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Information analysis tools enhance the possibilities of firm competition in terms of knowledge management. However, the generalization of decision support systems (DSS) is still far away from everyday use by managers and academicians. This paper aims to present a framework of analysis based on Bayesian networks (BN) whose accuracy is measured in order to assess scientific evidence.

Different learning algorithms based on BN are applied to extract relevant information about the relationship between operations strategy and flexibility in a sample of engineering consulting firms. Feature selection algorithms automatically are able to improve the accuracy of these classifiers.

Results show that the behaviors of the firms can be reduced to different rules that help in the decision‐making process about investments in technology and production resources.

Contrasting with methods from the classic statistics, Bayesian classifiers are able to model a variety of relationships between the variables affecting the dependent variable. Contrasting with other methods from the artificial intelligence field, such as neural networks or support vector machines, Bayesian classifiers are white‐box models that can directly be interpreted. Together with feature selection techniques from the machine learning field, they are able to automatically learn a model that accurately fits the data.

The purpose of this paper is to increase knowledge about the four modes of knowledge conversion (SECI model: Socialization, Externalization, Combination, Internalization) and their impact on flexibility of distribution of information and performance.

Based on a survey of 284 Spanish firms, the paper performs an empirical analysis using structural equation modelling.

The results of the research confirm that the four modes of knowledge conversion have positive direct and indirect influences on the flexibility of distribution of information in the organization and therefore improve the company's performance.

The structural equation model provides useful information for managers and researchers concerning how knowledge creation enhances flexibility and performance of the organization. Through better processes and tools for updating the organization's concepts or methods, flexibility programs, cross functional and self‐directed teams, autonomy, participation, cooperation and coordination in the firm improve the flow of information and performance and reduce uncertainty in changing environments.

The paper illustrates the effects of the four modes of knowledge creation on flexibility of distribution of information and demonstrates that these four modes of knowledge creation affect flexibility of distribution of information positively, thereby improving organizational performance.

The purpose of this paper is to elucidate the influence that participation in a simulation experience based on the automobile industry has on the entrepreneurial attitude (entrepreneurship attitude orientation) through conflict management learning.

The sample used in this paper consists of 427 advanced undergraduate students majoring in Business Management and Administration, Economics, Tourism and Research, and Marketing. The data are collected by means of a structured questionnaire.

Results show that the simulation experience increases positive results for personal control and self‐esteem indicating that the participants applied the knowledge learned in the simulation improving their perception of control and conflict management approaches.

The paper is focused on a business game based on the automobile industry in order to involve the participants into a realistic business management experience.

Results encourage the incorporation of these simulation tools into educational programs related to entrepreneurship. Business simulations improves conflict management within and between groups, especially in the complementary activities and negotiations with real agents, it also fosters motivation and cooperative attitudes.

This paper contributes to increase knowledge in conflict management for workgroups maintaining intensive and relentless relationships over a relatively long period of time in which the simulation develops. At a more practical level, experience on conflict management generates acceptance of the conflict as a part of the decisions making process, which improves the entrepreneurial attitude for all participants.

In this paper, the relationship between operations strategy and performance through flexibility as a moderating variable is analysed within the service setting of engineering consulting firms in Spain. A framework for service strategy dimensions is suggested while manufacturing flexibility dimensions are applied to service operations considering necessary adaptations. A path analysis model is applied in order to enhance the understanding of interactions. This research proves that service operations strategy has a significant positive and direct effect on service delivery performance. The fact that is especially relevant is that flexibility plays a more intense moderating role for efficiency performance measures than for customer satisfaction performance measures.

In this paper, a model for determining innovation degree in service industries is presented. Such a model is developed under the knowledge‐based theory lens. So, knowledge flows and knowledge integration capabilities of the organisation’s members are considered as crucial for the innovation processes to be successfully implemented. The model is tested in a sample of engineering consulting firms of Spain. Main results point out the strong explanatory power of innovation intensity with knowledge theory‐based models. Final conclusions consider knowledge management policies as the main impellers of service innovation.

Studies the evolution of the operations management (OM) contents in the last decades. For this purpose, a sample of 84 OM textbooks has been analysed. First, we identify the main approaches and frameworks used to organise the OM contents in the different textbooks. Thereafter, we proceed to analyse the trends in the orientation of the textbooks’ contents according to the qualitative/quantitative and long‐/short‐term dimensions of every topic. From this survey, we conclude that in this period (1960‐1998) a shift in the OM approach has emerged, modifying the consideration rendered by the textbooks to the different topics, not affecting the orientation of the contents.

The relationship between strategy and firm size has been broadly considered and studied in strategic management literature. However, this topic has not been paid as much attention in the operations management field in manufacturing studies. The aim of this study is to analyse the relationship between operations strategy and firm size in a sample of engineering consulting firms. According to the results, there is a significant relationship between operations strategy and size in consulting engineering firms. In this context, small firms tend to follow customer‐oriented operations strategies, medium sized firms tend to follow process‐oriented operations strategies and larger firms tend to follow service‐oriented operations strategies.

This paper studies the influence of firm size over degree of innovation in a service sector, specifically in engineering consulting and technology services in Spain. A multiple regression analysis was used to test hypothesis about firm size positive influence over degree of innovation in services. To avoid distortions in this main relationship, three control variables were introduced (degree of standardisation, degree of customisation, and number of firm’s activities). Results seem to indicate that firm size, measured by turnover, is related positively with degree of innovation, independently of moderate influence of control variables.

The purpose of this paper is to examine the factors within the technology‐organization‐environment (TOE) framework that affect the decision to adopt electronic commerce (EC) and extent of EC adoption, as well as adoption and non‐adoption of different EC applications within small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs).

A questionnaire‐based survey was conducted to collect data from 235 managers or owners of manufacturing SMEs in Iran. The data were analyzed by employing factorial analysis and relevant hypotheses were derived and tested by multiple and logistic regression analysis.

EC adoption within SMEs is affected by perceived relative advantage, perceived compatibility, CEO's innovativeness, information intensity, buyer/supplier pressure, support from technology vendors, and competition. Similarly, description on determinants of adoption and non‐adoption of different EC applications has been provided.

Cross‐sectional data of this research tend to have certain limitations when it comes to explaining the direction of causality of the relationships among the variables, which will change overtime.

The findings offer valuable insights to managers, IS experts, and policy makers responsible for assisting SMEs with entering into the e‐marketplace. Vendors should collaborate with SMEs to enhance the compatibility of EC applications with these businesses. To enhance the receptiveness of EC applications, CEOs, innovativeness and perception toward EC advantages should also be aggrandized.

This study is perhaps one of the first to use a wide range of variables in the light of TOE framework to comprehensively assess EC adoption behavior, both in terms of initial and post‐adoption within SMEs in developing countries, as well adoption and non‐adoption of simple and advanced EC applications such as electronic supply chain management systems.