Showing papers by "Mário Franco published in 2019"

The Corporate Sustainability Strategy in Organisations: A Systematic Review and Future Directions

Abstract: The corporate sustainability strategy in organisations is a current topic and set in Agenda 2030 for sustainability, and so this study aims to map the literature on the subject through a bibliometric analysis. From 97 documents identified and analyzed, the results obtained show the fragmentation and hiatus between the planning of a global strategy and inclusion therein of a sustainable strategy. Furthermore, these results provide the construction of a framework as an auxiliary tool for managers of different organisations to implement a sustainable strategy, this being the main contribution of the study. In addition, the theoretical contribution of this study is to obtain evidence that the resources and market position of organisations is crucial to the successful implementation of this type of strategy, in which the resource-based view and competitive advantage proved to be appropriate to support the same. The contribution to the practice showed the importance of having full involvement and commitment of all stakeholders in this implementation, so that the organisations acquire the so ambitious internal and external legitimacy. Finally, some limitations, indications for future research are draw.

The influence of strategic alliances on human capital development: A study applied to technology-based SMEs

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to analyse the influence of strategic alliances (knowledge/learning, efficiency and market motives) on the development of human capital.,To do so, a quantitative study was chosen, with data on technology-based small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Portugal, leading to 257 valid answers.,The results obtained from a structural equation model show that motives for strategic alliances (knowledge/learning, efficiency and market) have a strong influence on the human capital of the SMEs analysed.,These outcomes reveal that strategic alliances are a way for SMEs to overcome resource constraints in terms of human capital, representing an important implication for business practice. As strategic alliances influence human capital, the relations SMEs establish with other firms are increasingly important for their sustainability and development. Acting in isolation in the market can reduce this type of firm’s chances of survival.,Despite some studies relating the formation of strategic alliances and human capital, there is a gap regarding the relationship between the role of strategic alliances and human capital in the technology-based sector. Therefore, this research represents a contribution and innovation in academic terms in this area.

Partnerships between Higher Education Institutions and Firms: The Role of Students' Curricular Internships.

Abstract: Partnerships between higher education institutions (HEIs) and firms mediated by students’ curricular internships allow increased mutual benefits in the form of the exchange of knowledge and innovat...

Composite Index to Measure Cities’ Creative Performance: An Empirical Study in the Portuguese Context

Abstract: This study aims to identify the indicators/indices for measuring current cities’ creative performance and the individual weight of each in that performance. To do so, a review and compilation of theoretical and empirical indices already developed was undertaken, showing culture, the creative economy, and a favourable environment as inseparable sub-dimensions of creativity. This compilation allowed the construction of a Composite Index for Creativity, using a quantitative methodology, which revealed 17 factors determining cities’ creative performance, for the evaluation of performance in the Portuguese context, which allows monitoring the degree of implementation of some of the targets of the 2020 Strategy. The results illustrate that Portugal follows the European tendency of including creativity in its strategies as an economic factor determining growth. With scientific rigour and quality, the weights of each sub-dimension studied in the Composite Index were determined, this being the study’s main contribution. Other implications for theory and practice and an agenda for future research are also presented.

Review About Regional Development Networks: an Ecosystem Model Proposal

Abstract: In today’s increasingly global economy, the relationships of competition between countries and regions have changed. Therefore, regional development networks have come to assume relevance at the regional level, and through a literature review, this study aims to answer the question: What is the role of regional development networks in regions’ competitiveness? To this end, an ecosystem model is proposed for regional development networks so as to help regions in their development and competitiveness. This study also identified four types of regional network: (1) smart specialisation strategies, (2) regional innovation strategy, (3) regional development and entrepreneurship networks, and (4) ecosystems of entrepreneurship and innovation. The model proposed contributes to advancements in this area of research, since only the “helices” model of regional development network was found. The newly developed ecosystem model has not been empirically validated. In terms of guidelines for future research, this topic should be addressed by collecting information to expand the model presented here, as well as testing it in regions and subsequently between regions.

Theoretical framework for family firm management: Relationship between personal values and professionalization and succession

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to find evidence contributing to construction of the dimensions of personal values, professionalization and succession, as well as proposing a new theoretical framework (model) showing the relations between these dimensions and their factors.,A qualitative research approach was adopted, more precisely the case study method. Four Portuguese family firms were selected, with a total of 11 participants. The data-gathering techniques included the interview method, non-participative observation and documentary analysis. To ensure systematization and reliability of data, the content analysis method was used with the help of NVIVO software.,Based on the results, eight factors were obtained explaining the professionalization dimension, the succession dimension was formed of four factors and the personal values dimension was made up of three factors. It was also possible to demonstrate the relationships between personal values, professionalization and succession in family firms.,The results obtained here can provide information to help managers in this type of firm, for example, to know themselves better, about their values and beliefs and how these can help in their daily relationships, in both the family and business domain, as well as in decision making about aspects of succession and professionalization.,This research makes important contributions to studies considering the family firm context. It will help to fill part of the gap in existing studies involving the psychological aspects in family firm management. It also presents important results about personal values and their relations with succession and professionalization of family firm management, as well as adding value to recent studies on the socio-emotional wealth of this type of firm.

Cooperation as a vehicle for innovation: a study of the effects of firm size and industry type

Abstract: Based on firms’ need to remain competitive and dynamic in a scenario of constant change, the purpose of this paper is to compare the actors involved in cooperation for innovation between Brazilian small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and large firms (LFs), and also in two industries/sectors, manufacturing and services.,To achieve this objective, the database chosen was PINTEC, with data available from 1998 to 2014. The statistical analyses performed were binary logistic regression, descriptive statistics of the variables, correlation matrix and the difference of means.,The empirical evidence show that the firm’s characteristics (SME or LF) favour the use of one type of cooperation for innovation or another, highlighting SMEs’ proximity to their clients and LFs’ structures, tending to belong to business groups and having links to training centres and technical assistance networks.,The theoretical contribution of this study lies in the evidence that types of cooperation for innovation can vary according to firm size and the type of industry/sector, and the practical contribution lies in pointing out the importance of clients for SMEs, and for LFs the importance of business groups, technical assistance and professional training centres. The importance of suppliers in cooperation for innovation stands out in the service sector, and that of clients in the manufacturing sector.,This study shows that the types of cooperation to innovation can vary according to firm size and type of sector, in an emerging market and with low rates of innovation. It is emphasized that most research on the subject has been carried out in developed countries or emerging Asian ones. Therefore, this study is innovative because it shows particularities of the Brazilian market that can subsequently be observed in other emerging markets.

The role of start-up incubators in cooperation networks from the perspective of resource dependence and interlocking directorates

Abstract: Based on resource dependence theory and the concept of interlocking directorates, the purpose of this paper is to understand the importance of networks for start-ups and the role incubators play in these companies’ networking processes.,The research was conducted through semi-structured interviews with the entrepreneurs responsible for three start-ups and the heads of their incubators. The interview data were subjected to content analysis using NVivo software.,The results indicate that start-ups often resort to networks to overcome their weak reputations and scarce resources. Incubators play a quite important role in this process since they promote events that encourage the creation of partnerships and networks either between start-ups within the same incubator or with external institutions. In addition, the results reveal that most cooperation networks are informal and that they fulfil needs that start-ups are not yet able to meet themselves, for example, when they compete for public tenders.,The present study explored this topic from two perspectives (i.e. start-ups and incubators). This approach facilitated the identification of the main features upon which start-ups depend, the entities to which these companies turn for help, the kind of communication in which they usually engage, the primary advantages of establishing cooperation networks and the main types of support given by incubators.,Most studies of cooperation networks are based on transaction cost economics, a resource-based perspective and/or institutional theory. In contrast, this study innovated by applying resource dependence theory and the concept of interlocking directorates, which provided an alternative explanation regarding cooperation networks’ importance to start-ups and incubators’ roles in these companies’ networking processes.

Deciding factors in cooperation and trust between internal and external auditors in organizations: An exploratory analysis

Abstract: The general aim of this study is to assess the relationships between external and internal auditors concerning cooperation and trust as resources integrated in organizations' lines of defense, to favor solid, opportune, and transparent decision‐making in organs of governance. More precisely, the specific aims are: (1) to analyze the relationship between trust and cooperation; (2) to explore and analyze the categories of the mutually important factors for trust and cooperation; and (3) to analyze the differences between internal and external auditors. To achieve these goals, quantitative and exploratory research was undertaken, with data collection through surveys directed to the two auditor groups (internal and external) in Portugal. In order to analyze if there were relations between trust and cooperation, logistic regression was performed. Based on exploratory factor analysis of principal components, it was possible to extract three factors for cooperation and trust: (1) work performance, (2) coordination/collaboration, and (3) competence. A multiple linear regression was also used to check the differences between internal and external auditors for the three factors identified. From the two groups involved in this study, it was possible to gain each group's perception of the professional relationship concerning cooperation and trust as determinant variables in auditing. It was found that there is still a long way to go and that each group has slightly different perceptions. This study contributes to the scientific and professional community regarding the perception of cooperation and trust between these professionals.

Composite index to measure the performance of today’s creative cities: a holistic perspective

Abstract: The urgency to make today’s cities competitive has made political decisionmakers focus on strategies oriented towards creativity, intelligence and urban sustainability. This scenario has led to the need to measure, assess and monitor the effects of those strategies on cities’ performance. Therefore, this study aims to present the scientific and robust weighting of the creativity, intelligence and urban sustainability dimensions in cities’ holistic, integrated and overall performance. Implicit in this objective is the previous construction of Composite Indices for each of those dimensions. In this context, the Exploratory Factor Analysis was found to be appropriate to respond to this aim, with empirical evidence being obtained in Portugal. The results show a weighting of 38%, 23.4% and 39.6% for creativity, intelligence and urban sustainability respectively. The contributions and implications for theory and practice, followed by indications for future research and the conclusions are also presented.

Sustainable Development of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in Disadvantaged Regions: Impact of Knowledge and Innovation

Abstract: Knowledge and innovation are critical resources for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). However, there is lack of research on the influence of knowledge and innovation on SMEs’ sustainable development and how this can stimulate the growth and development of disadvantaged regions. In order to explore these phenomena, a qualitative approach was chosen, conducting six exploratory case studies in the Beira Interior Region in Portugal. It can be concluded that knowledge and innovation are indeed relevant for the growth and sustainability of SMEs and the regions in which they are embedded. The cases studied particularly underscore the importance of innovative SMEs as drivers of value and wealth creation for disadvantaged regions. Again, the outcomes also show that investing in knowledge and innovation is a means to ensure SMEs’ survival in disadvantaged regions. The implications of this study may also serve as benchmarking for SMEs or regions that pursue knowledge and innovation-based strategies in order to ensure sustainable regional development.

Professionalisation of the Family Firm and Its Relationship with Personal Values

Abstract: This study aims to determine the relationships between personal values (PVs) and the professionalisation of family firms. To achieve this objective, the theoretical model of PVs by Schwartz (Advanc...