Showing papers in "International Journal of Business Innovation and Research in 2011"

Determinants of innovation as a competence: an empirical study

Abstract: This paper posits that innovation as a competence generic from individuals and the environment in which they are engaged. It focuses on individuals by proposing a method for measuring innovation as a competence. It is postulated here that innovation as a competence involves a set of competencies such as: visioning, ability to generate ideas, internal and external networking relationship, ownership to the organisation, stretch mindset, focus on tasks and decision making. However, these competencies are determined by gender, age, reading habits and educational background of individuals, etc. It is attempted here to construct an empirical model and analyse the impacts of the determining parameters on innovation as a competence. The empirical analysis suggests significant differentiating determinants. The study has been carried out in an Indian information technology company. The findings may facilitate human resource decision making relating to competency management.

Open innovation in Russian firms: an empirical investigation of technology commercialisation and acquisition

Abstract: The open innovation paradigm suggests that while the costs of innovation and RD form and analyse the clusters. Based on the previous survey and the current study, we develop a model, how Russian companies explore for knowledge/innovation/technology circulation.

Path dependence as a barrier for ‘soft’ and ‘open’ innovation

Abstract: Open innovation is a management approach which has started to gain interest in both industry and academia. It has shown possibilities to enhance efficiency, effectiveness and creativity, and successful cases have been presented as role models to follow. This paper argues that mature firms face inevitable organisational challenges when aiming to implement open innovation due to their path-dependent decisions manifested into structures, processes and culture. The case of the Volvo Group indicates a 'liability of oldness' for large, mature corporations with ambitions to move towards 'openness'. Organisations enacting open innovation need to consider the coupling of new learning processes with an active unlearning of obsolete knowledge, as well as a negotiation on what should be materialised into new structures and which previous structures should be dematerialised.

A comparison of Asian airlines websites quality: using a non-parametric test

Abstract: This research conducts test to measure the quality of Asian airlines website via web diagnostic tools online. We propose a methodology for determining and evaluating the best airlines website based on many criteria of website quality, consist of linear weightage model (LWM), analytical hierarchy process, fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (FAHP) and one new hybrid model (NHM). This NHM has been implemented using combination FAHP and LWM. The result of this study confirmed most of Asian websites are neglecting performance and quality criteria. By applying hybrid model approach has resulted in significant acceleration of implementation, raised the overall effectiveness and enabled more efficient procedure. To compare ranking methods, a combination of Friedman’s test and Dunn’s multiple comparison procedure is adopted.

Service TRIZ: an approach for service quality design - with a case study in the hospitality industry

Abstract: This paper develops the service theory of inventive problem-solving (TRIZ) for service quality design. It also proposes a new generic contradiction matrix for problem-solving in service applications. The traditional algorithm of TRIZ problem-solving is slightly modified; the 39 TRIZ traditional parameters in manufacturing are changed to 12 major parameters; and a 12 × 12 matrix of contradictions is proposed for problem-solving in service applications. The proposed approach is examined at the front desk encounter of a four-star hotel. Findings indicate that the reservation system of the selected hotel is effectively redesigned and improved.

The evolution of research and development in the pharmaceutical industry: toward the open innovation model – can pharma reinvent itself?

Abstract: The global pharmaceutical industry is facing diminishing returns from its massive investment in research and development. This is particularly troublesome because the industry has long enjoyed monopoly rents that come from innovative new drugs. The purpose of this paper is to examine the extant R&D practices in the industry and make a strong case for a shift to the open innovation model. Potential roadblocks to adopting the open innovation model are identified as well as ways to overcome these roadblocks. This conceptual paper makes use of archival R&D and sales data to support its contentions.

Evaluation of supplier selection criteria by combination of AHP and fuzzy DEMATEL method

Abstract: The environment becomes more complicated, so effective decisionmaking is more desired. Supplier selection problem is a multi-criteria problem that includes both qualitative and quantitative factors. Supplier selection is a critical issue concerned in the process of managing global supply chains. The purpose of this study is to present an analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and fuzzy decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) method that could cope with the supplier selection criteria and interdependencies among criteria. The results generated by AHP can be used to improve performance in a short period of time. In contrast to the short time period, the results suggested by fuzzy DEMATEL method might provide insight to improve performance in a long time period. The model can propose the criterion which is the most important, or affects other criteria the most, so buyers will know which criterion can improve the performance the most and can ask suppliers to modify it. An empirical study is also...

A framework for comparing regional open innovation systems in Russia

Abstract: Like many of the post-soviet countries, Russia has entered the new century targeting at creation of competitive economy, based on knowledge and innovation with strong emphasis at the role of the regions At the same time, the western world has entered an era of a new approach to innovation, shifting from a closed to an open innovation (OI) paradigm This paper focuses on the development of an integrated regional open innovation system (ROIS) and introduces a framework for the analysis of OI implementation within regional innovation system in Russia St Petersburg region of Russia is studied as an example for the developed framework This paper contributes the ROIS and related constituting concepts by offering a framework for studying and comparing ROISs in Russia

The theory behind hoshin: a quantitative investigation of Toyota’s strategic planning process

Abstract: Many companies have attempted to imitate and copy Toyota’s strategic planning process more formally known as hoshin kanri in the implementation of lean manufacturing. Unfortunately, most observations of hoshin fail to quantify and accurately represent how such preferences are designed and integrated into Toyota’s strategic planning process. This study combines classical strategic planning theory and latent semantic analysis in the study and classification of Toyota’s hoshin kanri practices. This study shows that Toyota’s hoshin practices inherently have preferences towards resourceand knowledge-based theory which means that internal development of resources, especially human capital is of high importance. Interestingly, Toyota’s blend between emergent and deliberate strategic planning approaches creates a targeted creativity style that is difficult to establish without a highly structured problem-solving process. Toyota’s hoshin process is also well balanced between the agency aspects of cross-organisatio...

Supply chain flexibility: a risk management approach

Abstract: The variety of disturbances and risks in a supply chain (SC) made it more dynamic and unstable, and imposed a number of constraints achieving business excellence. An interruption if occurred at a SC partner may have impact on others and the influence may propagate across the chain. The propagated influence leads to inefficient processing and non-value adding activities across the chain. In this study, a hierarchical relationship model of SC stimuli (disruptions, problems, uncertainties or changes) has been developed evolving the relationship dynamics among them. The study also addresses how to reduce vulnerability of stimuli and their risks to SC by deploying flexibility in SC.

Dependency between learning and profitability in different industry conditions: a system dynamic simulation

Abstract: Technological change and especially radical changes are a major source of uncertainty for strategic management of technology. We look at this situation through the lens of the resource-based view of the firm (RBV). RBV proposes that the competitiveness of industrial companies depends on their ability to manage portfolios of rare and valuable resources. Learning is an important mechanism in resource development and management. We have developed a system dynamic model to understand the linkage between learning and profitability under different conditions set by the appropriability and transferability of resources. The research problem is to examine how profitable the innovator and imitator are in different industry conditions after a radical innovation has been launched to the market. The setting informs the industrial manager whether it is economically feasible to open up the R&D to external influences in a situation of discontinuous change, given the industry parameters. The results show that the expected...

Objectives of strategic management of technology in a conceptual framework of enterprise practise

Abstract: Turbulent economic environment and rapidly developing technologies induce major challenge for companies to manage their strategic technological capabilities. In this paper, the objectives of strategic management of technology are discovered as elements in a conceptual framework. Grounded theory is used for the formation of the elements based on strategic decisions of a large enterprise. The elements are classified as product offering, value chain, technology assets, productivity, internal policies and industry relations related objectives enabled by technology. Conforming to conceptions of strategic management, the framework is suggested to provide structure and clarity for practitioners and scholars for application and elaboration.

Participative budgeting: a review of empirical research and practical implications

Abstract: The process by which managers have influence on the setting of their budget goals, participative budgeting (PB), has been researched extensively since the 1960s. This paper provides a comprehensive and critical review of the empirical PB literature, which still lacks such a detailed and broad-scope examination, derives practical recommendations and implications, and gives a comparison of the findings of PB literature and the principles of recent budgeting concepts. The empirical PB studies identified (1) the antecedents or determinants of PB, (2) the impact PB has on mental states and performance and (3) PB’s effects on the existence of budgetary slack. Summing up the findings, it has to be noted that while the informational role of PB in enhancing subordinate performance is generally established, the results relating to reductions in information asymmetry as well as PB’s motivational effects remain ambiguous.

Integrated framework for using TRIZ and TOC together: a case study

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to investigate the potential of combining theory of inventive problem solving (TRIZ) and theory of constraints (TOC) to improve system performance. Several researchers have studied the synergy between TOC and TRIZ tools with a focus on thinking process of TOC. They have not proposed any specific integrated framework to use TOC systematic approach which consists of five focusing steps and TRIZ inventive approach which consist of four steps. This paper proposes an integrated TOC/TRIZ framework and applies this framework to an investment casting company to improve its pattern-making operation. Applying the proposed framework in the case resulted in achieving much benefit from emphasising on global improvement guided by the TOC concept; managers were able to select a continuous improvement project that had greater impact on bottom-line performance. On the other hand, TRIZ provided tools to stimulate idea generation and inject creativity in improving programme.

E-government and farm management agricultural services in Greece

Abstract: The large volume of non-classified agricultural information over the internet increases the need of developing agricultural portals, where everyone involved with agriculture will be able to have access to the information easily and quickly. Portals play a key role in e-government, as they are the main access points for citizens to local, regional or national e-administration. The portals are the front office of public administration and provide tools for the formulation and submission of citizen’s questions and compose and present the answers as results. In this context, and because of the lack of a well organised agricultural portal in Greece, we designed and developed agroGOV, an agricultural portal for e-government and farm management. This paper presents the development tools, the structure and the content of the portal. AgroGOV also includes e-government services, applications, tools and decision support systems for farm management. Two of the main farm management applications of agroGOV portal are also presented in this paper.

Open source as a sourcing strategy for corporations

Abstract: Open source software has opened up a new possibility for corporations that are currently developing software, namely developing with open source software. This can be done either using existing components and projects and build upon their results or release own projects in an early stage with free code and hope for a community to form around this project. These strategies complement the traditional options of developing the solution in-house or buying it from external sources. In this paper we put this decision regarding open source in the framework of sourcing analyses, detailing a resource-based view on the corporation, complemented with production economics, transaction cost economics and knowledge management. This rephrasing will shed new light on this decision and will enable corporations to more accurately arrive at appropriate strategies.

Modelling the antecedents of behavioural outcomes in Indian life insurance services: a SEM approach

Abstract: This paper empirically tests the effect of perceived service quality on behavioural outcomes of customers of life insurance services in India. The interactive and causal effects of the service that encounter variables are empirically tested using structural equation modelling with life insurance customers in the National Capital Region of Delhi, India. The results provided empirical support for a modified model, wherein service quality, customer satisfaction and value perceptions are antecedents of future intentions of customers and the need for a comprehensive approach to service quality in life insurance that includes agent service quality, value perceptions and overall customer satisfaction.

Write it or click on it? Paper vs. online questionnaires for organisational research

Abstract: In the last few decades, researchers have made the shift from using traditional paper-based survey questionnaires to develop online surveys to be more contemporary and digitally inclusive. The historical use of paper-based questionnaires has produced a large body of literature on both the advantages and disadvantages, which are reviewed in this paper alongside those of online survey questionnaires. We posit that the traditional methods of increasing survey response rates in paper format should not be blindly ignored in the quest to utilise online methodology. Rather, our view is that researchers could exploit the true benefits of online technologies and increase response rate by thoughtfully combining traditional and new methods. We recommend that further discussion and research are required in order to identify the benefits and weaknesses of using electronic methods of data collection. This will ensure that potential short-term cost savings are not outweighed by either financial or participation costs as part of online survey questionnaire design.

From Mickey Mouse to Max and Cheese: enhancing user experience for the family market

Abstract: Providing experiences for families have become increasingly important for many organisations in recent years. These increases may be due, in part, to the fact that more families are seeking opportunities together, and because many organisations are attempting to appeal to more customers and increase their revenue in economically challenging times. The purpose of this study was to develop a framework of family accessibility that can be used to meet families’ needs and facilitate enjoyable experiences for all family members in a variety of settings. A collective case study was conducted that examined Disney, IKEA and Max and Cheese. Multiple sources of data were obtained from each organisation. Using the main themes and overall theme that emerged from the data, a family accessibility conceptual framework was developed. This framework has important implications for businesses that are looking for innovative ways to facilitate enjoyable family experiences and increase satisfaction of family customers.

Do investments in research and development translate to sales

Abstract: Many emphasise vital importance of investing in research and development (R&D) in order to develop key competencies. However, recent events in 2009 showed us even giant firms listed among the top R&D spenders can suffer serious consequences caused by economic downturn. This paper investigates significance of R&D efforts over business growth overtime based on the data gathered from companies listed as top R&D spenders between years 2001 and 2006. Annual R&D expenditure and annual R&D expenditure per employee metrics have been used as indicators of R&D efforts where as annual sales revenue data has been used for measuring business growth. Implications of this study provide insights about the relationship between building and exploiting technological capabilities. For instance, findings show that business growth is not a function of an individual organisation’s R&D investments only, but a function of its relative amount of investments compared to its competitors. It has also been observed that relationship between R&D efforts and business growth in different industries cannot be generalised due to each one having unique dynamics. However, same generalisation has been found to exist among different regions, although each of them has different research policies.

Segmentation of clearance sales shoppers based on store attributes

Abstract: Clearance sales are commonly used by retailers selling season goods. These special sales events are designed to increase store traffic and sales. Clearance sales act as stimulus to consumers who are likely to elicit a positive response. To understand these clearance sales consumers, segmentation on the basis of store attributes seems to be more realistic in order to explain the differences among consumers inside a market. Our concern in this paper is to understand the clearance sales shoppers of India and segment them based on the shopper’s perception on clearance sales store attributes. In this sense, the present work starts by analysing the importance of segmenting the clearance sales shoppers on the basis of store attributes. After reviewing the literature of clearance sales, we performed a segmentation analysis of clothing and apparel shoppers in India. First, a hierarchical cluster analysis was carried out, and then k -means cluster analysis identified three meaningfully differentiated customer groups. Further, a classification tree analysis was performed to identify the store attributes that differentiated the clustered groups. Finally, three clusters of clearance sales shoppers namely value conscious shoppers, discount shoppers and merchandise-oriented shoppers are identified. Main conclusions with implications for retailing management are pointed out.

Applied sustainability in services and operations in higher learning institutions: a case study

Abstract: In the recent years, sustainability has become a slogan for raising social, economic and environmental awareness. Higher education institutions play an important role in promoting sustainable development principles and practices. In addition to educating students on sustainability topics, these institutions should take on a leadership role in incorporating sustainable practices into their services and operations and in transforming their local and regional communities into more sustainable communities. Grand Valley State University (GVSU) has been very successful in the implementation of sustainability principles. Among many recognitions and awards, the university has received national recognition for Sustainability Innovation in 2008 and 2009. In this paper, we discuss how GVSU successfully integrated sustainability principles into its services and operations. We hope that the initiatives discussed herein provide insights for universities that are in the process of incorporating sustainability practices ...

Buying behavioural pattern of ethical and generic drugs in Western India: an empirical investigation

Abstract: Prescribing makes a considerable impact on health of patients and promotional budgets of manufacturers and yet remains a contentious issue. Prescriptions have been used to study treatment patterns and analyse markets for various therapeutic categories, mostly in many developed countries. In emerging markets, like India, no substantial insights have been drawn from prescription behavioural pattern of physicians. This research paper is an attempt to contribute to the overall knowledge of understanding the factors that influence the buying behaviour pattern of medical practitioners in the Indian context. This study suggests that the doctors normally prescribe a combination of both ethical and generic drugs with the same efficacy for a specific disease. Medical practitioners while prescribing also consider the combination of ethical drug promotions from the medical representative, regular visits of the local pharmacists and responses to their inquiries on company’s promotional advertisements and materials.

A new initiative of knowledge management practices in Dubai Islamic Bank operations

Abstract: The reason for the need of knowledge management (KM) is that data and information are not knowledge until we know how to dig the value out of it. This study is concerned with the practices of knowledge creation, knowledge sharing and knowledge acquisition practices in enhancing the quality of banking operations through the integration of these elements. In this paper, we discuss, through a suggested model, the extent of practicing KM by the management in Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB) to achieve success in its banking operations. The paper may contribute to promoting and flourishing the application of KM concept in the banking industry in the UAE.

Innovation challenges of financial and tax auditing to improve economic efficiency

Abstract: This paper is concerned with the innovation challenges of financial auditing and tax auditing to improve economic efficiency. Current economic conditions provide particular challenges for the Thai government to establish new practices towards auditing profession advancement. The Federation of Accounting Profession and the Revenue Department both claim to promote and protect the public interest. The tax auditing is the strategy of the Ministry of Finance to prevent and suppress tax evasion in order to achieve sustainable tax system. The certified public tax accountant (CPTA) licensure of the Japan Federation of CPTAs’ Associations is used as a model for the planning of CPTA for Thailand. The proposed tax mapping by the Revenue Department aims to facilitate tax administration and reduce the problem of tax evasion. The findings reveal that tax auditing would provide high-quality audits to the financial reporting process for statutory purposes, enhance the state’s ability to collect tax and improve performance of the tax system.

Diversity in software development teams: the moderating effects of interdependence, team tenure and project type

Abstract: Organisations are increasingly using work teams to accomplish their goals and are becoming significantly more diverse This study was an attempt to combine these emerging trends and further investigate team diversity The study was conducted among 62 software development teams from 21 different IT organisations The results of the study demonstrated that the relationship between team diversity and work team outcomes is moderated by the levels of interdependence among team members; the team tenure ie the time team members spent working together, and the project/task type

Perception of youth towards 3G technology in mobile phone in India

Abstract: Mobile phones are the backbone of mobile communications and have experienced explosive growth in recent years. The mobile phone industry continually launches new technology to entice consumers. The introduction of new technology is unavoidable in a competitive environment; as a result telecommunication marketers have to deal with a high uncertainty regarding consumers’ preferences and acceptance of various new technologies. Competition among mobile phone service providers in India is expected to grow more intense once the government allows private telecommunication service providers to roll out 3G services. The focus of this exploratory study is to study perception of the youth about 3G technology in mobile phones and the factors which affect the attractiveness towards 3G technology.

Audit quality and owner-manager agency costs: evidence from China

Abstract: Agency theory suggests that conflict interests between managers and owners cause management shirking and associated agency costs. An audit is a monitoring mechanism that provides an independent check on accounting information and reduces agency costs (Jensen and Meckling, 1976). Therefore, given severe owner-manager agency problems, higher audit quality should be associated with lower client company owner-manager agency costs. The purpose of this study is to empirically test this relation. In China, owner-manager agency problems are severe given extremely low or no management ownership. Moreover, there is a lack of variations in management holdings across Chinese public companies. Such an environment allows us to examine the role of audits in reducing owner-manager agency costs. Using a sample of Chinese listed companies, we find that observations with higher quality audits show lower owner-manger agency costs. Such a result suggests that in an emerging market, higher quality audits more effectively reduce agency costs.

‘Newness to the firm’-variables in the NPD process of technology companies

Abstract: The factors affecting the success of new products in successful and unsuccessful NPD projects have been under review by many researchers. Do the managerial conceptualisations and perceptions vary regarding the so-called newness variables between successful and unsuccessful NPD projects in the technology companies? This question has not been tackled in the prior research. This research tries to deal with this deficiency. The findings indicate that there is equivalence in how managers conceptualise the newness variables in successful and unsuccessful NPD projects. Newness is not however, a unidimensional construct in Finnish technology companies as it has been claimed in the prior research. There appears to be differences in the managerial perceptions regarding newness variables in successful and unsuccessful NPD projects. Also, some newness variables appear to have an impact on the outcome of the successful NPD project, but there are none in the unsuccessful NPD projects. The limitations and future researc...

Human resource management in Chinese hi-tech enterprises: a case study

Abstract: This paper examines developments in human resource management (HRM) in a Chinese hi-tech enterprise established by a leading higher educational institution. The case study describes the initial weaknesses in the human resource (HR) function and then applies a HRM model to the actual HRM practice. This has resulted in significant improvements of the HR function and has also contributed to scientific research and its commercialisation by the hi-tech enterprise.