Showing papers in "European Business Review in 2000"
91 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the definitions of small and medium-sized enterprises with particular focus on the industrial sector were examined, and delimitation according to qualitative traits was considered. But the definition of small-scale enterprises was not discussed.
Abstract: Examines the definitions of small and medium‐sized enterprises with particular focus on the industrial sector. It considers delimitation according to qualitative traits.
89 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, two important aspects of joint venture (JV) activity between Western firms and local partner firms in Turkey are investigated. And the relative importance of a set of strategic motives is identified and discussed with respect to the nationality of foreign partner.
Abstract: This paper considers two important aspects of joint venture (JV) activity between Western firms and local partner firms in Turkey. First, the strategic motivation for JV formation is investigated for a sample of Western partner firms. The relative importance of a set of strategic motives is identified and discussed with respect to the nationality of foreign partner. Second, the paper considers partner selection criteria for the sample using a typology that distinguishes between partner‐related and task‐related selection criteria and also examines the relationship between the relative importance of selection criteria and the nationality of foreign partner.
55 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the obstacles facing transnational corporations considering FDI in modern Russia are explored and their implications for TNCs, and the authors suggest that Russia's relative lack of success in attracting FDI and exploiting its potential benefits during the 1990s can be attributed to her national infrastructural factors and government policies.
Abstract: Explores the obstacles facing trans‐national corporations (TNC) considering FDI in Russia. Dunning (1994) suggests that countries’ abilities to attract and exploit the potential economic benefits of inbound FDI vary according to their national political, economic and legal cultures, traditions and infrastructures, together with the economic objectives and policies pursued by host governments. This paper seeks to make use of Dunning’s model, in exploring the obstacles to FDI in modern Russia, and their implications for TNCs. The papers’ findings suggest that Russia’s relative lack of success in attracting FDI and exploiting its potential benefits during the 1990s can be attributed to her national infrastructural factors and government policies, as Dunning’s model suggests. Russia’s ability to attract a larger share of FDI in future seems likely to be constrained by national ambivalence towards the benefits of FDI, together with the political and economic realities of her current situation.
40 citations
TL;DR: An effective management control system that allows companies to integrate different management control systems in order to improve operational effectiveness, employee creativity, and company competitiveness is proposed.
Abstract: Extending Simon’s (1990) work, this paper proposes an effective management control system that allows companies to integrate different management control systems in order to improve operational effectiveness, employee creativity, and company competitiveness. Reviews conventional and modern competitive strategies and discusses both positive and negative effects of management control systems. Argues that to be effective, diagnostic management systems must be supplemented by boundary control systems, interactive control systems, and belief systems. Effective integration of the four different management control systems, it is argued, is dependent on companies applying them in a way that maximises operational effectiveness without limiting employee creativity. The importance of starting the design of a management control system with the specification of a system of beliefs which defines the company’s values and direction is highlighted.
36 citations
TL;DR: The authors argue that the German nationalism of today is as much shaped by unification as vice versa and that it is more the collective product of smaller, sometimes amorphous communities than of simple dichotomies particularly the east-west one with which readers will be best acquainted that have all too frequently been presented to us.
Abstract: This is an admirable feat of constructive compression. It achieves synthesis without sacrificing clarity, a feature that has become one of the author's hallmarks. What makes this book the more impressive is that within small confines it argues so effectively against reductionism in the study of national identity. To begin with one of Fulbrook's conclusions, we see that, contrary to the beliefs of Germanophobes on the terraces in international football matches and in Westminster, the German nationalism(s) of today are as much shaped by unification as vice versa. National identity, it follows from this collection of diverse thematic and case studies, may not therefore be considered static, and it is certainly not monolithic. Rather it evolves along a multitude of trajectories, and is more the collective product of smaller, sometimes amorphous communities than of the simple dichotomies particularly the east-west one with which readers will be best acquainted that have all too frequently been presented to us.
34 citations
31 citations
30 citations
TL;DR: An empirical investigation of the Portuguese crystal industry focused on the current strategies of the 12 firms in the industry that produce 98 percent of the industry output as discussed by the authors, found that the two groups of firms with positive returns on equity pursued a cost leadership strategy based on efficiency of production and cost leadership based on production innovation.
Abstract: An empirical investigation of the Portuguese crystal industry focused on the current strategies of the 12 firms in the industry that produce 98 percent of the industry’s output. The chief executive officers in each firm completed the survey instrument. The research discovered that the two groups of firms with positive returns on equity pursued a cost leadership strategy based on efficiency of production and cost leadership strategy based on production innovation.
26 citations
TL;DR: The authors examines the evolving Turkish economy through the vehicles of history, the banking system, foreign investments, government apparatuses, and domestic markets and trade policy, and identifies strategies and market sectors for potential investors.
Abstract: For centuries, Turkey has been the nexus of trade and enterprise in Southeastern Europe. Located between the continents of Europe and Asia, Turkey remains the historical portal of the Eastern and Western worlds. Although rooted in an entrepreneurial spirit, the antiquated trade laws in Turkey hindered the sprawling nation’s ability to trade with others. In the late 1980s however, Turkey liberalized its economic legislation, thus enabling the private sector to take the lead in generating growth and employment. This paper examines the evolving Turkish economy through the vehicles of history, the banking system, foreign investments, government apparatuses, and domestic markets and trade policy. Moreover, this paper identifies strategies and market sectors for potential investors. Finally, this paper offers a counterpoint which notes several possible and current economic pitfalls which have and may continue to handicap Turkey in the global marketplace.
24 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examine some of the recent innovations in rewarding employees arising from the changing needs of organizations in a competitive global economy and the necessity for reward strategy to be congruent with business objectives and the consequent movement towards greater flexibility and variability are considered together with the important and growing concept of broad-banded basic pay systems.
Abstract: This article examines some of the recent innovations in rewarding employees arising from the changing needs of organisations in a competitive global economy. The necessity for reward strategy to be congruent with business objectives and the consequent movement towards greater flexibility and variability are considered together with the important and growing concept of broad‐banded basic pay systems. A case study is described of a multinational pharmaceutical company which has travelled down some of these routes, changing from a centralised and over‐rigid pay control system to one that more closely meets the requirement of the European marketplace.
TL;DR: In this paper, a sample of MNC subsidiaries operating in Scotland was sent questionnaires which dealt with financial, production, employment and research and development decision making, and it was found that considerable authority was devolved to subsidiaries in terms of operational decisions, but strategic decision making remained very much under the control of the parent.
Abstract: The increasing globalisation of markets has generated new debates about the decision‐making role of MNC subsidiaries. Globalisation may be expected to result in greater centralisation of the decision‐making process. This study analyses the extent to which subsidiaries are being given control over a range of decisions. A sample of MNC subsidiaries operating in Scotland was sent questionnaires which dealt with financial, production, employment and research and development decision making. It was found that considerable authority was devolved to subsidiaries in terms of operational decisions. However, strategic decision making remained very much under the control of the parent. This indicates that the control systems being imposed on subsidiaries are selective and that the benefits created for local economies may be not be as great as it initially appears.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigated 135 cross-border strategic alliances involving UK and European defence manufacturing firms, ranging from firms heavily dependent on defence contracts to firms whose defence interests make up less than 10 per cent of overall business.
Abstract: Reports on research into the relationship between European defence manufacturing firms and their experience of cross‐border strategic alliances. The research takes in 135 cross‐border strategic alliances involving UK and European defence manufacturing firms, ranging from firms heavily dependent on defence contracts to firms whose defence interests make up less than 10 per cent of overall business. These firms manufacture telecommunications, transport, information, lethal platforms and components for the operation of these platforms for military organisations. A main aim is to ascertain the extent of participation in strategic alliances, the types of alliances being used and the major problems experienced by the partners.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors report on transfer pricing choices of UK deposit-taking institutions based on the results of an exploratory survey carried out on UK-based banks and building societies.
Abstract: Very little attention has been paid to transfer pricing issues in the financial services sector Europe‐wide. This article reports on transfer pricing choices of UK deposit‐taking institutions. It is based on the results of an exploratory survey carried out on UK‐based banks and building societies. The main aim is to investigate their transfer pricing methods and objectives as well as the structure and line of responsibility for their transfer pricing decisions. The results of the survey reveal that the achievement of overall corporate goals is the highest ranked transfer pricing objective. Market pricing is the most widely used method among the institutions. Salient differences were however found between the transfer pricing choices of banks, on the one hand, and building societies, on the other.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors conducted a survey of Spanish management accounts and found that there is a declining use of official government guidance on management accounting; the emerging management accounting profession is qualified by university education, and is not generally involved in any professional body; although the literature indicates a strong Anglo-American influence on modern Spanish management accounting, they found a strong, previously unreported, German influence; a wide range of innovative management accounting approaches have been tried; and there was a move towards a planning objective as the focus of the management accountant's work.
Abstract: Comparative national management accounting is a young discipline A recent survey of management accounting practice in Europe reveals five major issues that contrast across national management accounting practice In the light of this work we undertook a survey of Spanish management accounts and found that there is declining use of official government guidance on management accounting; the emerging management accounting profession is qualified by university education, and is not generally involved in any professional body; although the literature indicates a strong Anglo‐American influence on modern Spanish management accounting, we found a strong, previously unreported, German influence; a wide range of innovative management accounting approaches have been tried; there is a move towards a planning objective as the focus of the management accountant’s work
TL;DR: In this article, the authors introduce a process that helps companies define and develop their current and future corporate cultures by identifying the core corporate values that need to be enhanced in order to achieve success in this environment.
Abstract: This article introduces a process that helps companies define and develop their current and future corporate cultures. Working with the top executives within a company, the process enables participants to identify their internal organization’s subcultures as well as the culture of the external business environment. The program identifies the core corporate values that need to be enhanced in order to achieve success in this environment. The program helps participating managers develop action plans to achieve these new corporate values, and company‐wide cultural cement programs are implemented throughout the organization to ensure continued business success.
TL;DR: In this article, the role and effect of the small-scale private sector on Eastern Europe's economic development is examined, focusing mainly on Poland, and taking into account the author's own views, observations, discussions and interviews whilst working in Poznan from 1996 to 1997.
Abstract: Examines the role and effect of the small scale private sector on Eastern Europe’s economic development, i.e. small private companies, partnerships and entrepreneurs, indicating why it is important in the reform programmes. Discusses the need for an entrenchment of the small scale private sector’s contribution to economic development, through adequate legislation and the right regulatory framework including a competition policy, and a commercial code for business formation and insolvency. Focuses mainly on Poland, and takes into account the author’s own views, observations, discussions and interviews whilst working in Poznan from 1996 to 1997. In particular, finds evidence of an abundance of innate entrepreneurial skills in Poland including the propensity for risk taking, and the presence of one of the best laid regulated economic climates of the transforming economies, although there is still a need for government to encourage small business into manufacturing.
TL;DR: The authors assesses the case for and against such a move, in order to contribute to the understanding of the likely impact of recent changes and possible future reforms to the UK Chamber system.
Abstract: There have recently been considerable changes in the UK Chamber of Commerce system, leading to the creation of a network of Approved Chambers and of Chambers of Commerce, Training and Enterprise (CCTEs). However, debate continues in academic and practitioner circles concerning whether UK Chambers of Commerce should move further towards the dominant Chamber model of mainland Europe, based on public law status. This paper assesses the case for and against such a move, in order to contribute to the understanding of the likely impact of recent changes and possible future reforms to the UK Chamber system. Various aspects of UK, French and German Chambers are discussed, compared and contrasted in order to consider whether a move to public law status on the part of UK Chambers would be in the UK’s best interests.
TL;DR: The Czech Republic became the first former member of the Warsaw Pact to be invited to join NATO and the European Union as discussed by the authors, and adopted a policy of slow and gradual reform, with special assistance provided to microenterprise.
Abstract: In their quest to move toward free‐market economics, different nations have adopted contrasting strategies in implementing reforms. The Czechs and Slovaks, adjacent nations with similar natural resources, were both united for a substantial period of time. Although both shared a common experience, with centralized policies under communist rule, each retained its respective cultural values. Following the “velvet divorce” of the former Czechoslovakia, the Czech Republic rushed into a market economy with entrepreneurs being agents of social change. The Czech Republic became the first former member of the Warsaw Pact to be invited to join NATO and the European Union. Slovakia, in contrast, adopted a policy of slow and gradual reform, with special assistance provided to micro‐enterprise.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors highlight the experiences and perceptions of European managers in organisational and managerial contexts and highlight the transformation of the role of manager in Europe against the background of a multitude of contingent influences.
Abstract: Based on research carried out in three European countries, Sweden, The Netherlands and the UK, the following text highlights the experiences and perceptions of European managers in organisational and managerial contexts. The findings reveal a number of convergent trends manifested through the experiences and consciousness of middle managers. What is specifically highlighted is the transformation of the role of manager in Europe against the background of a multitude of contingent influences; not only in the practices of middle management function but also in the cacophony of the accompanying discourses. It is posited that structured HRM support can considerably aid the middle manager to cope with the contradictory role demanded by this new world of work; and, paradoxically, it is a plea for self managed learning conducted by middle managers themselves within an HRM supportive environment.
TL;DR: The extent to which American, European and Japanese pharmaceutical multinational enterprises (MNE) with subsidiaries in the Republic of Ireland have localised specific forms of R&D and contributed to technology transfer is discussed in this paper.
Abstract: Discusses the extent to which American, European and Japanese pharmaceutical multinational enterprises (MNE) with subsidiaries in the Republic of Ireland have localised specific forms of R&D and contributed to technology transfer. Reports on a survey in which chief executive officers of Irish‐based MNE subsidiaries responded to mailed questionnaires. The reasons for corporate management to choose such operational strategic thrusts at business level have been highlighted with a view to focus on the degree to which Ireland is developing its pharmaceutical industrial base, as a result of attracting export‐led global pharmaceutical multinationals.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors consider the European Union policy inconsistencies and failures, and the subsequent development of market concentrations, in the newly developing technology of satellite television broadcasts direct to the individual's home (DTH).
Abstract: This article is concerned with European Union policy inconsistencies and failures, and the subsequent development of market concentrations, in the newly developing technology of satellite television broadcasts direct to the individual’s home (DTH). In particular, it considers these issues in the context of European Union Directive 98/84/EC “On the legal protection of services based on, or consisting of, conditional access” which is likely to be incorporated into national laws during the course of 1999 or early 2000. The article considers whether there are general lessons to be learnt for business from the failure of this specific EU policy.
TL;DR: In this paper, a specific market niche composed of very small, and small enterprises (SE) providing access to satellite television channels directly to an individual's home (DTH) is discussed.
Abstract: This article is concerned with a specific market niche composed of very small, and small enterprises (SE) providing access to satellite television channels directly to an individual’s home (DTH). It focuses on the role within that niche of a specific segment providing products which are generally termed “pirate” by governments, companies and the public. In this context, it examines the nature, and consequences, of information and influence asymmetry between SEs and large broadcasting companies, especially as it relates to the national and European policy process. Finally, it considers whether other small enterprises can learn from the experience of the satellite television sector.
TL;DR: The first major revision of the European Merger Control Regulation (MCR) came into effect with particular implications for the demarcation of authority for merger control between member states and European level competition authorities and for the treatment of joint ventures as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: In March 1998, the first major revision of the European Merger Control Regulation (MCR) came into effect with particular implications for the demarcation of authority for merger control between member states and European level competition authorities and for the treatment of joint ventures. The overall balance of the reform is mixed. Changes to the threshold test, for example, ensure that the MCR will capture proposed concentrations which have a Community dimension but which were missed by the original test. However, the cost of the revision is greater complexity and, with this, greater opacity. Both tests are form‐based and deal with aggregate turnover and are insufficiently sensitive to capture the competition effects of the merger in individual product markets. Article 9 implicitly recognises this flaw by providing a second decentralisation test. Again, the revision of Article 9 has added to the complexity of the operation of the MCR. An alternative would be to dispense with Article 9 altogether. The revisions improve the consistency of the MCR by introducing a “one stop shop” for the treatment of joint ventures, some of which were previously dealt with under Article 85. However, the codification of joint venture provisions creates a situation in which the Commission is required to investigate aspects of a joint venture which are national rather than European in nature.
TL;DR: In this paper, the role of the European Union (EU) in influencing the development of employment relationships in the Member States is examined and an analysis of the formation and development of EU legislation and policies is provided that identifies key players in the processes by which the EU exerts influence over developments in employment relationships.
Abstract: This paper examines the role of the European Union (EU) in influencing the development of employment relationships in the Member States. An analysis of the formation and development of EU legislation and policies is provided that identifies key players in the processes by which the EU exerts influence over developments in employment relationships. The differential impact of EU actions on organisations is considered with reference to location in Member States and by sector.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors focus on critical issues related to variable cost drivers essential in establishing criteria or parameters to consider in the modification and/or design of production facilities, and focus is restriced to decisions concerning overhaul, modification, upgrade, expansion, abandonment, and fresh investment.
Abstract: Focuses on critical issues related to variable cost drivers essential in establishing criteria or parameters to consider in the modification and/or design of production facilities. Key concepts and relationships influence the choice of alternative technologies and methods in the design, upgrading, modification, or expansion of manufacturing and process facilities. Cost relationships are important in evaluating whether to retain an existing facility or, alternatively, scrap the assets and “start over”. For brevity, focus is restriced to decisions concerning overhaul, modification, upgrade, expansion, abandonment, and fresh investment as “design”.