Showing papers by "Mário Franco published in 2015"

University-industry cooperation

Abstract: The objective of this study is to examine the interface between researchers' motivations and interaction channels concerning university-industry cooperation. For this purpose, we conducted a case study in a medium-sized higher education institution in Portugal. Interviews with university management and documentary analysis served for data-collection. We found that the traditional service and bi-directional channels play an important role in interaction with industry. Use of these channels depends on researchers' motivations and disciplinary affiliation. Moreover, we make an argument for the relevance of intermediators in the interaction. Several implications are presented.

Leadership styles in SMEs: a mixed-method approach

Abstract: Despite the vast quantity of studies in the domain of leadership, very little work has been done on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Taking into account the relevance of this research topic, this paper aims to identify and understand leadership styles in SMEs. To reach this goal, a mixed-method approach was applied in three Portuguese SMEs (multiple case studies). Data were obtained from the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ), from SMEs’ collaborators and interviews with their owner-manager/leader. Descriptive and content analyses were used. The findings attested to the central role of leadership in SME management. Different levels of leadership results were identified in the SMEs selected. Thus, the findings give additional support to the argument that leadership plays an important role in management results in SMEs. The practical implications of findings are also discussed.

Organisational learning and intrapreneurship: evidence of interrelated concepts

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore in-depth the interface between organisational learning and intrapreneurship. In this way, the paper aims at understanding how these two concepts are interrelated and mutually dependent. Design/methodology/approach – The method employed is qualitative analysis, including multiple exploratory case studies. For data collection, interviews with staff members of the selected companies and analysis of documents were used. Content analysis served as the data processing technique. Findings – The research identifies four dimensions of organisational learning and intrapreneurship in which both concepts are interlinked. Within each of these levels, the most beneficial attitudes and behaviours are highlighted. Practical implications – This study helps to better understand the dyadic effects between organisational learning and intrapreneurship. Through the dimensions and drivers identified, mechanisms can be developed and implemented leading firms to improve their perf...

Alliance portfolios and firms’ business strategy: a content analysis approach

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this study is to understand in what way the business strategy of a firm operating on a global scale is linked to its alliance portfolio,from the product-market matrix of Ansoff (1957) and the resources-partners matrix of Yasuda and Iijima (2005). Design/methodology/approach – To meet this objective,the case study method was adopted,with data being obtained from interviews and documentary analysis of the selected firm/case: Borgstena Textile (BT). Findings – Based on a content analysis approach,it was possible to observe an alliance portfolio with advantages for BT and include those partnerships in the four quadrants referring to the nature of resources and partners defined by Yasuda and Iijima. In terms of growth strategy,BT simultaneously defined the typology of product-market strategies proposed by Ansoff,i.e. BT tries to use strategic alliances to execute specific business strategies. Practical implications – This research seeks to make a practical contribution,identifying the ...

Inter-organizational cooperation in community health organizations.

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine various aspects related to inter-organizational cooperation and how this phenomenon can be applied to healthcare institutions. Design/methodology/approach – To fulfil the aim, a qualitative investigation was adopted, focussing on the relationship between public hospital and a higher education institution in Portugal. Practical implications – The study supports health managers and higher education leaders, and other stakeholders involved inter-organizational cooperation drawing up strategies and understanding inter-organizational cooperation’s impact at the regional level. Originality/value – One contribution is to help fill a gap regarding the empirical research surrounding cooperation between organizations, especially in the health sector, where scientific studies are scarce. It also provides new insights by applying competence-based theory to analyze different approaches to hospital cooperation, which has received scant attention in the health sector.

When small businesses go international: alliances as a key to entry

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this study is to identify the reasons for the internationalisation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through strategic alliances and to understand how this internationalisation process evolves. Design/methodology/approach – For this purpose, the authors decided on a qualitative approach and performed exploratory case studies of two SMEs in Portugal. Findings – The authors found that in forming alliances, SMEs aim to increase sales and reduce costs. After the analysis, the authors believe that learning about other markets and cultures as well as having appropriate national partners are the key aspects in the internationalisation of SMEs through strategic alliances. Practical implications – The authors revealed the influence of national partners in the internationalisation process. The firms in the study established alliances with national firms to facilitate international market entry. This holds in particular for partners that already have some international experience....

Internationalisation process: analysis of a cooperation network in the Vinho Verde sector for the US market

Abstract: Internationalisation as a strategic element in the current context of globalisation is increasingly a determinant of business success. Based on the literature in the area of internationalisation and networks, through a case study - a cooperation network involving small and medium–sized enterprises (SMEs) - this article intends to highlight the relationship between the various partnerships established both formally and informally. It also intends to show the importance of the various actors involved in the network and especially the role played by the Wine–Producing Commission of the Vinho Verde region (CVRVV) in Portugal. The results of the study show the importance of the network relationship for entry to the US market, since penetration in that specific market is determined by strategic reasons and following network relationships which already exist or are subsequently created. According to the empirical evidence, use of network contacts for development and entry to the US market is also found to be fundamental, these relationships initially being intermediated by the non–profit–making sector entity of the CVRVV. Some theoretical and practical implications are also presented.

The Effect of R&D Cooperation on Organizational Innovation: An Empirical Study of Portuguese Enterprises

Abstract: The literature on innovation suggests that cooperation in R&D has a very positive effect on the performance of firms’ technological innovation, but little is known about its impact on organizational innovation. Thus, this chapter aims to analyze the effect of R&D cooperation on firms’ abilities to introduce organizational innovation. A quantitative study was made based on a sample of 5,079 Portuguese firms from the CIS 2010-Community Innovation Survey 2010. The results showed R&D cooperation with clients to be predominant in organizational innovation performance. Cooperation with competitors, universities, and state laboratories has no significant effect. R&D cooperation with other firms within the same group and with suppliers has a significant positive impact on organizational innovation in the workplace. In addition, cooperation with consultants is significant in business practices and external relations. This study contributes to the development of theory on organizational innovation, examining the relationship between R&D cooperation and organizational innovation.

Measuring knowledge sharing in inter-organisational networks: evidence from the healthcare sector

Abstract: This paper aims at developing and evaluating an instrument for measuring knowledge sharing at the individual level in inter-organisational networks. To achieve this objective, we proceed as follows: (1) identification or generation of individual items, (2) developing a psychometric instrument and (3) empirical validation. For the latter, a questionnaire was applied to 202 professionals from different healthcare organisations in Portugal. The results reveal a high validity of a two-factor structure (Knowledge Acquisition and Knowledge Transfer). Hence, the psychometric instrument for measuring knowledge sharing we propose has potential for future research and application in networks as knowledge transfer mechanisms. Our study contributes to advancing theory at the interface of knowledge management and networks.