Access to Finance for High-Tech SMEs: Regional Differences in China

2009 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 246-262 ◽  
Author(s):  
Li Xiao ◽  
Bob Ritchie
Keyword(s):  
Regional Development ◽  
Regional Differences ◽  
High Tech ◽  
Eastern Region ◽  
Government Officials ◽  
Senior Managers ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Policy Initiatives ◽  
Development Cycle ◽  
Three Stages

Differences exist in the pace of regional development in China between the richer Eastern coastal and poorer Western regions. These differences may result from the relative success of national and regional policy initiatives or more simply the ability of businesses to access finance. High-tech businesses are being encouraged by China's government as a means of rebalancing regional development from the existing physical resource-intensive industries. In this paper we examine the experiences of high-tech small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in relation to securing finance, evaluating the experiences at the three stages in their development. The empirical evidence, based on seventy-four face-to-face interviews with owners and senior managers of high-tech SMEs and on nine with bank and government officials, facilitates a comparison of the two study regions, Guangdong and Guangxi provinces. The findings indicate significant differences in the availability and nature of financial sources between the two regions. Firms in the more-developed Eastern region experience access to a wider range of funds from both formal and informal sources than their counterparts in the less-developed Western region. Although this was evident at all three stages of the business development cycle, it was more significant during the earlier stages of development. The consequences of such a disparity in financial sources may lead to further exacerbation of the regional differences and hence prove counterproductive in seeking to develop a more balanced strategy of economic development. We conclude by discussing the prospects for improving this present situation through policy initiatives.

scholarly journals Factors Determining the Efficiency of Slovak Public Procurement

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-68 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matus Grega ◽  
Marta Orviska ◽  
Juraj Nemec ◽  
Colin Lawson
Keyword(s):  
Public Procurement ◽  
Government Officials ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Second Stage ◽  
The Core ◽  
Three Stages ◽  
Last Stage ◽  
Main Factors ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Depth Interviews

AbstractMany studies analyse factors (such as corruption, competitiveness, transaction costs), which are influencing public procurement efficiency. The purpose of this paper is to find out, what the main factors are in Slovakia that are influencing public procurement efficiency, and based on our analysis, we will also estimate what is the impact of each factor on the efficiency of public procurement in Slovakia.The research for this paper was executed in three stages. We began with a small number of face-to-face in-depth interviews with specialist procurement advisors to contracting authorities. In the second stage, we created draft questionnaires for contracting authorities and for suppliers, and once we tested questionnaires, it was sent to 13,571 suppliers and to 4,300 contracting authorities. In the last stage, we used various types of analyses to examine identified factors.There is significant agreement between suppliers and contractors that the two main factors causing inefficiencies are excessive bureaucracy and corruption or other ethical shortcomings. It is shown that insufficient competition, and the excessive use of the lowest price criterion for selecting winning bids, add further inefficiencies. Savings are greatest when there are between 6 and 8 bidders. E-auctions generally produce larger savings than more traditional methods, but Slovak procurement procedures are costly, compared to most other EU states.This paper contributes to the understanding of what are the core factors which may influence public procurement efficiency. It also provides valuable information for government officials on how to change public procurement rules in order to achieve higher efficiency.

Organizational-economic mechanism of regional development of high-tech engineering

2018 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
pp. 3-9
Author(s):  
M. S. Abrashkin
Keyword(s):  
Regional Development ◽  
Regional Economy ◽  
Machine Building ◽  
High Tech ◽  
Regional Competitiveness ◽  
Theoretical Justification ◽  
Economic Mechanism ◽  
The Impact

The article presents a study on the assessment of the impact of science-intensive machine building on the development of the regional economy and increasing its competitiveness. Based on the analysis of foreign sources, a theoretical justification was given for increasing the regional competitiveness of the economy. The tools of regional support of enterprises of science-intensive machine building and the model of the organizational and economic mechanism for regional development of science-intensive machine building were proposed. It has been proven that the development of science-intensive machine building influences the competitiveness of the region. 

scholarly journals Green Agricultural Development Based on Information Communication Technology and the Panel Space Measurement Model

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 1147
Author(s):  
Xueyao Zhang ◽  
Hong Chen
Keyword(s):  
Communication Technology ◽  
Regional Differences ◽  
Agricultural Development ◽  
Least Squares Method ◽  
Information Communication Technology ◽  
Measurement Model ◽  
Eastern Region ◽  
Information Communication ◽  
The Government ◽  
Space Measurement

This study was conducted to promote the construction of China’s ecological civilization; to reduce harm to the environment; to quantify the performance of agricultural green development (GD); and to truly achieve green, sustainable, and healthy agricultural development. From the perspectives of resources and the environment, first, information communication technology and the panel space measurement (PSM) model were adopted to analyze relevant indicator data from 2000 to 2019 in China’s 30 provinces. Second, China’s agriculture was measured to explore the overall characteristics, temporal changes, and regional differences of agricultural development. A panel data measurement model was constructed using the generalized least squares method, and the main factors affecting performance development were analyzed, which were verified by giving examples. Third, the governance countermeasures and improvement directors were proposed for agricultural GD in China. It is found that the driving force of performance of agricultural GD in China mainly depends on technological progress and that technological efficiency determines the speed of agricultural development. The regional differences in performance of agricultural GD are obvious in China. The growth in the performance of agricultural GD in the eastern region is much higher than that of the central, western, and northeast regions. In addition, the results show that the performance of agricultural GD is extremely positively correlated with the agricultural economic level, fiscal support for agriculture policy, and the industrialization process and that it is extremely negatively correlated with the level of opening-up, adjustment of agricultural structure, and the environmental regulatory capability of the government. As a result, this study can provide some ideas for the realization of agriculture GD in China.

scholarly journals Comprehensive Evaluation of the Provincial Sustainable Tourismization Level in China and Its Temporal and Spatial Differences

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (18) ◽  
pp. 10475
Author(s):  
Yuwei He ◽  
Hui Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Regional Differences ◽  
Comprehensive Evaluation ◽  
Temporal Distribution ◽  
Entropy Method ◽  
Evaluation Index System ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
Theil Index ◽  
Eastern Region ◽  
Development Mode ◽  
Policy And Strategy

Sustainable tourismization is a favorable development mode and pathway for the promotion of the coordinated development of the economy, society, and ecology. Based on the connotations of tourismization, a comprehensive evaluation index system of sustainable tourismization was constructed. This system consists of three dimensions: consumption tourismization, spatial tourismization, and industrial tourismization. The level, spatial, and temporal distribution characteristics, and differences in sustainable tourismization among China’s provinces from 2009 to 2018 were measured and analyzed using the improved entropy method, the Theil index, a spatial autocorrelation analysis, and other methods. It was found that the level of provincial sustainable tourismization in China has steadily increased over time, with the eastern region taking the lead. The overall differences and inter-regional differences in terms of the provincial sustainable tourismization level have generally decreased year-by-year. The intraregional differences within the eastern region were found to be the largest, and the rate of contribution of inter-regional differences to overall differences was shown to decrease gradually, while the rate of contribution of intraregional differences within the western region increased gradually. A positive spatial correlation in the provincial sustainable tourismization level was identified, and the spatial agglomeration effect showed an increasing trend. The spatial dependence was mainly characterized by “high–high” (HH) agglomeration, showing a ladder difference of “higher in the east and lower in the west”. The results of this study were used to identify where emphasis should be placed in terms of policy and strategy.

A multiple criteria group decision-making approach for the assessment of small and medium-sized enterprise competitiveness

2019 ◽  
Vol 57 (2) ◽  
pp. 480-500 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joana M. Gonçalves ◽  
Fernando A.F. Ferreira ◽  
João J.M. Ferreira ◽  
Luís M.C. Farinha
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Evaluation System ◽  
Cognitive Mapping ◽  
Assessment System ◽  
Senior Managers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Decision Making Processes ◽  
Constructivist Epistemology ◽  
Study Context

PurposeSmall- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have become increasingly important in national and international markets because they contribute to the development of local and national economies. SMEs often face serious challenges when competing with multinational companies. The purpose of this paper is to develop a method for assessing SMEs’ competitiveness.Design/methodology/approachBased on a constructivist epistemology, this study makes an integrated use of cognitive mapping and the measuring attractiveness by a categorical-based evaluation technique (MACBETH). To this end, face-to-face sessions were conducted with a panel of entrepreneurs and senior managers who deal with the challenges of maintaining SME competitiveness every day. The proposed assessment system was tested and validated by the panel members.FindingsThe methodological processes adopted in this study provide promising results for decision makers seeking to identify the most competitive SMEs. Specifically, the results emphasize, among other points, the importance of innovation and the human dimension to gaining competitive advantages.Research limitations/implicationsThe evaluation system developed in this study is extremely versatile and confirms the usefulness of integrating cognitive mapping and MACBETH to facilitate evaluations of SME competitiveness. However, due to its idiosyncratic and process-oriented nature, generalizations need to be done with caution.Practical implicationsThe proposed method can be valuable to researchers seeking to develop mechanisms for evaluating SMEs’ entrepreneurial performance and include specialized know-how and sensemaking in organizational decision-making processes.Originality/valueThe integrated use of cognitive maps and MACBETH contributes to a better understanding of how to assess SMEs’ competitiveness. No prior work reporting the use of this dual methodology in this study context has been found.

scholarly journals Human Resources Readiness for Industry 4.0

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jaroslav Vrchota ◽  
Monika Mařiková ◽  
Petr Řehoř ◽  
Ladislav Rolínek ◽  
Radek Toušek
Keyword(s):  
Czech Republic ◽  
Industry 4.0 ◽  
Computer Skills ◽  
High Tech ◽  
Eastern Region ◽  
The European Union ◽  
The Czech Republic ◽  
Internet Connection ◽  
Catch Up ◽  
The Eu

Industry 4.0 is related to major changes, particularly in production. As such changes might have major implications for the labour market; the paper focuses on the assumptions of the human capital and its preparedness for Industry 4.0 in the Czech Republic. The findings are based on EUROSTAT, MEYS, OECD, ISCED, CZSO, and WEF. Based on such data, twelve indicators were selected and described in the results. Subsequently, the correlation analysis was carried out, using the data of the Czech Republic in order to estimate which indicators are related and thus to obtain a more detailed view of areas that need to be improved. The level of computer skills in the Czech Republic are increasing. Internet connection is around 80%. The share of technical workers in the Czech Republic is in the range of 30–40%. In terms of expenditure on education, the Czech Republic belongs to the countries of the eastern region. The number of graduates of technical professions managed to catch up with the development of the European Union (EU). In terms of employment in High-tech and Medium-high-tech areas, the Czech Republic is one of the leaders in the EU. Czech students have great potential in basic computer skills.

scholarly journals Motivators of MBWA and Communicational Factors behind Them: A Case Study on a Korean Shipyard

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 29
Author(s):  
Yeo Kwon ◽  
Hun Park ◽  
Hyuk Hahn ◽  
Ilhyung Lee ◽  
Taehoon Kwon
Keyword(s):  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Management Strategy ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Senior Managers ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Upward Communication ◽  
Organizational Theories ◽  
Management By Walking Around ◽  
Research Analysis

This study was conducted with a team of senior managers at a Korean shipyard in an effort to elicit particular motivators for implementing management by walking around (MBWA). To identify the key motivators and communication issues associated with them, a theoretical framework was produced based on the key tensions of social psychology of communication and upward communication as well as modern organizational theories. For this qualitative research analysis, 12 semi-structured interviews were conducted face-to-face with the executives; the data were then supplemented by five field observations during MBWAs at the shipyard. Coding frame was used to organize modal salient themes for thematic analysis. The organizational and individual motivators identified were then analyzed in-depth to elicit communicational factors underlying these motivators. While identifying 10 salient motivators as organizing themes, the research concludes that MBWA is a contingent management strategy intended to promote upward communication within organizations.

Audit roles and the review process: workpaper preparers’ and reviewers’ differing perspectives

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (4) ◽  
pp. 438-461 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brandon Ater ◽  
Christine Gimbar ◽  
J. Gregory Jenkins ◽  
Gabriel Saucedo ◽  
Nicole S. Wright
Keyword(s):  
Review Process ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Senior Managers ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Accounting Firms ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Process Characteristics ◽  
Workpaper Review ◽  
The Face

Purpose This paper aims to examine the perceptions of auditor roles on the workpaper review process in current audit practice. Specifically, the paper investigates how an auditor’s defined role leads to perceived differences in what initiates the workpaper review process, the preferred methods for performing reviews and the stylization or framing of communicated review comments. Design/methodology/approach A survey was administered in which practicing auditors were asked about workpaper review process prompts, methods and preferences. The survey was completed by 215 auditors from each of the Big 4 accounting firms and one additional international firm. The final data set consists of quantitative and qualitative responses from 25 audit partners, 33 senior managers, 30 managers, 75 in-charge auditors/seniors and 52 staff auditors. Findings Findings indicate reviewers and preparers differ in their perceptions of the review process based on their defined roles. First, reviewers and preparers differ in their perspectives on which factors initiate the review process. Second, the majority of reviewers and preparers prefer face-to-face communication when discussing review notes. Reviewers, however, are more likely to believe the face-to-face method is an effective way to discuss review notes and to facilitate learning, whereas preparers prefer the method primarily because it reduces back-and-forth communication. Finally, reviewers believe they predominantly provide conclusion-based review notes, whereas preparers perceive review notes as having both conclusion- and documentation-based messages. Research limitations/implications This paper advances the academic literature by providing a unique perspective on the review process. Instead of investigating a single staff level, it examines the workpaper review process on a broader scale. By obtaining views from professionals across all levels, this work intends to inspire future research directed at reconciling differences and filling gaps in the review process literature. The finding that reviewers and preparers engage in role conformity that leads to incongruent perceptions of the review process should encourage the consideration of mechanisms, with the potential to be tested experimentally, by which to reconcile the incongruities. Practical implications Results support recent regulator concerns that there are breakdowns in the workpaper review process, and the findings provide some insight into why these breakdowns are occurring. Incongruent perceptions of review process characteristics may be the drivers of these identified regulatory concerns. Originality/value This is the first study to examine current workpaper review processes at the largest accounting firms from the perspective of both preparers and reviewers. From this unique data set, one key interpretation of the findings is that workpaper preparers do not appear to recognize a primary goal of the review process: to ensure that subordinates receive appropriate coaching, learning and development. However, workpaper reviewers do, in fact, attempt to support preparers and work to create a supportive team environment.

scholarly journals OVERCOMING THE CHALLENGES OF TECHNOLOGY IN GERONTOLOGICAL RESEARCH

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S225-S225
Author(s):  
Jacob Lindsey ◽  
Elena Goodrich ◽  
Khoa Nguyen ◽  
Cierra Leon Guerrero ◽  
Colton Scavone ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Video Conferencing ◽  
High Tech ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Detroit Metropolitan Area ◽  
Gerontological Research ◽  
The Face ◽  
Older Subjects ◽  
Solution Focused ◽  
Multi Disciplinary Team

Abstract Many older adults express a lack of confidence in using technology and this can become a barrier to participating in technology heavy research. This presentation will introduce the face-to-face digital communication, electronic medication adherence tracking, and online recruitment technology used in the I-CONECT study (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02871921). In particular, we will demonstrate how the project has simplified enterprise video conferencing for in-home use, removed obstacles related to remote hardware troubleshooting, and further discuss how it has been received by older adults who have participated thus far. Finally we will cover particular hurdles related to I-CONECT (e.g., targeting social isolated older adults, aiming to recruit 50% of participants being African American older subjects living in the Detroit Metropolitan area). Our experience indicates that such high tech gerontological research is feasible given a creative and solution-focused research approaches and multi-disciplinary team.

scholarly journals Hunting in Afghanistan: variation in motivations across species

Oryx ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 52 (3) ◽  
pp. 526-536 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mujtaba Bashari ◽  
Erin Sills ◽  
M. Nils Peterson ◽  
Frederick Cubbage
Keyword(s):  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Analytic Method ◽  
Relative Importance ◽  
Review Of The Literature ◽  
Government Officials ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Key Informants ◽  
Illegal Hunting ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
By Products

AbstractIllegal hunting is a widespread problem, with motivations varying across regions. We investigated the patterns and reasons for hunting in Afghanistan, where it is generally illegal but pervasive in the wake of decades of civil war. To assess motivations for hunting, firstly we conducted a systematic review of the literature, extracting information from 32 studies that discuss the relative importance of various reasons for hunting in Afghanistan; we analysed findings from these studies using the meta-analytic method of vote-counting. Secondly, using face-to-face interviews or a web-based questionnaire, we surveyed key informants in Afghanistan about the motivations identified in the literature. We obtained responses from 57 people familiar with hunting, including government officials, vendors in wildlife markets, and hunters. Findings from the meta-analysis and the survey were broadly consistent, both identifying the market for fur and other by-products as one of the most important motivations for hunting. However, much of the published literature focuses on hunting of carnivores, and emphasizes retaliation as a motivation for hunting. Key informants were more likely to cite subsistence consumption and to suggest that providing education and livelihood alternatives would reduce hunting. Our results highlight the importance of a multi-pronged policy response that recognizes variation in motivations for hunting different species.

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