Showing papers by "Mário Franco published in 2009"
TL;DR: In this article, a new definition of the entrepreneur is derived (entrepreneur as a learner) and a conceptual model of entrepreneurial learning theory is synthesized by applying the typology of learning concepts at different organisational levels, elucidate how the entrepreneur's learning process is fundamental in his quest for new business opportunities and describe learning as a crucial factor for entrepreneurial activity.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to shed new light on the interface between learning and entrepreneurship, i.e. to show how entrepreneurship can be studied as a never‐ending, dynamic learning process.Design/methodology/approach – By applying the typology of learning concepts at different organisational levels, the paper will elucidate how the entrepreneur's learning process is fundamental in his quest for new business opportunities and describe learning as a crucial factor for entrepreneurial activity.Findings – From observations, a new definition of the entrepreneur is derived (entrepreneur as a learner) and a conceptual model of entrepreneurial learning theory is synthesized.Research limitations/implications – The newly developed conceptual model has not been empirically validated. In terms of the guidelines for future research, this topic should be addressed by collecting information to expand the conceptual model presented here.Originality/value – Key entrepreneurial learning components are iden...
80 citations
Book•
02 Oct 2009
TL;DR: In this article, the prospective career paths of 988 university students from Eastern and Western Germany as well as from Portugal were explored and a series of influential factors for occupational choice was analyzed.
Abstract: The paper explores the prospective career paths of 988 university students from Eastern and Western Germany as well as from Portugal. It also analyses a series of influential factors for occupational choice. The findings reveal that just a small fraction of students is disposed to start a firm, and the vast majority have not yet made a decision. The impact of gender, age, course of study and social background is rather mixed. We found some general motivations for future entrepreneurs, predominantly of a non-economic nature. Several implications are presented. We especially make an argument for target-group oriented entrepreneurship education, although its importance should not be overestimated.
5 citations
DOI•
29 Aug 2009
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigate the influence of learning alliances and entrepreneurial orientation on business performance and conclude that proactiveness is the most significant dimension in all performance indicators, while knowledge acquisition and absorptive capacity are important for entrepreneurial orientation.
Abstract: Entrepreneurial Orientation may significantly benefit from inter-firm strategic alliances,although the effects have not been examined sufficiently in the literature. In this study, weexamine how one type of alliance, learning alliances, measured by knowledge acquisitionand absorptive capacity, can spur entrepreneurial orientation, which we capture throughinnovativeness, risk taking, and proactiveness. Then, we also investigate the influence oflearning alliances and entrepreneurial orientation on business performance. Therefore, weperform a cross-sectional study of SME in Portugal. Regarding the impact of learning allianceson business performance, the influence of knowledge acquisition and absorptivecapacity shows a heterogenic picture. When we incorporate entrepreneurial orientation inthe analysis, proactiveness is the most significant dimension in all performance indicators.In short, we must dispute that strategic learning alliances per se are important for entrepreneurialorientation and performance. The article ends up highlighting implications andsuggestions for future research
5 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a modelo conceptual de analise intra and entre organizacoes, evidenciando o sistema de gestao do conhecimento como fomentador das redes interorganizacionais, is presented.
Abstract: O conhecimento e um recurso valioso numa organizacao. Neste sentido, as redes, dentro e entre organizacoes, como estrategia para a partilha do conhecimento, podem ser uma das vias mais importantes que uma organizacao pode adoptar. As diferentes organizacoes, ao estabelecerem relacionamentos com outras organizacoes, tem a possibilidade de fomentar e partilhar o conhecimento que, estrategicamente, serve como um mecanismo de produtividade, eficiencia e excelencia organizacional. O objectivo deste artigo e desenvolver um suporte teorico que combine diferentes conceitos e elementos para explicar e compreender o fenomeno das redes estrategicas nas organizacoes, como um mecanismo de partilha do conhecimento. E ainda proposto um modelo conceptual de analise intra e entre organizacoes, evidenciando o sistema de gestao do conhecimento como fomentador das redes interorganizacionais e com vista a partilha de conhecimento organizacional.
5 citations