survey, using industry organisations and institutions, and labour unions in order to get access. The results regarding the entrepreneur’s psychological and cognitive profile supported the hypothesis that HS who have created a firm have psychological and cognitive characteristics that support entrepreneurial activities.