Katherina Kuschel, Francisco Cotapos, Miguel-Ángel González and Nestor U. Salcedo
The purpose of this paper is to study and identify the four core management principles of the POLC management framework: planning, organizing, leading and controlling. In…
Abstract
Learning outcomes
The purpose of this paper is to study and identify the four core management principles of the POLC management framework: planning, organizing, leading and controlling. In particular, students are expected to understand that the classical conceptual frameworks used in strategic management are useful and valid for the planning principle in tech startups.
Case overview/synopsis
This case study presents the story of Tomás Pollak, founder and CEO of Prey, a software company dedicated to tracking stolen mobile devices. It covers a period of six years beginning at the foundation of the company in 2009 and up to 2015, when the company faced the choice of entering into an alliance with a government agency: The Investigations Police of Chile (PDI or Policía de Investigaciones de Chile). Tomás faced the decision of either going through with the alliance, while dealing with the dire need of recruiting and retaining company talent. This case highlights several management challenges and common strategies faced by entrepreneurs and is intended to spark a class discussion about how the relevance of these management concepts in the context of startups.
Complexity academic level
Undergraduate, MBA or Post-Graduate courses: Entrepreneurship, Venture Creation, Tech Ventures / Startups / Scaleups, Management / Corporate Management / Business Administration, Strategy.
Supplementary materials
Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.
Subject code
CSS 3: Entrepreneurship.
Details
Keywords
Miguel Angel González, Luis Quezada and Pedro Palominos
The purpose of this paper is to design a method or process that relates dynamic environmental conditions with the strategic objectives present in a company’s strategy map, thereby…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to design a method or process that relates dynamic environmental conditions with the strategic objectives present in a company’s strategy map, thereby allowing rapid analysis and the generation of new strategies that the company can adopt in a timely manner in order to maintain and/or improve its competitive position in the market.
Design/methodology/approach
One training session and three workshops were run involving the company staff. The intervention team reviewed and analyzed the results achieved and prepared the final presentation. Finally, they were asked to evaluate the intervention methodology with respect to usefulness and ease of use.
Findings
The developed methodology allows companies to obtain a broader vision of their future prospects. The executives’ participation in the process provided them a vision and understanding of the most relevant and sensitive variables of their environment.
Research limitations/implications
The proposed methodology is easy to use. It provides a simple and agile mechanism to adapt the strategy of an organization to the changes in the market and environment.
Social implications
This process will provide social benefit for the global community, from both a methodological perspective and a practical one, as it will provide a tool that will positively impact competitiveness and quality of life for workers and the wider community.
Originality/value
This paper allows the identification of the possible scenarios and their incorporation into a strategy map, which may help companies deal with the changes in their competitive environment. The strategy maps generated for each of the scenarios provide useful information with respect to presented events.
Propósito
el objetivo de este documento es diseñar un método o proceso que relacione las condiciones ambientales dinámicas con los objetivos estratégicos presentes en el mapa estratégico de la empresa, permitiendo un análisis y la rápida generación de las nuevas estrategias que la empresa pueda adoptar de manera oportuna en para mantener y/o mejorar su posición competitiva en el mercado.
Diseño/metodología/enfoque
se realizó una sesión de capacitación y tres talleres en los que participó el personal de la empresa. El equipo de intervención revisó y analizó los resultados logrados y preparó la presentación final. Finalmente, se les pidió a los ejecutivos de las empresas intervenidas que evaluaran la metodología de intervención con respecto a la utilidad y facilidad de uso.
Resultados
la metodología desarrollada permite a las empresas obtener una visión más amplia de sus perspectivas futuras. La participación de los ejecutivos en el proceso les proporcionó una visión y comprensión de las variables más relevantes y sensibles de su entorno.
Limitaciones/implicaciones de la investigación
la metodología propuesta es fácil de usar. Proporciona un mecanismo simple y ágil para adaptar la estrategia de una organización a los cambios en el mercado y el entorno.
Implicaciones sociales
este proceso proporcionará beneficios sociales para toda la comunidad, tanto desde una perspectiva metodológica como práctica, ya que proporcionará una herramienta que tendrá un impacto positivo en la competitividad y la calidad de vida de los trabajadores y la comunidad en general.
Originalidad/valor
este documento permite identificar posibles escenarios y su incorporación en un mapa estratégico, lo que puede ayudar a las empresas a lidiar con los cambios en su entorno competitivo. Los mapas estratégicos generados para cada uno de los escenarios brindan información útil con respecto a los eventos presentados.
Details
Keywords
Luis Quintana-Romero, Miguel Ángel Mendoza-González and José Álvarez-García
Tourism is Mexico's largest source of foreign exchange, only surpassed by remittances and foreign direct investment, and is one of the most wealth-generating economic activities…
Abstract
Tourism is Mexico's largest source of foreign exchange, only surpassed by remittances and foreign direct investment, and is one of the most wealth-generating economic activities in the country. However, measures to mitigate the Covid-19 pandemic – such as the suspension of flights and strict restrictions on people's mobility – have caused great economic damage to the tourism industry, and with it, to large regions in the country. This chapter aims to determine the national and regional impacts of Covid-19 on Mexican tourism and analyze potential recovery scenarios. To this end, the study looks at tourism performance in Mexico in 2020 and compares it to the experience of the H1N1 influenza epidemic of 2009. The methodology uses a spatial econometric model to simulate potential impacts and prospective recovery scenarios. Finally, recommendations for tourism policy consider new trends in tourism, namely the rise in tourism advertising through digital platforms, the surge in domestic, rural and environmental tourism, and the development of a more informed, demanding and selective consumer.
Details
Keywords
Enrique González-Muñoz, Miguel Ángel Gallardo-Vigil and José Gutiérrez-Pérez
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.
Abstract
Purpose
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.
Design/methodology/approach
“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.
Findings
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.
Originality/value
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.
Details
Keywords
Lino Gonzalez-Garcia, Gema González-Carreño, Ana María Rivas Machota, Juan Padilla Fernández-Vega, Miguel-Angel Sicilia and Fernando Ortiz-Rodriguez
Miguel Ángel Caminero, Ana Romero Gutiérrez, Jesús Miguel Chacón, Eustaquio García-Plaza and Pedro José Núñez
The extrusion-based additive manufacturing method followed by debinding and sintering steps can produce metal parts efficiently at a relatively low cost and material wastage. In…
Abstract
Purpose
The extrusion-based additive manufacturing method followed by debinding and sintering steps can produce metal parts efficiently at a relatively low cost and material wastage. In this study, 316L stainless-steel metal filled filaments were used to print metal parts using the extrusion-based fused filament fabrication (FFF) approach. The purpose of this study is to assess the effects of common FFF printing parameters on the geometric and mechanical performance of FFF manufactured 316L stainless-steel components.
Design/methodology/approach
The microstructural characteristics of the metal filled filament, three-dimensional (3D) printed green parts and final sintered parts were analysed. In addition, the dimensional accuracy of the green parts was evaluated, as well as the hardness, tensile properties, relative density, part shrinkage and the porosity of the sintered samples. Moreover, surface quality in terms of surface roughness after sintering was assessed. Predictive models based on artificial neural networks (ANNs) were used for characterizing dimensional accuracy, shrinkage, surface roughness and density. Additionally, the response surface method based on ANNs was applied to represent the behaviour of these parameters and to identify the optimum 3D printing conditions.
Findings
The effects of the FFF process parameters such as build orientation and nozzle diameter were significant. The pore distribution was strongly linked to the build orientation and printing strategy. Furthermore, porosity decreased with increased nozzle diameter, which increased mechanical performance. In contrast, lower nozzle diameters achieved lower roughness values and average deviations. Thus, it should be noted that the modification of process parameters to achieve greater geometrical accuracy weakened mechanical performance.
Originality/value
Near-dense 316L austenitic stainless-steel components using FFF technology were successfully manufactured. This study provides print guidelines and further information regarding the impact of FFF process parameters on the mechanical, microstructural and geometric performance of 3D printed 316L components.
Details
Keywords
Miguel Ángel Caminero, Ana Romero, Jesús Miguel Chacón, Pedro José Núñez, Eustaquio García-Plaza and Gloria Patricia Rodríguez
Fused filament fabrication (FFF) technique using metal filled filaments in combination with debinding and sintering steps can be a cost-effective alternative for laser-based…
Abstract
Purpose
Fused filament fabrication (FFF) technique using metal filled filaments in combination with debinding and sintering steps can be a cost-effective alternative for laser-based powder bed fusion processes. The mechanical behaviour of FFF-metal materials is highly dependent on the processing parameters, filament quality and adjusted post-processing steps. In addition, the microstructural material properties and geometric characteristics are inherent to the manufacturing process. The purpose of this study is to characterize the mechanical and geometric performance of three-dimensional (3-D) printed FFF 316 L metal components manufactured by a low-cost desktop 3-D printer. The debinding and sintering processes are carried out using the BASF catalytic debinding process in combination with the BASF 316LX Ultrafuse filament. Special attention is paid on the effects of build orientation and printing strategy of the FFF-based technology on the tensile and geometric performance of the 3-D printed 316 L metal specimens.
Design/methodology/approach
This study uses a toolset of experimental analysis techniques [metallography and scanning electron microcope (SEM)] to characterize the effect of microstructure and defects on the material properties under tensile testing. Shrinkage and the resulting porosity of the 3-D printed 316 L stainless steel sintered samples are also analysed. The deformation behaviour is investigated for three different build orientations. The tensile test curves are further correlated with the damage surface using SEM images and metallographic sections to present grain deformation during the loading progress. Mechanical properties are directly compared to other works in the field and similar additive manufacturing (AM) and Metal Injection Moulding (MIM) manufacturing alternatives from the literature.
Findings
It has been shown that the effect of build orientation was of particular significance on the mechanical and geometric performance of FFF-metal 3-D printed samples. In particular, Flat and On-edge samples showed an average increase in tensile performance of 21.7% for the tensile strength, 65.1% for the tensile stiffness and 118.3% for maximum elongation at fracture compared to the Upright samples. Furthermore, it has been able to manufacture near-dense 316 L austenitic stainless steel components using FFF. These properties are comparable to those obtained by other metal conventional processes such as MIM process.
Originality/value
316L austenitic stainless steel components using FFF technology with a porosity lower than 2% were successfully manufactured. The presented study provides more information regarding the dependence of the mechanical, microstructural and geometric properties of FFF 316 L components on the build orientation and printing strategy.
Details
Keywords
José Valverde-Roda, Salvador Moral-Cuadra, Minerva Aguilar-Rivero and Miguel Ángel Solano-Sánchez
This paper aims to replicate a model already proven in previous research in this field. This will make it possible to explain the possible relationships that may occur among the…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to replicate a model already proven in previous research in this field. This will make it possible to explain the possible relationships that may occur among the motivations, perceived value, satisfaction and loyalty of the tourist towards the Alhambra and Generalife inscribed as World Heritage Site (WHS) in 1984.
Design/methodology/approach
From a dataset containing 1,612 surveys, a model a model based on structural equations has been carried out through SmartPLS software, focus the analysis on the model dependent variables’ predictive power, as well as the size of the effect and the statistical inference of the structural relationships.
Findings
The main conclusions include the influence of perceived value on satisfaction as well as the influence of the latter on loyalty. it is remarkable the effect that the perceived value has on satisfaction, and satisfaction on loyalty. This implies that a positive assessment of world heritage destinations leads a subsequent loyalty to them.
Practical implications
The results obtained in this research can be used as a starting point for the establishment of new strategies for the promotion of the destination in terms of tourism and heritage.
Originality/value
The inclusion in the list of WHS is recognition in terms of material and historical quality, as well as a stimulus for tourism because it increases the number of visits to the destination. Several studies carried out in these types of destinations have shown the existence of a relationship between motivations, perceived value, satisfaction and loyalty. However, there are no previous studies carried out in the Alhambra and the Generalife that sustain this relationship. This work makes a contribution that completes the academic literature on the study of the emotional bonds between the historical and monumental heritage and the tourist who visits it and its behaviour.