Practice-based learning in the Tequila industry: the business school goes out of the classroom

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 305-318 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruben Toledano-O’Farrill
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Business School ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Education Institution ◽  
Project Based Learning ◽  
Organizational Capabilities ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Medium Enterprises

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present the methodology and results of practice-based learning in the Business School of a higher education institution (HEI) in Mexico, with a focus on students’ participation and learning experience. Design/methodology/approach This research is a descriptive and qualitative analysis of six team experiences within a larger project developed through university–business partnership with the aim of helping develop organizational capabilities of small and medium enterprises within the Tequila industry in Mexico. Findings Participation of students in project-based learning, in genuine scenarios alongside professional consultants, is an effective way to develop learning and to apply prior knowledge. Learning occurs at several levels, including developing professional knowledge, teamwork, leadership and communication skills, and to some extent consulting skills. Client organizations also develop learning in work-based learning (WBL) projects. Research limitations/implications The research methodology does not allow for generalization of the results on a large scale. Practical implications This research shows a successful instance of project- and practice-based learning that may be helpful for HEIs seeking to implement this learning methodology. Social implications There is research evidence that more students are expecting to get practice-based skills as part of their higher education training. This paper supports the argument that HEIs can develop wide scale WBL programs that have impact on students’ learning and skills development as well as on the development of host organizations. Originality/value The instance of WBL described in this research paper is unique within HEIs in Mexico.

Facts or gut feelings: analysis of external pricing antecedents for SMEs in Germany

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (6) ◽  
pp. 886-901
Author(s):  
Lars Hendrik Achterberg ◽  
Maktoba Omar ◽  
Ambisisis Ambituuni ◽  
Oliver Roll
Keyword(s):  
Information Acquisition ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Theory Development ◽  
Knowledge Generation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Strategic Pricing ◽  
Gut Feelings ◽  
Medium Enterprises

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyse the external antecedents of pricing information acquisition in an integrative manner. The study develops understanding of determinants of information acquisition as a crucial prerequisite of successful pricing strategies within German small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Design/methodology/approach A large scale survey of sampled 2,542 SMEs was conducted. A total of 220 questionnaires were completed, reflecting a response rate of 9 per cent. This was acceptable considering the sensitivity of pricing issues. A final sample of 173 usable questionnaires were obtained. Findings The result indicates that external antecedents of pricing information acquisition practices have a positive impact on SME pricing performance, and pricing performance is positively related to firm performance. Practical implications The study indicates that external antecedents of pricing information acquisition are strategic pricing capabilities, which should receive attention by SME managers. Originality/value This study bridges significant obstacle to knowledge generation and theory development of the important issues of pricing information acquisition in SMEs.

scholarly journals Impact assessment in higher education: a strategic view from the UK

2018 ◽  
Vol 119 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 94-100 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruth L. Ayres
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Impact Assessment ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Perspective Drawing ◽  
Assessment In Higher Education ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Strategic Perspective ◽  
The Impact

Purpose This paper focuses on the importance of impact in higher education from a strategic perspective, exploring its value to institutions, learners and prospective students in today’s higher education context, using the UK as a case study. The increasing prominence of impact assessment in higher education is discussed, with consideration given to the operational structures, tools and approaches which can be adopted to monitor and evaluate the impact of any strategic project or initiative introduced by a higher education provider. Design/methodology/approach This paper presents a strategic view of impact assessment in today’s higher education landscape. Findings The significance of impact assessment in higher education is discussed from a strategic perspective, drawing upon relevant studies, UK Government policy and initiatives. Consideration is given to the tools and approaches that can be adopted by higher education providers in assessing the impact of any strategic initiatives and projects that have been implemented. Originality/value The paper is of value to 'any higher education provider that is currently undertaking, or planning to deliver large-scale strategic projects and initiatives which have been designed to enhance the student learning experience.

The impact of inward international licensing on absorptive capacity of SMEs

2014 ◽  
Vol 6 (2/3) ◽  
pp. 164-180 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Reza Saeedi ◽  
Hossein Dadfar ◽  
Staffan Brege
Keyword(s):  
Absorptive Capacity ◽  
Strategic Alliances ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Contextual Factors ◽  
Research Strategy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Resource Limitations ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – This study aims to examine the impacts of inward international licensing (IIL) on the absorptive capacity (ACAP) of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in a developing economy. Design/methodology/approach – The study is explorative, qualitative and elaborative in nature. Therefore, a multiple case study was selected and performed as the research strategy. The data were collected from four pharmaceutical SMEs licensed from European pharmaceutical large-scale enterprises. Findings – The results confirm that IIL has a strong effect on acquisition, assimilation, transformation and exploitation as absorptive factors. Furthermore, the results have been enhanced by several contextual factors of ACAP human resources, inter-and intra-firm relationships, internal knowledge and managerial and strategic aspects. These contextual factors have also been influenced by IIL. Originality/value – From the licensee perspective in a developing context, examining the extant literature on non-equity strategic alliances shows that very few studies have empirically examined the impact of this kind of alliance, such as IIL, on SMEs’ ACAP. On this basis, the study provides evidence that non-equity strategic alliances, particularly IIL, enhance SMEs’ capabilities such as ACAP. In other words, to overcome SMEs’ resource limitations and inadequate capabilities, IIL provides opportunities for them to obtain capabilities and critical resources.

Institutional framing and entrepreneurship capital in Uganda

2014 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 177-197 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph Mpeera Ntayi ◽  
Henry Mutebi ◽  
Kenneth Byangwa ◽  
Susan Georgina Kamanyi
Keyword(s):  
Human Capital ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
High Growth ◽  
Moral Values ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Managerial Implications ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Entrepreneurship Capital

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide policy and managerial implications required in solving the daunting problem of the existing low-entrepreneurial capital in Uganda. Design/methodology/approach – A large-scale comprehensive survey using a sample of 11,105 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) from 40 high-growth towns was selected and undertaken from five regions of Uganda. The response rate was 40.5 per cent, translating into 4,498 usable questionnaires. Findings – Results reveal that institutional framing, entrepreneurship human capital and entrepreneurial moral values predict entrepreneurship capital in Uganda. These results are presented and discussed in detail in this paper. Research limitations/implications – The study applied a cross-sectional approach to study behaviour, yet studying behaviour requires time. Therefore, there is need for scholars to undertake a follow up study to test the hypotheses using longitudinal data. Practical implications – The paper provides implications for the review and development of supporting institutional frames for entrepreneurship, promoting generalized forms of human capital and entrepreneurial ethics moral values. Originality/value – The motivation for the study is derived from the observation that the legal and regulatory framework in Uganda is biased against SMEs. This is manifested in the high-regulatory burden of registering and running enterprises in Uganda. For example, the cost of registering a business in Uganda is high. Legal proceedings in Uganda are inefficient, complex and costly only favouring firms with resources and connections. This may restrict enterprise development and increase the costs of running businesses, distort human capital and entrepreneurial moral values thereby affecting entrepreneurship capital.

How SMEs develop ICT-based capabilities in response to their environment

2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 10-37 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paolo Neirotti ◽  
Elisabetta Raguseo ◽  
Emilio Paolucci
Keyword(s):  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Environmental Influence ◽  
Combined Effect ◽  
Organizational Capabilities ◽  
Competitive Environment ◽  
Environmental Complexity ◽  
Organizational Responses ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Medium Enterprises

Purpose The adoption of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) has some peculiarities that may depend on the combined effect of size and the competitive environment. The purpose of this paper is to use a contingency approach to explore how SMEs develop organizational capabilities through ICT investments in response to environmental conditions. Design/methodology/approach A survey on 284 SMEs in Italy was conducted and data were analyzed with regression models for testing seven hypotheses on the environmental influence on the development of ICT-based capabilities and the role played by firm size. Findings The results show that the environment influences the development of such capabilities in a different way, depending on size. Within munificent environments, ICT-based capabilities are more diffused among larger SMEs, whereas under environmental complexity, this pattern is inverted, with larger SMEs exhibiting a more limited deployment of ICT in support of both their internally and externally oriented processes. Under environmental dynamism medium-sized firms tend to develop more internally oriented ICT capabilities, but fail in reporting superior capabilities for managing external relationships. Originality/value This paper contributes to understand the relationship between the environment and ICT investments in SMEs. Since the combined effect of size and the competitive environment may influence considerably the ICT investments in SMEs, this study investigates the organizational responses with respect to how SMEs use ICT to address their external environment. This focus provides a contribution to understand the challenges that SMEs are facing in the current technological and market environment, where changes in the ICT paradigm raise the level of complexity and dynamism and bring changes in competition levels that leave few resources for growth to SMEs.

scholarly journals Rethinking competition-based entrepreneurship education in higher education institutions

2019 ◽  
Vol 62 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-46 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kayleigh Watson ◽  
Pauric McGowan
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Higher Education Institutions ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Entrepreneurship Education ◽  
Education Institution ◽  
Business Plan ◽  
Content Type ◽  
New Model ◽  
The University

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to focus with the university-based business plan competition (BPC) and proposes how the theory of effectuation might inform a new model. Such a purpose is timely given the under-challenged nature of the BPC methodology. Design/methodology/approach Extant literature pertaining to business planning and the business plan within entrepreneurship education and effectuation is reviewed; numerous conceptual issues which undermine BPC provision in its traditional form are then identified. In response to these identified issues, a series of principles which could underpin the introduction of an effectuation-led business coopetition (EBC) are outlined. Findings Strong emphasis on business plan production within a conventional BPC model raises questions about its capacity to release the entrepreneurial potential of the higher education institution student and provide them with an authentic and relevant entrepreneurial learning experience. Through using the ideas of effectuation to rethink provision, the action of business plan production can usefully be replaced with the action of business implementation. As well as facilitate a beneficial shift from competition to coopetition-based entrepreneurship education. Originality/value This paper valuably critiques the efficacy of a commonly employed yet under-challenged methodology for entrepreneurship education; the BPC. The propositions offered can guide competition provision in a more authentic, realistic and relevant way that is potentially better suited to inspiring and supporting entrepreneurial new venturing amongst students and graduates now rather than in the future. The paper thus has practical value to those designing and delivering competition-based entrepreneurship education.

Toward a dynamic capabilities’ diffusion model for international business headway of SMEs: evidence from the metallurgic and metal-mechanic (MMI) sectors

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bruno Fernandes Abrantes ◽  
Miguel Torres Preto ◽  
Nelson António
Keyword(s):  
Multinational Enterprises ◽  
Dynamic Capabilities ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Organizational Capabilities ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Global Dynamic ◽  
Manifest Content ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Current Paradigm

Purpose This paper aims to explore the characteristics of capability exchange within internationalizing small and medium enterprises (SMEs) of the Portuguese metallurgic and metal-mechanic sectors. Design/methodology/approach Multiple case research instrumentalizes a (manifest) content analysis based upon qualitative data gathered from the interviewing of the strategic apex of four multinational enterprises, codified in the light of the well-known Weber protocol. Findings The results uncover the existence of a multi-diffusional approach with a bi-directional regime of transferability, where reciprocal transference is non-simultaneous. Operational rigidities are asserted to be stifling the diffusion of capabilities across subsidiaries and hindering higher economies of learning. Research limitations/implications The current paradigm of international capabilization of the sector requires substantial enhancements in its design for the benefit of the firm’s international competitiveness, growth and wealth. Originality/value Organizational capabilities are a determinant of competitiveness. Hitherto, the phenomena of (capabilities) mobility and transferability are still acknowledged as a clear gap. This study opens, therefore, avenues on international capabilization in relation to the modeling and testing of global dynamic capabilities and its replicability across industries.

Replacing exams with research papers: chronicles of a higher education institution (HEI) amidst COVID-19 pandemic

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Noha El-Bassiouny ◽  
Ehab K.A. Mohamed
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Best Practices ◽  
Developing Country ◽  
Business School ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Education Institution ◽  
Research Projects ◽  
Research Papers ◽  
Higher Education Institution ◽  
Content Type

Purpose Exam administration during the COVID-19 pandemic represents a challenge for most schools. This paper aims to document the experience of a business school in a developing country context. Design/methodology/approach This paper is conceptual in its approach highlighting how exam administration was handled during the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings Notably, exams were replaced by research assessments. This paper presents best practices and lessons learnt in this domain. Originality/value This practice paper represents one of the few research studies that highlighted the mechanisms underlying the replacement of exams with research projects during the course of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Twiga Hosting Ltd – providing affordable information and communication technologies services to small and medium enterprises

2011 ◽  
Vol 1 (4) ◽  
pp. 1-16
Author(s):  
Juma James Masele
Keyword(s):  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Innovation Management ◽  
Communication Technologies ◽  
Subject Area ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Medium Enterprises

TitleTwiga Hosting Ltd – providing affordable information and communication technologies services to small and medium enterprises.Subject areaThe case describes the launch of Twiga Hosting Ltd, a company providing information and communication technology (ICT) services to the underserved small and medium enterprise (SME) sector in Tanzania and in a many countries in Africa.Study level/applicabilityThis case targets a range of audience from undergraduate students taking both Bachelor of Commerce and those taking Bachelor of Business Administration; and Postgraduate students taking business‐related courses. Nonetheless, the case may be used by all other learners of advanced studies in entrepreneurship and innovation management.Case overviewThe case addresses a number of issues including: Issues to be considered when starting an ICT enterprise. Strategic management. Business revenue models.Expected learning outcomes To impart/inculcate entrepreneurial insights in ICT and related areas. To make learners aware of the business growth opportunities in ICT ventures. The success factors for fruitful ICT ventures. To enable learners to identify challenges facing entrepreneurs in ICT ventures and the ways to overcome them.Supplementary materialsTeaching notes.

Relevant factors of innovation contests for SMEs

2017 ◽  
Vol 23 (6) ◽  
pp. 1196-1215 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Isabel Rodriguez Ferradas ◽  
José A. Alfaro Tanco ◽  
Francesco Sandulli
Keyword(s):  
New Product Development ◽  
Corporate Culture ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Context Factors ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Design Factors ◽  
Relevant Factors

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the relevant factors that influence the implementation of innovation contests, an open innovation (OI) practice that has been extensively reported in the literature as a managerial tool for external knowledge search. The authors focus the study on the context of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Design/methodology/approach The approach is a retrospective case study. This methodology allows an in-depth view into a Spanish SME that successfully undertook two new product development processes thanks to the deployment of innovation contests. Findings The main context factors influencing innovation contests as managerial tool are ambidexterity, technological and marketing turbulence and intermediaries, among others. Regarding design factors, this work highlights the role of attraction and facilitation. Additionally, the repetitive implementation of innovation contests creates a corporate culture that promotes OI activities. Practical implications Managers will understand that they can use innovation contests as a managerial tool, and knowing the factors that need to be taken into account when implementing an innovation contest will help SMEs managers to make better use of this practice. Originality/value This case study enriches the literature of both innovation contests and topics relevant to SMEs. Based on a theoretical framework of the design factors that influence the implementation of innovation contests, the authors propose a research framework that incorporates those context factors in association with an SME.

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