Zhang Yunsheng, Zeng Deming, Zhang Lifei and Lucy Yang Lu
With the clarification of three effective methods (share holding, decision participation and promotion of technical grade) to govern R&D teams in software enterprises, the purpose…
Abstract
Purpose
With the clarification of three effective methods (share holding, decision participation and promotion of technical grade) to govern R&D teams in software enterprises, the purpose of this paper is to provide an empirical investigation of the application of these methods in Chinese software enterprises.
Design/methodology/approach
The research is based on a quantitative approach with 34 items designed in the questionnaire to measure the indicators. All items were rated by respondents on a five‐point Likert‐type scale. In order to testify the validity of the three methods of R&D team governance, a correlation analysis and a linear regression were made to examine the relationship between these methods of R&D team governance and R&D performance.
Findings
The evidence shows that decision participation and promotion of technical grades are the two most effective methods to govern R&D teams in Chinese software enterprises, while share holding is not conducive to R&D performance. The share holding level of R&D staffs is fairly low; even “no share.” What is more important is that many software enterprises regard it as a welfare institution but not an incentive method. Therefore, the shareholding mechanism cannot enhance R&D performance. In addition, relevant regulations have not been established completely. There are many deficiencies in the process of intellectual property management of Chinese enterprises. These factors have hindered the effective performance of R&D staff.
Practical implications
The research findings emphasize the importance of governance of R&D teams in the Chinese software industry and highlight the critical issues that need to be addressed in order to enhance the performance of R&D staff.
Originality/value
The concept of R&D team governance is examined and elaborated within the context of China, which points to the need of developing new direction of R&D team management.
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The purpose of this paper is to bridge the knowledge gap in designing MBA strategy between China and the West by examining the content, context and process of MBA delivery. This…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to bridge the knowledge gap in designing MBA strategy between China and the West by examining the content, context and process of MBA delivery. This paper challenges the assumptions and pedagogical approach underpinning the current design and delivery of MBA programmes that were originally moulded with Western management history and development in the era of globalization. There is consensus that MBA was used to train business managers; however, nowadays, people are inclined to state that MBA is used to develop global business leaders or full-fledged global competitors. How can we develop global business leaders without a global vision when designing MBA strategy?
Design/methodology/approach
Based on extensive literature review and critical analyses through the strategic management approach, this paper examines the status quo of current MBA programmes in the West and in China. This paper presents a conceptual framework that draws on the current MBA literature and on-going debates around management education and development in the West and in China.
Findings
The designing strategy of MBA has been originally strongly influenced by Western ideology and ethos. Therefore, the difficulties of management knowledge transfer are often explained through culture acclimatization and emphasize has been on cultural divergence rather than convergence. With synthesis between Western and Eastern management identified, we argue that the appropriateness and effectiveness of the traditional philosophy of MBA designing strategy based on Western management history has been challenged in the 21st century. The perception has fuelled criticism of business schools in the post-recession. They have come under fire for allegedly failing in their obligations to educate socially responsible business leaders (Barker, 2010). This leads to rethinking of the philosophy and vision underpinning the MBA designing strategy. A new philosophical approach – integration of Western management with Eastern philosophy has been under scrutiny, which is necessary in business education to enable future business leaders to become full-fledged competitors in the global market.
Originality/value
The output of this discussion helps to establish a conceptual framework which will provide strategic insight in enabling business/management school and MBA providers to address the current deficiency in MBA teaching and learning strategy and develop more appropriate arrangement when considering the design and development of a successful MBA programme in the 21st century.
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This research paper attempts to address the strategic challenges of developing knowledge‐based innovation (KBI) in China through the analysis of the triple helix (TH) innovation…
Abstract
Purpose
This research paper attempts to address the strategic challenges of developing knowledge‐based innovation (KBI) in China through the analysis of the triple helix (TH) innovation networks between university, government and industry in China. In so doing, the TH model is adopted as an analytical framework to investigate the format and operations of knowledge networks within university, government and industry during the economic transitions in China.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper incorporates field observation, interviews with senior government officials, desk research on various government policy document as well as critical review of the existing literature related to KBI and the TH model in order to build up the strategic overview of the current state of KBI in China.
Findings
Based on the critical literature review and interviews, it is identified that the formation and operation of knowledge production system in China on the one hand reflects the three dimensions within TH model: normative control (government), wealth generation (industry) and novelty production (university and public research institutions), on the other hand highlights dynamic institutional interactions and transformational processes in creating the knowledge economy. The key factors that have an effect on the inter‐institutional relations and evolutions of different knowledge functions within the TH innovation networks, have also been identified and manifested in the proposed theoretical framework of the knowledge production system in China.
Originality/value
The originality of the paper rests in addressing the strategic implications of TH innovation model for developing KBI in China, and highlighting the challenges facing both policy makers and innovation managers in terms of managing the organizational and institutional changes during the process of knowledge creation.
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The purpose of this paper is to outline the strategic challenges for creating knowledge‐based innovation in China.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to outline the strategic challenges for creating knowledge‐based innovation in China.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper outlines the context of innovation in China and describes the triple helix model of knowledge‐based innovation.
Findings
China's re‐emergence as a major power in the world economy points to the needs of integrating China into the global innovation networks. However, there are a number of challenges facing Chinese firms, academics, government agencies and policy makers.
Originality/value
The paper gives notice of launch in 2009 of the Journal of Knowledge‐based Innovation in China which will address the innovation challenges facing China in the transition from a planned to a market‐driven economy in the twenty‐first century. The new journal will provide a platform for the development of new ideas and research on knowledge‐based innovation.
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Abstract
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Lucy Wenxiang Lu and Martin Edward Taylor
The purpose of this paper is to study the relationships among environmental performance (EP), environmental disclosure (ED), and financial performance (FP) (three corporate…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to study the relationships among environmental performance (EP), environmental disclosure (ED), and financial performance (FP) (three corporate constructs) using data from Newsweek’s green rankings.
Design/methodology/approach
Previous studies document mixed results about the relations among the three constructs. A firm’s overall management strategy may affect the three constructs simultaneously; therefore, the interrelationships among EP, ED, and FP were jointly examined. A simultaneous equations approach was used to test the hypothesis.
Findings
The three-stage least square (3SLS) estimation results show a negative relationship between EP and FP and a positive relationship between EP and ED, suggesting that financially successful firms are less likely good environmental performers but green firms are more likely to disclose their EP.
Research limitations/implications
Since the sample firms examined in this study are US large-size companies, the results found in this paper may not apply to small- and/or medium-size firms or to companies in other countries.
Practical implications
Three corporate constructs are jointly correlated with each one. A firm’s overall strategic plan on environmental engagement is likely reflected in how it engages in each of the constructs that affect costs and benefits. Sustainable efforts, in short term, may put firms at risk. Companies may need to take a long-term perspective when cutting costs is curtailed.
Originality/value
The research contributes to the ED and EP literature by using a 3SLS simultaneous equation method and analyzing a more recent and comprehensive multi-industry data. By controlling industry effect, the research investigates the interrelationships among three corporate constructs and finds interesting results. An interpretation and discussion are provided.
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Claudio Petti and Shujun Zhang
This study seeks to address the issue of the factors influencing Chinese enterprises technological entrepreneurship capabilities. This study is particularly relevant in light of…
Abstract
Purpose
This study seeks to address the issue of the factors influencing Chinese enterprises technological entrepreneurship capabilities. This study is particularly relevant in light of the driving role given to enterprises in the process of transforming China into an innovation‐oriented nation and leading science power.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper draws on a broad literature review, covering various theoretical fields in International as well as Chinese management literature, to develop an integrated research framework. Relying on a multi‐disciplinary and multi‐level approach, the framework highlights a number of internal processes and external network attributes, their interactions and moderating relationships as related to their impact on Chinese enterprises technological entrepreneurship capabilities and their contributions to business performance.
Findings
The paper offers an overview of the factors that affect technological entrepreneurship capabilities, with particular reference to Chinese enterprises. Also, the study highlights some understudied issues and points to a number of research directions of specific relevance for the Chinese context. In this aim, a number of theoretical propositions have been identified.
Originality/value
The paper provides an integrated multi‐disciplinary and multi‐level research framework that organizes the body of knowledge, scattered in different literature and contexts, in a state‐of‐the‐art piece of the research into technology entrepreneurship capabilities, as well as to identify more specific research questions, model, testable hypothesis and related studies that build on and add value to previous research.
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Francis R. Ille and Claude Chailan
The purpose of this paper is to compare how some firms from China and some from other emerging countries (EC) are using a variety of branding strategies to improve their global…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to compare how some firms from China and some from other emerging countries (EC) are using a variety of branding strategies to improve their global competitiveness. A total of 14 firms have been compared on criteria related to possible acquisition of foreign brands, development of local brands, personality of the leaders and in some cases use of ideological messages.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper is mostly based on case studies coming from literature, interviews from marketing executives of major enterprises from China or other EC. It is mainly exploratory in its approach.
Findings
The critical success factors for the competitiveness of emerging countries brands are either coming from the choice to create a local brand from scratch, to buy an existing famous brand, or to imitate successful foreign brands. Few strategic differences appear between Chinese firms and the ones from other EC. The factors explaining success or failure are linked to the type of industry and the way it relates to the country of origin effect, the level of marketing “maturity” as well as the personality and visibility of the entrepreneur.
Research limitations/implications
The study does not aim at being statistically representative, the firms which are selected may not be a full representation of Chinese firms branding strategy or from emerging nations.
Originality/value
The definition of the brand strategy for emerging countries firms is a relatively new subject and this study is a contribution to helping enterprises in finding the best approach as well as giving examples for academic studies on Chinese firms marketing efficiency.