Daniel Arias‐Aranda and Oscar Bustinza‐Sánchez
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…
Abstract
Purpose
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.
Design/methodology/approach
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.
Findings
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.
Research limitations/implications
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.
Practical implications
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.
Originality/value
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.
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In this paper, the relationship between operations strategy and performance through flexibility as a moderating variable is analysed within the service setting of engineering…
Abstract
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.
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María M. Abad‐Grau and Daniel Arias‐Aranda
Information analysis tools enhance the possibilities of firm competition in terms of knowledge management. However, the generalization of decision support systems (DSS) is still…
Abstract
Purpose
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.
Design/methodology/approach
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.
Findings
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.
Originality/value
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.
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Antonio Mihi Ramírez, Víctor Jesús García Morales and Daniel Arias Aranda
The purpose of this paper is to increase knowledge about the four modes of knowledge conversion (SECI model: Socialization, Externalization, Combination, Internalization) and…
Abstract
Purpose
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.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on a survey of 284 Spanish firms, the paper performs an empirical analysis using structural equation modelling.
Findings
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.
Practical implications
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.
Originality/value
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.
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Daniel Arias Aranda and Luis M. Molina‐Fernández
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…
Abstract
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.
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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…
Abstract
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.
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Daniel Arias‐Aranda, Beatriz Minguela‐Rata and Antonio Rodríguez‐Duarte
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…
Abstract
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.
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Morteza Ghobakhloo, Daniel Arias‐Aranda and Jose Benitez‐Amado
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…
Abstract
Purpose
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).
Design/methodology/approach
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.
Findings
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.
Research limitations/implications
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.
Practical implications
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.
Originality/value
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.
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Daniel Ruiz-Equihua, Luis V. Casaló and Jaime Romero
Previous research into online reviews in the hospitality industry has focused mainly on big companies; thus, it is not yet known whether its findings apply also to small and…
Abstract
Purpose
Previous research into online reviews in the hospitality industry has focused mainly on big companies; thus, it is not yet known whether its findings apply also to small and medium enterprises (SMEs), the most abundant in the sector. Focusing on online reviews in the hospitality sector, this study aims to analyse whether firm size moderates the relationship between online review valence and customer responses.
Design/methodology/approach
This study uses a 2 (positive vs negative online review) × 2 (SME vs big company) experimental research design conducted in two hospitality settings, hotels and restaurants.
Findings
The impact of online reviews on customer responses is less intense for smaller hospitality companies.
Originality/value
This study incorporates firm size as a moderator of the relationship between online review valence and customer responses in two hospitality settings, restaurants and hotels.
研究目的
以往针对酒店业的在线评论研究主要集中在大型企业上, 因此这些研究结果是否也适用于中小企业尚不清楚, 而中小企业在该行业中最为普遍。本研究重点研究了酒店业中的在线评论, 分析了企业规模是否在在线评论极性与客户反应之间的关系中起到调节作用。
研究设计/方法
本研究采用2(正面与负面在线评论)×2(中小企业与大型企业)的实验研究设计, 并在两个实验环境下(酒店和餐饮)进行研究。
研究发现
对规模较小的酒店企业来说, 在线评论对客户反应的影响并不强烈。
研究创新性
本研究将企业规模作为餐厅和酒店行业中在线评论极性和客户反应关系的调节变量。
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Stavros Sindakis and Sakshi Aggarwal
The purpose of this chapter is to analyse the theoretical work conducted in the fields of e-business adoption by small businesses in the UK. This chapter aims to explore the…
Abstract
Chapter Contribution
The purpose of this chapter is to analyse the theoretical work conducted in the fields of e-business adoption by small businesses in the UK. This chapter aims to explore the benefits and drawbacks that influence small businesses in adopting Internet-based e-business. We are thus responding to a need to recognise and measure the perceived importance of driving forces and barriers in the adoption of e-business solutions among small businesses. Currently, adoption of e-business is rapidly growing among business organisations throughout the world. Crucially, it is often seen as an essential strategic tool that attracts many companies in turning their traditional business strategy to e-business and as a more complex concept of interfirm cooperation.
A structured work was applied to synthesise a theoretical model. A meticulous search of available literature was conducted, focussing on key terms such as e-business adoption, benefits, drawbacks and small businesses in the UK. We identify that e-business adoption within small businesses is affected by perceived relative advantage, perceived compatibility, CEO’s innovativeness, information intensity, buyer/supplier pressure, support from technology vendors and competition. Furthermore, the value of such adoption depends on how, in the face of rapid growth, small businesses can effectively expand IT resources, strategic planning and business partnerships to develop e-business capability and business process competence. These are the key areas of activity which help adopting companies to achieve outstanding business performance. The findings of this study to date are presented within the limiting parameters of methodology based upon use of self-report scales to measure the constructs of the theoretical model. The main orientation of the work of this study is theoretical and sectional which provides a static picture of e-business adoption by small businesses – offering guiding practical insight and providing foundations for subsequent empirical study.
This chapter offers researchers a broader and more comprehensive view of the benefits and drawbacks that influence small businesses in adopting Internet-based e-business. Educators, researchers and practitioners will be all benefitted. In recent years, e-business has been adopted by many corporations to improve operational efficiency and profitability and to strengthen their competitive position and potential for survival in the new economic era (the information era).