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Article
Publication date: 1 October 2004

Stephen Ball, Judith Mudd, Marie Oxley, Mike Pinnock, Hazel Qureshi and Elinor Nicholas

This paper explores how a research‐based understanding of outcomes in social care can be incorporated into practice. Drawing on research by the Social Policy Research Unit and the…

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Abstract

This paper explores how a research‐based understanding of outcomes in social care can be incorporated into practice. Drawing on research by the Social Policy Research Unit and the practical experience of North Lincolnshire Social Services Department, this paper highlights how culture change and the involvement of stakeholders are key to using outcomes ideas as a motivational framework for service improvement.

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Journal of Integrated Care, vol. 12 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1476-9018

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Article
Publication date: 9 July 2020

Louis Raymond, François Bergeron, Anne-Marie Croteau, Ana Ortiz de Guinea and Sylvestre Uwizeyemungu

As purveyors of knowledge-based and high value-added services to the manufacturing sector, industrial service small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) must develop the…

946

Abstract

Purpose

As purveyors of knowledge-based and high value-added services to the manufacturing sector, industrial service small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) must develop the information technology (IT) capabilities that, in combination with other non-IT capabilities, enable their capacity for organizational learning (OL) and for explorative learning in particular. In this context, this study aims to identify the different causal configurations that account for the nonlinear complex interplay of IT capabilities for exploration and strategic capabilities for explorative learning as they affect these firms’ competitive performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data obtained from 92 industrial service SMEs were analyzed with a configurational approach, using fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA).

Findings

As it allows for equifinality, the fsQCA analysis identified two sets of causal configurations that characterize the sampled firms’ explorative learning capability as it relates to competitive performance. In the first set, two configurations were equally associated with high innovation performance, whereas in the second set, four configurations were equally associated with high productivity.

Originality/value

By viewing explorative learning as a dynamic capability that is enabled by the firm’s IT and strategic capabilities, the study contributes to OL theory by providing a more concrete or “operational” grounding, which allows for a greater practical applicability of this theory. By taking both the configurational and capability-based views of the OL-IT-performance causal framework, the authors provide an empirical basis for unraveling, explaining and understanding the complex non-linear relationships embedded within this framework.

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Journal of Knowledge Management, vol. 24 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1367-3270

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Article
Publication date: 11 September 2007

Anne Marie Doherty

International retail companies, and fashion retailers in particular, are increasingly moving into international markets through the franchise mode of operation. Supporting…

3831

Abstract

Purpose

International retail companies, and fashion retailers in particular, are increasingly moving into international markets through the franchise mode of operation. Supporting franchisees is a fundamental aspect of the international retail franchise process and is crucial to its success, yet it remains significantly under‐researched. The current work aims to address this research gap.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative case study analysis of UK‐based fashion retailers' international franchise support mechanisms is provided.

Findings

The paper determines that international retail franchise support mechanisms can be classified on two levels, that is, strategic franchise management support and operational franchise support. The franchise manual, development plans and the monitoring of financial data are identified as the main strategic level support mechanisms, with operational support mechanisms identified as support for initial store opening, visits, merchandise range reviews, marketing and advertising and training. Two factors that facilitate the implementation of support, that is, the size of the international Franchise Division and international franchising experience, are also identified in the conceptual framework offered.

Practical implications

The paper offers very practical guidance to managers of those retail firms considering franchising as an international entry method and those already operating in the international environment. Franchisees can also glean insights on the support they should expect from franchisors.

Originality/value

While support is fundamental to the success of an international retail franchise venture, academic research on the topic is minimal. This paper therefore makes an original contribution to the developing literature on international retail franchising but also takes a very practical perspective on a pivotal element of the international retail franchise process.

Details

International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management, vol. 35 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-0552

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Abstract

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Inside Major East Asian Library Collections in North America, Volume 1
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80262-234-8

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Book part
Publication date: 12 July 2016

Abstract

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Accountability and Social Responsibility: International Perspectives
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78635-384-9

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Book part
Publication date: 14 November 2016

Robert H. Herz

Abstract

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More Accounting Changes
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78635-629-1

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Article
Publication date: 1 November 2006

Anne Marie Doherty and Nicholas Alexander

As international retailers continue to employ franchising as a major method of market entry, the control of these international retail franchise networks becomes of significant…

8013

Abstract

Purpose

As international retailers continue to employ franchising as a major method of market entry, the control of these international retail franchise networks becomes of significant importance. The aim of this paper is to examine the methods by which UK‐based international fashion franchisors control franchisees and their international franchise businesses.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper employs a qualitative methodology and a multiple case design. Six UK‐based fashion retailers with international franchise operations form the empirical basis of the study.

Findings

The franchise contract, support mechanisms, franchise partner selection, the franchise relationship and the use of master/area franchising were found to be the major methods by which international retail franchisors exert control over their franchise networks. While coercive and non‐coercive sources of power were identified in the form of the franchise contract and support mechanisms, the paper also identifies sources of relationship power and organisational power.

Practical implications

The paper provides practical information to existing international franchisors and those firms considering the move into the international marketplace via the franchise mode of operation. By highlighting additional sources of power in the form of organisational and relationship power, franchisors are offered further means by which to control their international businesses than hitherto identified in the international franchise literature.

Originality/value

Traditional franchise research suggests that there is a dichotomy in the sources of power available to franchisors, that is, coercive or non‐coercive sources of power. While acknowledging the existence and importance of these sources of power and their related methods of control, this paper adds further dimensions to the academic debate by introducing relationship power and organisational power. Therefore, franchise partner selection, the franchise relationship and the use of master/area franchising emerge from the qualitative findings as further control mechanisms available to international retail franchisors.

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European Journal of Marketing, vol. 40 no. 11/12
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0309-0566

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Article
Publication date: 22 June 2010

Ann‐Marie Kennedy

This historical narrative aims to analyse the changes in shop trading hour laws in New Zealand, to explore the reasons behind the acceptance of Sunday trading. It compares New…

663

Abstract

Purpose

This historical narrative aims to analyse the changes in shop trading hour laws in New Zealand, to explore the reasons behind the acceptance of Sunday trading. It compares New Zealand's experience with the USA and the UK.

Design/methodology/approach

A historical methodology was used in this paper. Historical methods used to collect the data which form this historical narrative include document analysis, literature reviews and in‐depth interviews.

Findings

The narrative uncovers that New Zealand more closely mirrors the experience of the UK with Sunday trading laws, however, less emphasis on religious aspects of the law may have contributed to New Zealand's acceptance of the law before the UK.

Research limitations/implications

The historical narrative focuses on New Zealand with a less in‐depth discussion of the USA and the UK. Further historical narratives into these other countries would allow for a deeper comparison between countries.

Originality/value

Sunday trading is seen as out of the ordinary in many parts of the world and New Zealand was one of the earliest countries to introduce it. This paper explores how New Zealand came to introduce Sunday trading after the USA, but before its forebear – the UK.

Details

International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management, vol. 38 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-0552

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Article
Publication date: 7 October 2013

Sencer Ecer and Salman Khalid

The purpose of this paper is to empirically demonstrate that drivers of venture capital (VC) investments are different across three broadly defined sectors: high-technology…

349

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to empirically demonstrate that drivers of venture capital (VC) investments are different across three broadly defined sectors: high-technology manufacturing, medium-technology manufacturing and services, and low-technology services. Moreover, such differences also exist across industries within each of these sectors.

Design/methodology/approach

The basic hypothesis is that “not only different stages of VC investments have different drivers, but VC investments in different sectors of the economy are also driven by different drivers.” The paper tests this hypothesis using a Poterba (1989) type supply and demand framework in the multivariate time-series regression analysis.

Findings

This paper empirically demonstrates that drivers of VC investments are different across three broadly defined sectors: high-technology manufacturing, medium-technology manufacturing and services, and low-technology services. Moreover, such differences also exist by stages of investment and across industries within each of these sectors. In particular, the paper finds that the importance of the number of VC-led initial public offering (IPO) transactions as the main driver of VC investment decreases with the level of technology involved in the sector. IPO transactions are particularly important in software, networking and equipment, and business products and services industries. In contrast to earlier literature, however, the paper do not find a more pronounced effect of IPOs for seed and late stages of VC investments. Similarly, the positive impact Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 – which mainly impacts public companies – also intensifies with a decrease in the level of technology involved in the sector, and the paper do not find a negative impact. The Act is important particularly for VC investments in medium- and low-tech sectors and in early or expansion stages.

Originality/value

In analyzing the determinants of VC in a supply and demand framework as in Poterba (1989), the paper differentiates between different sectors (17 industries) and stages of VC (four stages: seed, early, expansion, late). Such level of differentiation is novel and allows more refined and better targeted public policy measures.

Details

Journal of Entrepreneurship and Public Policy, vol. 2 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2045-2101

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Article
Publication date: 14 November 2008

Marie‐Josée Roy

Although board expertise has been identified as an important determinant of board performance, some surveys are still reporting that the overall level of board expertise is

937

Abstract

Purpose

Although board expertise has been identified as an important determinant of board performance, some surveys are still reporting that the overall level of board expertise is insufficient to carry out current and emerging roles. Consequently, companies must ensure that board members have the required skills and knowledge. This study aims to examine three board processes aimed at developing and improving board expertise.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on disclosures in the corporate governance guidelines of 100 leading US companies, the study focuses on three board processes, i.e. director nominations, orientation and education programs, and board performance evaluations.

Findings

Based on the initial findings, it is found that most companies in the sample were in compliance with stock exchange requirements and provided information on director nominations, orientation and education programs and board performance evaluations. All too often, however, the companies disclosed generic, non‐specific information; this provides little reassurance that the proper processes are in place to promote companies' long‐term interests.

Research limitations/implications

By examining these key board processes, the paper contributes to the governance literature by providing empirical evidence on this important topic and offering guidance to companies examining board processes aimed at improving directors' overall expertise.

Originality/value

By focusing on disclosures in corporate governance guidelines, the authors also gain insight into decisions made by companies under increased pressure from securities regulators and other stakeholders to provide increased transparency on governance issues.

Details

Measuring Business Excellence, vol. 12 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1368-3047

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