Showing papers by "Carla Susana Marques published in 2018"

Entrepreneurship education, gender and family background as antecedents on the entrepreneurial orientation of university students

Abstract: This study aims to evaluate the impact of entrepreneurship education (EE) on the entrepreneurial orientation (EO) of higher education students, as mediated by gender and family history A survey tool for measuring EO was developed and used in one university The responses were processed using statistical methods,The data were collected with an online questionnaire distributed to students of engineering and business and social sciences in the past year of their degree program at the undergraduate and graduate levels Some respondents had a class in entrepreneurship, while others did not have it,The results highlight that EE generally has a greater impact on business and social sciences students Family background and gender are moderating variables with a positive influence on individual entrepreneurial orientation (IEO),This study’s main practical implication is that evidence was found that universities need to develop more effective didactic approaches to EE These must take into account new market demands and students’ profile and always taking into account their different academic areas and levels of previous EE,This paper contributes to filling a gap in the literature by identifying the importance of EE, gender and family background to the development of IEO in students of different academic programs (ie engineering, business and social sciences)

Assessing the innovation capability of small- and medium-sized enterprises using a non-parametric and integrative approach

Abstract: The aftermath of the recent financial crisis has shown that the ability to innovate is a vital management skill and that the methodologies used to evaluate innovation capability within small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) should be as holistic and integrative as possible. The purpose of this paper is to address this issue through the combined use of cognitive mapping and the analytic hierarchy process (AHP).,Cognitive mapping and multiple criteria decision analysis have proved over the years to be effective in handling a wide range of complex decision problems. Following a socio-technical approach, a non-parametric method of evaluating SME innovation capability – based on the results of group meetings with a panel of information technology entrepreneurs and SME chief executive officers – was created, tested and validated.,The methodological processes adopted in this study provide promising results for decision makers seeking to identify the most innovative SMEs. Furthermore, the sensitivity analyses carried out also supported the findings.,This study confirms the usefulness of integrating cognitive mapping and the AHP to facilitate evaluations of SME innovation capability. However, due to the process-oriented nature of the research, extrapolations without proper adjustments are not recommended.,The panel members who participated in this study consider the proposal extremely versatile and see great potential for further applications in the measurement of SME innovation capability.,The combined use of cognitive mapping and the AHP offers a holistic and well-informed perspective on the issue in question. The authors know of no prior work reporting this approach in the same research context.

A look back over the past 40 years of female entrepreneurship: mapping knowledge networks

Abstract: This study sought to explore the existing academic literature on female entrepreneurship to assess how this field of research is organized in terms of publications, authors, and periodicals and/or sources. In addition, the research focused on mapping knowledge networks through citation and co-citation analysis and identifying natural clusters of the main keywords used. The study also examined the challenges (i.e., opportunities and difficulties) the literature reveals for the study of female entrepreneurship. That is, the knowledge gained from the bibliometric study (i.e., what has already been researched and the limits of these studies) was used to identify what research opportunities are present in this area. The articles gathered in the search were submitted to a bibliometric analysis using VOSviewer and TreeCloud software. The results obtained from the analysis of document citations reveal three clusters: (1) entrepreneurial profile, (2) gender identity and theoretical conceptualizations, and (3) the entrepreneurial process context. By studying the articles’ citation profile, this study’s findings contribute to a better understanding of the flow of production and research-related practices in this stimulating area of research, which is still in its infancy phase.

Antecedents of entrepreneurial intentions among students in vocational training programmes

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to contribute to research on individual entrepreneurial intention (IEI) by assessing the importance of entrepreneurship education to students in vocational training programmes and using the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) to analyse these students’ entrepreneurial intentions. The family background of the students and their exposure to entrepreneurship subject matter were included as antecedents of TPB components and IEI.,To test the research model, the primary data were collected with questionnaires distributed to students in their last year of vocational training programmes with and without entrepreneurship coursework, in a region of Northern Portugal. The data were analysed using structural equation modelling.,The results show that TPB dimensions substantially contribute to explaining students’ IEI. However, their family background makes only a minor contribution, and exposure to entrepreneurship education has no influence on IEI.,Given these results, the authors propose a broader discussion is needed of the importance of introducing business classes into the curricula of vocational training programmes.,This research’s results show that IEI models need to assign greater importance to variables related to previous exposure to entrepreneurial experiences through direct family members. The findings contribute to a fuller understanding of IEI and the factors that precede the formation of this intention among students in training programmes.

A knowledge-based innovation assessment system for small- and medium-sized enterprises: adding value with cognitive mapping and MCDA

Abstract: Purpose The 2008 global financial crisis showed that the ability to innovate is a key management skill and that approaches to assessing the innovation capability of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) need to be as realistic as possible. This study aims to address the latter practical need through a sociotechnical approach. Design/methodology/approach Based on a combined use of cognitive mapping and the Decision EXpert (DEX) technique, and grounded on the insights generated by a panel of SME managers and entrepreneurs in two intensive group meetings, a knowledge-based assessment system for evaluating SMEs’ innovation capability was created, tested and validated. Findings The knowledge-based assessment system identified the most innovative SMEs in a sample of companies. The “plus-minus-1” and dominance analyses carried out provided further support for the results. Research limitations/implications The proposed system is extremely versatile but process-oriented and idiosyncratic in nature, meaning that extrapolations to other contexts need to be done with due caution. Practical implications The panel of SME decision makers agreed that the system improves the current methods used to evaluate SMEs’ innovation capability, contributing to a more informed perspective on management issues. The panel members also noted that the proposed system functions as a learning mechanism, facilitating the development of well-focused suggestions for improvements SMEs can make. Originality/value The integrated use of cognitive maps and rule-base decisions contributes to a better understanding of how to assess SMEs’ innovation capability. No prior work reporting the integrated use of these two techniques in this study context has been found.

The influence of personal and organisational factors on entrepreneurship intention: An application in the health care sector.

Abstract: Aims This study sought to contribute to research on entrepreneurial intention by identifying which constructs of the entrepreneurial profile and internal conditions of health care organisations support entrepreneurship and contribute to the entrepreneurial intention of these organisations' employees. Background In addition to psychological attributes, cognitive processes, motivations, sociodemographic and professional characteristics, and entrepreneurial skills, the literature indicates that internal conditions of organisations also contribute to explaining entrepreneurial intention. Methods To evaluate this model empirically, the primary data were collected with questionnaires distributed to nurses in two public hospitals-the Tras-os-Montes and Alto Douro Hospital Center and the Local Health Unit of the Northeast. A total of 638 nurses filled out the questionnaire. The data were analysed using inferential and regression analyses. Results The results suggest that the dimensions related to personal attributes, namely, motivation and entrepreneurial skills, are the constructs that best explain the entrepreneurial intention of these professionals within their organisations. Conclusions A broad discussion is needed about how to implement internal conditions that promote an intrapreneurial and innovative culture in health care organisations. Implications for nursing management Health care organisation administrators need to prioritise intrapreneurship while structuring their management strategies, thereby creating favourable internal conditions (e.g., support, autonomy, rewards, time availability and appropriate organisational procedures) that enhance their nurses' entrepreneurial intention.

What are the antecedents of women’s entrepreneurial orientation?

Abstract: This study seeks to identify the antecedents of women’s entrepreneurial orientation (EO) and exploring what possible relationships that may exist between them. The research focuses on women entrepreneurs and non-entrepreneurs in a quantitative perspective whose methodology consisted of the collection of primary data through a survey distributed to women in Portugal. After structural equation modelling was applied, the results suggested that recognition of opportunities influences EO. This influence is expressed both directly and indirectly through training in management and entrepreneurial skills. These findings led to the conclusion that policies promoting training for community members, in general, need to be rethought and policies need to emphasise training in management that enhances entrepreneurial skills, thereby increasing the proliferation of entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurship education and training should be promoted from basic education onwards in order to develop entrepreneurial skills from an early age. Prior to this study, the relationships between opportunity recognition, management training and entrepreneurial skills have never been studied in relation to women.

Evaluation of the impact of an entrepreneurship training program in Recife, Brazil

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to understand in a qualitative context, the importance of the EMPRETEC entrepreneurship training in an emerging country context of Brazil. This helps to understand the capacity of entrepreneurship education to improve the ability of individuals to generate new business opportunities.,The data were collected through three semi-structured interview scripts and analyzed with the support of the NVIVO qualitative analysis software using Bardin content analysis.,The findings support the assertion that in emerging economies, entrepreneurship education is increasingly important in transforming society through enabling individuals to progress in their careers and life.,It was concluded that the EMPRETEC course fulfilled the objective of encouraging entrepreneurial behavior and stimulating the trainees to contribute to the economic growth of the country. The implication was that participation in entrepreneurship education is strictly interconnected to the success of the trainees.,The study found that there are positive practical outcomes for the trainees’, teachers’ and managers’ perceptions involved in the Entrepreneurship Training Program – EMPRETEC.,The paper helps understand the role of the trainees’ (EMPRETECos), teachers’ and managers’ perceptions of the Program at SEBRAE/Recife about the impact of the Entrepreneurship Training Program – EMPRETEC.

The formal-informal dilemma for women micro-entrepreneurs: evidence from Brazil

Abstract: Purpose The present study aims to identify women microentrepreneurs’ motivations that may influence the legalisation of their businesses and their capacity to reconcile the demands of family and work in a developing country (i.e. Brazil). Design/methodology/approach Semi-structured interviews were used to gather data on women’s microentrepreneurial initiatives in three northern Brazil cities: Salvador da Bahia (Bahia), Fortaleza (Cear) and Belm (Par). Qualitative content analysis was used to analyse textual data from the 30 interviews. The content was standardised and subsequently analysed using NVivo and IBM’s Many Eyes data visualisation software. Findings The results suggest that these women opt for legalised individual entrepreneurship to access the benefits of formalising their businesses and to search for mechanisms that encourage a work–family balance. However, in the more rural city studied, women show greater resistance to, and more distrust of, the benefits of legalising their business, as opposed to women from the two more urban cities. Practical implications The results contribute to a better understanding of women’s motivations to legalise their microbusiness. In Brazil, the writing and passing of a law geared towards this type of entrepreneur (e.g. individual microentrepreneurs) has had a quite positive effect on the legalisation of businesses, in particular for women. However, this law has had a more positive effect in urban areas, which suggests that further dissemination is needed of the benefits of formalising microbusinesses in rural areas. Originality/value This study contributes to research that seeks to understand better entrepreneurial preferences (i.e. formal vs informal) and the role played by gender and legal, financial and family contexts.

Internal marketing and job satisfaction in hotels in Via Costeira, Natal, Brazil

Abstract: Organisations currently face multifaceted challenges, such as increasing productivity and coping with the pressure to manage human resources efficiently and effectively. This involves management practices focused on training and keeping the best employees. In this context, the present study sought to assess the impact of internal marketing practices in hotels of superior quality in a city in Brazil’s Northeast Region on internal customers’ commitment and satisfaction. Measures of internal market orientation, organisational commitment and job satisfaction were collected for a sample of 138 intermediate/lower managers from four hotels. The results from a structural equation model confirm the positive influence of internal marketing on organisational commitment and job satisfaction but fail to confirm the expected relationship between commitment and satisfaction.

Internationalisation Strategy of Knowledge-Intensive Business Services

Abstract: This paper is based on the results of a questionnaire sent to chief executive officers of KIBS firms in Portugal. The aim of this research is to explore the effects of knowledge, cooperation and innovation on their internationalisation strategy. The study used a quantitative approach, based on a sample extracted from the Survey of the Scientific and Technological Potential, with KIBS activity in 2014/2015. Upon the completion of data collection, systematisation of data was done through factor analysis and multiple linear regression that allowed conclusions to be drawn about the objectives proposed. On the one hand, our results show that knowledge personalisation has a positive influence on proactive strategies of internationalisation, such as external innovation and new organisation methods. When KIBS cooperate with clients, a positive impact on reactive and cost strategies of the internationalisation can be verified. On the other hand, reactive and cost strategies of internationalisation are negatively influenced by knowledge personalisation, knowledge sharing and internal innovation. This study contributes (1) to increase academic knowledge about this subject, (2) to the management practice, allowing firms to gain insights that may develop their proactive strategies of internationalisation and (3) to reinforce the need for adjustment of public policies to encourage the development and strengthening of proactivity of this sector with regard to internationalisation.

Knowledge, Learning and Innovation: Research into Cross-Sector Collaboration

Abstract: This introductory chapter discusses the role of knowledge, learning and innovation in terms of research into cross-sector collaboration. An essential part of this collaboration is entrepreneurship, which links knowledge, learning and innovation. An overview of the main trends within the innovation field is examined that highlights the interdisciplinary perspective of studies around the learning organization and knowledge management. This helps to stress how firms and individuals need to be entrepreneurial when engaging in cross-sector collaboration. The chapter concludes with an overview of the chapters in this book and suggestions about the practical importance of knowledge, learning and innovation is cross-sector collaboration.

The influence of knowledge sharing on Portuguese healthcare organisations' performance

Abstract: Knowledge sharing (KS) lies at the core of knowledge management and reflects employees' willingness to share valuable expertise. The benefits of KS have been documented in many settings, but its effectiveness varies considerably among organisations. This research sought, first, to identify healthcare workers' perception of the importance of KS practices and the way they relate to organisational performance. Second, this study focused on verifying the (in)existence of the mediation effects of job satisfaction and turnover intention in the relationship between KS and organisational performance. Two dimensions of KS were considered: informal (IKS) and formal (FKS). To model their effects on performance, job satisfaction and turnover intention were considered mediators. Measurements of these four latent variables were collected from a sample of Portuguese healthcare professionals and validated via confirmatory factor analysis. Path structural equation modelling was used to assess the direct and indirect relationships between the four variables. The results suggest that, while FKS increases job satisfaction, it also increases the perceived performance of healthcare professionals regardless of their satisfaction levels. Keeping sample limitations in mind, our preliminary conclusion is that investing in FKS is beneficial to healthcare services, favouring the retention of satisfied workers who value non-financial organisational performance.

The long road from one-size-fits-all SME promotion to bespoke business start-ups

Abstract: This paper reports and reflects on the results of an evaluation of the contribution to local and regional development of the EDP Sustainable Entrepreneurship Award, as applied in the Tua Va...

How Smart Specialisation Strategies in Geotourism Contribute to Local Economic Development? The Case of Atlantic Geoparks

Abstract: This study aims to explore how can a Smart Specialisation Strategy contribute to the local economic growth. Through 10 case studies: the Atlantic UNESCO Global Geoparks, with primary and secondary data collected from this Geoparks, it is possible to suggest the existence of positive impacts caused by the smart specialisation on this concept and approach, suggesting the interest in their promotion. The results of geotourism activities impact at different levels, but they increase, in particular, the local entrepreneurial ecosystem.