Search results

This article examines the training of nine practising teachers and the development of their practical thinking through Lesson Study (LS) at Universidad Nacional de Educación (UNAE). The study therefore aims to describe and understand how this group of teachers might reconstruct their practical knowledge while engaging in the LS experience in a virtual setting.

A case study was conducted with (virtual) field immersion, qualitatively collecting and analysing data through observations, interviews, a focus group and written outputs.

Reconstructions and reinforcements were evident in each of the five dimensions of practical thinking (Soto et al., 2019; Pérez-Gómez, 2022) and in certain knowledge and values, in addition to various skills, attitudes and emotions. The main findings of the study relate to the importance of planning to avoid improvisation, viewing the teaching methodology as a flexible process, developing student autonomy, understanding and managing technological and digital tools and being prepared for uncertain situations.

It is understood that Lesson Study is a strategy that strengthens and enhances understanding of teachers’ knowledge, even in the virtual context and should therefore be considered for the ongoing professional development of teachers in Ecuador.

The primary aim of this study is to create a comprehensive model quantifying the maturity levels of key determinants crucial for the sustained success of public sector entrepreneurship (PSE) [social entrepreneurship (SE)]. By integrating social, organizational and technological elements with Max-Neef's human needs, the model offers a holistic perspective for SE measurement. Notably, it emphasizes Max-Neef's existential needs (being, having, doing, interacting) to analyze variables crucial for sustainability, from diverse perspectives within SE.

This study presents a quantitative approach to develop a maturity model for assessing SE based on Max-Neef's human needs. The model integrates social, organizational and technological dimensions, using K-means algorithm for data processing. A panel of experts assigns weights to variables, and the maturity levels are adapted from the Capability Maturity Model. Data from 47 SEs in Ecuador's Zone 6 inform model construction, validated with two textile sector SEs. The methodology comprises three stages: variable selection, model construction and nonprobabilistic sample validation in Zone 6.

The research yields a maturity model enabling the quantification of PSE entrepreneurship maturity over time. It incorporates social, organizational and technological variables with Max-Neef's human needs, providing a broader perspective for SE evaluation. The model allows assessing the maturity level of each determinant, performance per variable in a Likert Scale, and facilitates comparisons between individual entrepreneurship and the overall population or sample. Visualization is enhanced through a color scale based on the Capability Maturity Model.

Limitations may stem from the nonprobabilistic convenience sample used for validation, potentially affecting the generalizability of findings. The model's application is specific to Zone 6 of Ecuador and may require adjustments for broader contexts. Although the K-means algorithm aids data processing, its limitations should be considered. Future research could explore the model's applicability in diverse geographical and sectoral settings for a more comprehensive understanding.

This research has led to the development of a model that quantifies the maturity level of key determinants crucial for the long-term sustainability of PSE. This model integrates elements from social, organizational and technological dimensions, offering a comprehensive framework for assessing SE.

This model offers valuable insights for the development and sustainability of social entrepreneurship by providing a structured approach to measure and enhance key social, organizational and technological determinants. By integrating Max-Neef's framework of human needs, the model helps social enterprises better align their efforts with fundamental human needs, ensuring that initiatives not only address societal challenges effectively but also contribute to long-term social well-being. This approach encourages the development of more resilient and impactful social enterprises that are capable of adapting to diverse socioeconomic contexts.

The model's uniqueness lies in its integration of social, organizational and technological variables with Max-Neef's human needs, offering a nuanced assessment of PSE entrepreneurship determinant factors from a human perspective. By applying existential needs (being, having, doing, interacting) as analysis levels, the model provides a distinctive and insightful approach to evaluating the impact of key variables. Its value lies in identifying strengths and weaknesses in each entrepreneurship, guiding support strategies and informing discussions for constructing effective public policies.

This conceptual, multi-voiced paper aims to collectively explore and theorize family entrepreneuring, which is a research stream dedicated to investigating the emergence and becoming of entrepreneurial phenomena in business families and family firms.

Because of the novelty of this research stream, the authors asked 20 scholars in entrepreneurship and family business to reflect on topics, methods and issues that should be addressed to move this field forward.

Authors highlight key challenges and point to new research directions for understanding family entrepreneuring in relation to issues such as agency, processualism and context.

This study offers a compilation of multiple perspectives and leverage recent developments in the fields of entrepreneurship and family business to advance research on family entrepreneuring.

This paper aims to define the efficiency achieved by urban transport companies in Spain concerning the resources they use, considering the type of management used for implementation, public-private, and size.

This study consisted of an analysis of the efficiency of 229 public-private urban transport operators during the period 2012–2021 using Data Envelopment Analysis, the Malmquist Index and inference estimators to determine productivity, efficiency change into Pure Technical Efficiency Change (PTECH), and scale efficiency change.

Based on the efficiency analysis, the authors concluded that of the 229 companies studied, more than 35 were inefficient in all analysed periods. Considering the sample used, direct management is considered significantly more efficient. It cannot be concluded that the size of these companies influences their efficiency, as the data show unequal development behaviours in the studied years.

This study provides arguments on whether there is a significant difference between the two types of management in the urban transport sector. It also includes firm size as a study variable, which has not been previously considered in other studies related to urban transport efficiency. Efficiency should be a crucial factor in determining funding allocation in this sector, as it encourages operators to optimize and improve their services.

This study explores the relationship between innovation and tradition in family firms. By examining how these firms manage the potential tension between these two elements, the study aims to understand better how innovation and tradition coexist and support long-term survival across generations.

This study has a constructivist standpoint and follows a qualitative methodology. By conducting a comparative case study, the data are collected from semi-structured interviews with 10 participants in 4 case companies located in Sweden. The data are analysed using thematic analysis.

This study found that managing the tension between innovation and tradition is carried out through four mechanisms: forward thinking through heritage, paradoxical thinking, operational control and governance. Moreover, the study further shows the great importance of the concept of intergenerational learning in family firms in managing tension.

The findings from this study contribute to the existing literature in family firms concerning managing tradition and innovation by providing a novel conceptualisation of the mechanisms embedded in this process. Moreover, the article proposes a grounded model, which could be used in research and practice when dealing with similar issues.

There are several studies showing that end-users' participation in the architectural design process of houses is critical to their satisfaction (e.g. Önder et al., 2010; Ammar et al., 2013). Housing that is not adjusted to inhabitants' needs leads to modification works (Davidson et al., 2007) that could be avoided if their design was defined from the beginning with their participation. Digital technologies, such as 3D interactive visualization, benefit co-design processes by helping non-specialists better understand space and design possibilities (Salter et al., 2009; Schroth et al., 2006). However, the available literature shows that existing co-design digital tools were not developed based on potential users’ requirements. This paper aims to define the user requirements of a co-design tool for housing customization.

Interviews were conducted to gather information on how participatory processes occur in housing cooperatives and identify how potential users can collaborate in the design definition of their houses using a digital tool.

The interviews were analyzed, and requirements were defined.

This work contributes to the advancement of knowledge since the tool is defined based on requirements collected from potential end-users. By using a user-centered approach, the tool can contribute to more effective and informed collaboration.

In this study, we assessed the educational value and efficacy of a virtual educational escape room (VEER), called “The Mysterious Disappearance”, for training pre-service teachers.

“The Mysterious Disappearance” was developed ad hoc and contains various activities and puzzles focussing on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The research will evaluate the design quality and satisfaction of 193 participants regarding the VEER, their perceptions of game-based learning (GBL) and analyse which soft skills are most used and which valence typology (positive/pleasant or negative/unpleasant emotions) has the greatest impact on players’ experience. Descriptive, exploratory factor and inferential analyses are employed.

The study indicates that the VEER is rated very positively by pre-service teachers. Overall satisfaction levels are high, and the resource and methodology are perceived as favourable. The design quality of the resource is also well rated, with participants perceiving it as a challenging but engaging and well-balanced. Participation in the VEER shows several benefits, especially in cognitive and motivational areas. The participants demonstrated high levels of soft skills utilisation. The resource elicits predominantly positive and pleasurable emotions. Finally, there is a positive perception towards GBL among pre-service teachers, both as students and future teachers.

This study employs a multivariate analysis, using a questionnaire comprising three scales. This study’s dual focus on participants’ perceptions, as current Students and Future teachers, provides insights into their potential role as designers/implementers. Findings contribute to the ongoing development of academic hypotheses, particularly by highlighting the increased motivation linked to VEER use and its positive impact on learning. Designed with the SDG framework, the game enhances teachers' engagement with the 2030 Agenda, supporting their professional development and promotes values related to sustainability. The VEER was developed ad hoc by one of the authors, and the study has potential implications for numerous fields and areas of research.

This paper investigates the relationship between teleworkers' perceptions of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and employee engagement (EE) in remote work.

A quantitative research approach was used, involving a questionnaire distributed via convenience sampling. Data from 205 valid responses from teleworking employees in Spain were analysed using structural equation modelling to test the hypothesis regarding the association between CSR and EE.

The study found that CSR’s social and environmental dimensions positively impact EE among teleworkers. However, the economic dimension of CSR only partially influences EE in a telework setting.

The findings suggest organisations can enhance EE during telework periods by focusing on social and environmental CSR initiatives. This approach can mitigate the reduced EE associated with remote work, improving organisational performance, productivity, satisfaction and employee well-being.

This study provides empirical evidence on the positive effects of CSR’s social and environmental dimensions on EE in a telework context, offering valuable insights for organisations navigating the post-pandemic landscape. Also, specific CSR strategies can establish a competitive advantage by fostering a motivated and engaged remote workforce.

Este artículo investiga la relación entre las percepciones de los teletrabajadores sobre la responsabilidad social corporativa (RSC) y el compromiso de los empleados (EE) en el trabajo remoto.

Se utilizó un enfoque de investigación cuantitativa, mediante un cuestionario distribuido a través de un muestreo por conveniencia. Se analizaron datos de 205 respuestas válidas de empleados teletrabajadores en España utilizando modelos de ecuaciones estructurales para probar la hipótesis sobre la asociación entre RSC y EE.

El estudio encontró que las dimensiones sociales y ambientales de la RSC impactan positivamente en el EE entre los teletrabajadores. Sin embargo, la dimensión económica de la RSC solo influye parcialmente en el EE en un entorno de teletrabajo.

Los hallazgos sugieren que las organizaciones pueden mejorar el EE durante los períodos de teletrabajo al enfocarse en iniciativas de RSC social y ambiental. Este enfoque puede mitigar la reducción del EE asociada con el trabajo remoto, mejorando el rendimiento organizacional, la productividad, la satisfacción y el bienestar de los empleados.

Este estudio proporciona evidencia empírica sobre los efectos positivos de las dimensiones sociales y ambientales de la RSC en el EE en un contexto de teletrabajo, ofreciendo valiosas ideas para las organizaciones que navegan el paisaje post-pandémico. Además, estrategias específicas de RSC pueden establecer una ventaja competitiva al fomentar una fuerza laboral remota motivada y comprometida.

The purpose of this study is to identify managerial perceptions, as well as individual and organizational contingencies, that influence the use of balanced scorecard (BSC) among SMEs.

This paper adopts a mixed methods approach to study the use of the BSC from a survey database of 414 SMEs across several industries in Portugal.

This paper shows the perceived benefits, reasoning and obstacles that managers face when using the BSC in SMEs. The BSC is not the first choice for strategic management control of most firms in the sample. Most SMEs in this study have an explicitly formulated business strategy. The results show that it is possible to implement the BSC in SMEs without a formalized strategy. Such findings seem to suggest that the use of the BSC may stimulate the formulation of strategies for those firms.

The use of fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis limits the generalization of the findings; nonetheless, the transparency of the report enables replication without restrictions.

This paper proposes that the size of the firm and the characteristics of the manager may compensate for the absence of a strategy to guide BSC use.

This paper advises a match between the stage of development of the SMEs strategy and the gender of the manager, which may have implications for recruitment purposes.

This study reports alternative configurations of individual and organizational conditions that lead to the use of the BSC in SMEs as well as configurations that prevent its use.

El propósito de este estudio es identificar las percepciones de los gerentes, así como las contingencias individuales y organizacionales, que influyen en el uso del BSC entre las PYMEs.

Adoptamos un enfoque de métodos mixtos para estudiar el uso del BSC a partir de una base de datos de encuestas de 414 PYMEs de varias industrias en Portugal.

Mostramos los beneficios percibidos, el razonamiento y los obstáculos que enfrentan los gerentes al utilizar el BSC en las PYMEs. El BSC no es la primera opción para el control de gestión estratégica de la mayoría de las empresas de la muestra. La mayoría de las PYMEs en este estudio tienen una estrategia comercial explícitamente formulada. Los resultados muestran que es posible implementar el BSC en PYMEs sin una estrategia formalizada. Estos hallazgos parecen sugerir que el uso del BSC puede estimular la formulación de estrategias para esas empresas.

Este estudio reporta configuraciones alternativas de condiciones individuales y organizacionales que conducen al uso del BSC en las PYMEs, así como configuraciones que impiden su uso.

El uso de la fsQCA limita la generalización de los hallazgos; no obstante, la transparencia del informe permite replicarlo sin restricciones.

Proponemos que el tamaño de la empresa y las características del gerente pueden compensar la ausencia de una estrategia que oriente el uso del BSC.

Aconsejamos hacer coincidir la etapa de desarrollo de la estrategia para las PYMEs y el género del gerente, lo que puede tener implicaciones a efectos de contratación.

O objetivo deste estudo é identificar as perceções dos gestores, bem como as contingências individuais e organizacionais, que influenciam o uso do BSC entre as PMEs.

Adotamos uma abordagem de métodos mistos para estudar a utilização do BSC a partir de uma base de dados de inquérito a 414 PMEs de diversas indústrias em Portugal.

Mostramos os benefícios percebidos, o raciocínio e os obstáculos que os gestores enfrentam ao usar o BSC nas PMEs. O BSC não é a primeira escolha para o controle estratégico de gestão da maioria das empresas da amostra. A maioria das PMEs neste estudo tem uma estratégia empresarial explicitamente formulada. Os resultados mostram que é possível implementar o BSC nas PME sem uma estratégia formalizada. Tais resultados parecem sugerir que a utilização do BSC pode estimular a formulação de estratégias para essas empresas.

Este estudo relata configurações alternativas de condições individuais e organizacionais que levam à utilização do BSC nas PMEs, bem como configurações que impedem a sua utilização.

O uso do fsQCA limita a generalização dos resultados; no entanto, a transparência do relatório permite a replicação sem restrições.

Propomos que o tamanho da empresa e as características do gestor podem compensar a ausência de uma estratégia para orientar o uso do BSC.

Aconselhamos uma correspondência entre o estágio de desenvolvimento da estratégia para as PMEs e o género do gestor, o que pode ter implicações para efeitos de recrutamento.

The authors mobilise stewardship theory, which delves into trust and collaboration dynamics, advocating for long-term gains through actions beneficial to the broader community. Used as a fundamental framework to conceptualise the model, stewardship theory enhances the understanding of the effect of purchasing social responsibility (PSR) practices to foster innovativeness and performance through the supply chain (SC). This study aims to examine the relationship between PSR, SC innovativeness (SC-INNO) and SC operational performance (SCOP). In addition, the moderating effect of sustainability labels on these relationships will be studied.

Based on survey data from 177 organisations analysed through partial least square structural equation modelling, the results suggest that PSR has a positive and significant effect on SC-INNO and SCOP. In addition, SC-INNO plays a partial mediation role since the direct effect between PSR and SCOP is validated. Furthermore, the moderating effects of holding a sustainability label and industry type about PSR and SCOP are supported.

The results indicate a significant positive influence of PSR on both SC-INNO and operational performance. SC-INNO is found to partially mediate the PSR–SCOP relationship. Moreover, sustainability labels and industry type significantly moderate the effects of PSR on SCOP.

The findings extend stewardship theory into the sustainable purchasing and supply management field by providing empirical support for PSR as a reflection of stewardship behaviours by fostering innovation and performance throughout the SC.