Min-Chun Yu, Mark Goh, Hao-Yun Kao and Wen-Hsiung Wu
For entrepreneurship education issue, the purpose of this paper is to apply a novel four-step method of comparative education research and assessment items for university-based…
Abstract
Purpose
For entrepreneurship education issue, the purpose of this paper is to apply a novel four-step method of comparative education research and assessment items for university-based entrepreneurship ecosystems (U-BEEs), with a specific focus on universities in Taiwan and Singapore. In this paper, entrepreneurship education development is explored, and important implications for the further improvement of entrepreneurship education are provided.
Design/methodology/approach
This study is based on the comparative education research method and proceeds in four steps (i.e. description, interpretation, juxtaposition, and comparison). The U-BEE items are applied to exemplify the similarities and differences of the process by which entrepreneurship education developed in two universities each in Singapore (National University of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University) and Taiwan (National Taiwan University and National Tsing Hua University).
Findings
From the country-based standpoint, the findings include considering broader factors (i.e. history, education) in such a comparison of the similarities and differences among four universities, reflecting the reality in the Asian region and introducing the method application of comparative education research for the first time in entrepreneurship education. From holistic and specific perspectives of U-BEE, the findings consist of presenting similarities and differences based on the comparisons of each item and showing the classified findings.
Originality/value
This study provides helpful insights based on the perspectives of academics and practitioners. First, the authors urge the necessity of the theoretical base of teaching and learning in education when universities plan for entrepreneurship education. Second, the authors stress the critical impact of the government on the execution of entrepreneurship education in the higher education context.
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Ya Fen Tseng, Yen‐Chun Jim Wu, Wen‐Hsiung Wu and Chun‐Yu Chen
This study aims to investigate CSR‐related practices implemented by small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs), including their distinct opinions on CSR education.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate CSR‐related practices implemented by small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs), including their distinct opinions on CSR education.
Design/methodology/approach
A questionnaire survey was sent to 50 industrial participants from Kaohsiung, Taiwan, including large businesses and SMEs. Factor and ANOVA analyses were adopted in this study.
Findings
The results reveal that large enterprises place more emphasis on the importance of CSR education than SMEs, based on the number of employees, the amount of capital, and business volume. Interestingly, it was also found that there is a positive significant influence on concern for CSR issues, teaching approaches and courses, if a firm sets up a CSR department, has annual CSR reporting, implements CSR, and evaluates its performance.
Originality/value
Despite the critical role of SMEs in national economies, the existing literature on CSR has traditionally focused on large enterprises. This study provides an empirical, valuable step towards an investigation into CSR education for SMEs on three dimensions: CSR issues, CSR teaching approaches, and CSR courses. The findings also highlight individual strategies in shaping CSR programs in Taiwan.
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Chun‐Yu Chen, Yen‐Chun Jim Wu and Wen‐Hsiung Wu
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the co‐production of knowledge and dialogic relationships via the collaboration between business practitioners and academic researchers.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the co‐production of knowledge and dialogic relationships via the collaboration between business practitioners and academic researchers.
Design/methodology/approach
The motivations, expectations, communication processes, and final performance of those engaged in collaborative management research are explored by applying a two‐pronged methodology with a content analysis and an e‐mail survey. The authors conducted a content analysis on 136 articles identified out of a total of 2,029 articles from six leading journals during 2006‐2011 which fulfilled the criteria of being coauthored by both professors and practitioners. An e‐mail survey of six open questions was given to pre‐screened authors in the first stage to investigate the in‐depth dialogue processes and stories of these collaborations.
Findings
The results revealed that collaboration topics of interest focused mostly on organizational behavior, business policy, and strategy, and that theoretical inquiry and case study were the most used research methods. According to the 68 valid returned e‐mail surveys, the providing of consulting services by professors in firms plays a critical role in facilitating knowledge co‐creation between practice and knowing. The findings also highlight key factors of sustainable co‐production relationships.
Originality/value
This study provides an empirical, valuable step towards an investigation into the co‐creation dialogue experiences of practitioners and academics in three dimensions: purpose, procedure, and promise.
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Chin‐Fu Ho, Wen‐Hsiung Wu and Yi‐Ming Tai
Given the significant impact of implementing enterprise resources planning (ERP), managerial adaptation of ERP offers a useful method of further maximizing the benefits of this…
Abstract
Given the significant impact of implementing enterprise resources planning (ERP), managerial adaptation of ERP offers a useful method of further maximizing the benefits of this system. This study employs a technology adaptation perspective and case research methodology to examine three dimensions of alignment between organization and ERP system. Four medium size electronic component manufacturers are selected, which are typical of domestic companies that could afford and implement ERP. From the findings of the case study, this research attempts to build a theoretical model of prescribing management strategies for implementing ERP. The findings indicated that the requirement for successful alignment between the system and organization falls into two categories. The alignment issues in the two categories help explain the working of process integration in the organization and also how to reduce the alignment gap. To summarize, this study proposes an adaptation framework containing a set of propositions and hypotheses to delineate the relevant research issues.
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Yu-Chi Wu, Chin-Shih Tsai, Hsiao-Wen Hsiung and Kuan-Ying Chen
– The purpose of this paper is to develop an instrument to measure service competencies and explore the relationship between service competencies and service quality.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to develop an instrument to measure service competencies and explore the relationship between service competencies and service quality.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were gathered from 207 frontline employees (FLEs). A confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to examine the goodness-of-fit of the FLE service competence scale. Further, the partial least squares technique was used to analyze the data gathered from 252 customers to clarify the relationship between service competencies and perceived service quality.
Findings
The results indicate that the instrument demonstrated high reliability, stable dimensionality and predictable relationships with service quality within the nomological network of service competencies. Moreover, the results provide evidence for the position that FLE interpersonal competencies are positively associated with the service quality dimensions of reliability, responsiveness, assurance and empathy, and that FLE professional competencies are positively associated with reliability and assurance of service quality.
Research limitations/implications
The study has limited generalizability given the convenience sample and the wide variety of service industries. Implications regarding which specific FLE service competencies FLEs should focus on to enhance specific customer perceptions of service quality are also discussed.
Originality/value
The present paper contributes specifically to understanding how service competencies of FLEs can influence consumers’ perceived service quality, and developing an instrument to measure service competencies.
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Rüdiger Hahn and Daniel Reimsbach
In this viewpoint, the authors aim to discuss sustainability issues in university education. Balancing what we call the “Accounting View” and the “Sustainability View”, the…
Abstract
Purpose
In this viewpoint, the authors aim to discuss sustainability issues in university education. Balancing what we call the “Accounting View” and the “Sustainability View”, the authors illuminate the status of value relevance of sustainability information and question the depth of business students' processing of this information.
Design/methodology/approach
The discussion was triggered by an experimental study on sustainability disclosure which revealed interesting findings related to the participating students' prior sustainability and accounting coursework. The authors start the viewpoint from these findings and contrast them with existing views on sustainability and accounting (education).
Findings
The amount of accounting coursework was positively related to the probability of including sustainability information in future stock value estimates, whereas this applied only marginally to sustainability coursework. However, students with more sophisticated sustainability knowledge seemed to scrutinize the given sustainability information more deeply, while students with “pure” accounting knowledge seemed more willing to simply accept the information.
Practical implications
The authors argue for advancements in the curriculum for business students that foster critical thinking and might prevent students (and thus potential future managers) from using sustainability information superficially. The authors caution against regarding sustainability issues as an “add-on” to existing courses and curricula and call for a combination of integrating sustainability issues in (core) business courses and offering standalone courses on sustainability management or CSR.
Originality/value
Triggered by findings from an experimental study, the authors contrast different opinions on sustainability education of business students and offer a new viewpoint on the (supposed) value relevance of sustainability information for future business leaders.