scholarly journals From fragile to agile: marketing as a key driver of entrepreneurial internationalization

2019 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 260-288 ◽  
Author(s):  
Birgit Hagen ◽  
Antonella Zucchella ◽  
Pervez Nasim Ghauri
Keyword(s):  
Business Processes ◽  
Functional Dependencies ◽  
Multiple Stakeholders ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Partner Interaction ◽  
Key Driver ◽  
Strategic Agility ◽  
The Many ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to conceptualize strategic agility in entrepreneurial internationalization and highlight the role of marketing “under particular conditions” – those of early and fast internationalizers.Design/methodology/approachThe study is based on in-depth case studies of four entrepreneurial internationalizers using an inductive approach. The role of marketing is studied along a set of four key business processes, i.e. sensing through selective customer/partner intimacy; business development through selective experimentation and testing; coordination and harmonization of multiple stakeholders; and creative extension of resources.FindingsStrategic agility is a composite of flexibility and selective responsiveness. Marketing thought, mainly through customer and partner interaction, plays a prominent role in achieving strategic agility. Customer- and market-centric thinking needs to be built in a key set of business processes. Marketing’s contribution to strategic agility means an ability to cope with time, relationship and functional dependencies. Strategic agility helps improve the risk profile of the entrepreneurial internationalizer. Entrepreneurial internationalizers are particularly suited to compete on and benefit from strategic agility.Practical implicationsThe findings show managers and entrepreneurs in early and fast internationalizing ventures a path to strategic agility which helps to overcome the many parallel challenges that come with firm foundation and internationalization.Originality/valueStrategic agility is a novel explanation for entrepreneurial internationalization. The study explains the prominent role played by marketing in achieving strategic agility and growth. Strategic agility is reconceptualized in the context of the young and small internationalizing firm.

From the boundaries of management to the management of boundaries

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 391-413 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Caputo ◽  
Raffaele Fiorentino ◽  
Stefano Garzella
Keyword(s):  
Best Practices ◽  
Business Processes ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Firm Boundaries ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Multiple Partners ◽  
The One ◽  
Development And Management ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine some of the new capabilities that are required for the facilitation of business processes management (BPM) in the current political and technological landscape. Specifically, the goal is to investigate the role of firm boundaries, from a business processes perspective, in new contexts in which the affirmation of digitalization requires more integration across a complex network of partners.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on a review of relevant literature on BPM, firm boundaries and negotiation. By critically integrating this literature, a framework is developed with the objective of supporting the management of boundaries.FindingsBPM, new competitive contexts, and the technological landscape require the development and management of boundary capabilities. Among these capabilities, “boundary management” – how managers coordinate resources, activities and business processes on the boundaries of the firm – should play a key role. Moreover, as managers must continuously interact with multiple partners in digital supply chains, the organizational model of negotiation serves as a means of effectively managing firm boundaries.Practical implicationsThe framework offers insights and guidelines that can help practitioners manage the boundaries of business processes. The authors encourage a focus on business processes occurring at firm boundaries. Furthermore, the authors encourage the development of new capabilities in response to the needs of practitioners to ensure best practices of negotiation.Originality/valueThis study shifts the emphasis of BPM from the boundaries of management to the management of boundaries. By shedding light on new capabilities required, this paper enriches the BPM literature and can assist, on the one hand, in reconfiguring business processes in the new political and technological landscape and, on the other hand, in facilitating effective negotiation.

Co-creating sustainable corporate brands: a consumer framing approach

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 447-461
Author(s):  
Sonja Lahtinen ◽  
Elina Närvänen
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Multiple Stakeholders ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Theoretical Contribution ◽  
Corporate Social ◽  
Corporate Brands ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to explore how consumers co-create sustainable corporate brands (SCBs) by framing brands with a newly adopted sustainability orientation.Design/methodology/approachThe qualitative data were generated from four focus groups consisting of altogether 25 Finnish millennial consumers. The data were analysed using thematic analysis, and the resulting themes were classified as different framings.FindingsThe findings indicate three ways of framing SCBs: as signs of corporate hypocrite, as threats that increase societal fragmentation and as signs of corporate enlightenment. These framings are based on two components: the perceived attributes and activities of the corporate brand.Practical implicationsThe role of corporate brands is expanding from the business sphere towards actively influencing society. Yet, sustainability activities can be risky if consumers, as primary stakeholders, deem them unacceptable, unethical or untrustworthy. This research supports brand managers to succeed in co-creating SCBs as contributors to societal and environmental well-being, at a time when multiple stakeholders consider this a worthwhile endeavour.Originality/valueThe theoretical contribution is twofold: firstly, the paper extends the sustainable corporate branding literature by demonstrating how SCBs are co-created through an interactive framing process between the corporation and primary stakeholders, and, secondly, it contributes to the constitutive approach to corporate social responsibility communication (CSRC) research by showing how millennial consumers frame corporate brands that communicate corporations' newly adopted sustainability orientation.

scholarly journals Beyond reciprocal: the role of platforms in diffusing data value across multiple stakeholders

2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 507-518 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edward C. Malthouse ◽  
Alexander Buoye ◽  
Nathaniel Line ◽  
Dahlia El-Manstrly ◽  
Tarik Dogru ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Value Creation ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Multiple Stakeholders ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Data Value ◽  
Data Ecosystem ◽  
Hospitality Managers ◽  
Value Creation Process ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to assess the role of platforms in diffusing data value across multiple stakeholders. Design/methodology/approach Seminal theoretical and managerial work has been critically examined in order to justify the need for improving/extending the contemporary understanding of the data value creation process. Findings The results suggest that existing frameworks and conceptualizations of reciprocal data value provide incomplete understanding of the role of platforms in data value diffusion. Research limitations/implications This paper provides service researchers with a better understanding of the role of platforms in data value diffusion. Future research can develop and validate new frameworks that reflect the proposed extended/improved view of data value creation. Practical implications Service and hospitality managers will be able to more effectively manage the role of platforms in data value diffusion. Specifically, this paper proposes that, in order for data to become a source of competitive advantage, there must be a symbiotic relationship among all the stakeholders of the data ecosystem. Originality/value The authors discuss how data creates value for different stakeholders in the hospitality industry.

Cultural and creative entrepreneurs: understanding the role of entrepreneurial identity

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 290-314 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniela Werthes ◽  
René Mauer ◽  
Malte Brettel
Keyword(s):  
Identity Development ◽  
Creative Industries ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Self Reflection ◽  
Creative Identity ◽  
Key Driver ◽  
Mind Set ◽  
Cultural And Creative Industries ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore whether and how entrepreneurs in the cultural and creative industries develop an entrepreneurial identity. It also aims to expand research on cultural and creative entrepreneurship. Design/methodology/approach The study is based on longitudinal qualitative cases and analyses the potential entrepreneurial identity development of eight cultural and creative entrepreneurs from Germany. The researchers create a framework to ascertain whether and, if so, how cultural and creative entrepreneurs develop an entrepreneurial identity. Findings The findings suggest that cultural and creative entrepreneurs do develop an entrepreneurial identity and incorporate their cultural and creative identity into that entrepreneurial identity whereas self-reflection is a key driver in the development. Practical implications Cultural and creative entrepreneurs are a key driver of economic development. Hence, it is important to generate a more detailed understanding of their entrepreneurial mind-set and their behaviour. Originality/value The study suggests that cultural and creative entrepreneurs actively develop an entrepreneurial identity and that self-reflection, communication with other entrepreneurs and entrepreneurial experience are the main drivers of their identity development. Nevertheless, their cultural and creative identity does have an influence on their entrepreneurial identity. In addition, the study demonstrates how such entrepreneurs develop their identity.

High-priority directions of modernization of university education in innovational society

2017 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 56-61 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nikolai Sergeev
Keyword(s):  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
University Education ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Knowledge And Skills ◽  
Key Driver ◽  
Scientific Value ◽  
Method Of Correlation ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to verify the offered hypothesis and to determine high-priority directions of modernization of university education in an innovational society by the example of modern Russia. Design/methodology/approach During the empirical study of connection between university education and innovational development of economy, the author uses the method of correlation and factor analysis. Findings As a result of the research, the author has come to the conclusion that under conditions of transition to innovational society, there is transformation of the role of university education from the means of transition of knowledge and skills, necessary for practical activities, to a platform for the creation of innovations. The author analyzed the peculiarities of innovational society and found out that innovations that are the key driver of its development are provided by the system of university education. Practical implications Practical value of the work consists in a possibility for use of the developed recommendations for modernization of university education in the innovational society in modern Russia and other countries with similar problems. Originality/value Theoretical importance and scientific value of the performed research consists in the development of innovational society and innovations-oriented economy, as well as the concept of university education.

A “Learning from Action” workshop in Japan

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (2) ◽  
pp. 77-83
Author(s):  
Robert Douglas Hinshelwood ◽  
Luca Mingarelli ◽  
Simona Masnata
Keyword(s):  
Far East ◽  
Opportunity To Learn ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Work Activities ◽  
Defensive Role ◽  
Feedback Data ◽  
Experiential Workshop ◽  
First Time ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Many people in severe mentally disturbed states do not use language or other symbolic media well or coherently. Therefore, the non-verbal medium needs to be understood by workers with such people. The “Learning from Action” experiential workshop was developed in order to provide an opportunity to learn about hidden messages in the relationships and roles occurring in activities. In August 2017, a workshop was run for the first time in Japan. The purpose of this paper is to report the experience and dynamics observed by the three consultants, who are here the authors of this paper. Design/methodology/approach After the workshop all the staff and members, including interpreters, were invited to give feedback. Findings Analysis of the feedback data showed certain important dynamics, concerning especially dependence, cultural defences and the defensive role of activity in a multicultural context. Research limitations/implications This is an initial experience to be followed up by later feedback and further workshops. Practical implications Workers awareness of non-verbal communication within the roles of work activities is a training possibility. It faces various resistances including the mental health assumptions of meaninglessness of any communication outside the verbal. Originality/value This is a method of training not widely used even in European countries, and is the first in a country in the far east.

scholarly journals Sinabung volcano: how culture shapes community resilience

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 290-303
Author(s):  
Marta Mori ◽  
Ronan McDermott ◽  
Saut Sagala ◽  
Yasmina Wulandari
Keyword(s):  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Aid Dependency ◽  
Relief Operations ◽  
Long Term Impact ◽  
Cultural Experts ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore how culture, including traditions and social structures, can influence resilience and how culturally sensitive relief operations can put affected people and their context at the core of any interventions. Design/methodology/approach A case study of the Mt Sinabung volcano area in Indonesia was undertaken. As part of the case study, an analysis of interventions was conducted, which was complemented by semi-structured interviews with Karo cultural experts and humanitarian organisations. Findings Culture influences the manner in which the Karo people react to volcano eruptions with varying implications for recovery. In addition, relief organisations which understand people’s actions through a cultural lens have better managed to tailor programs with long-term impact, thereby avoiding aid dependency. Practical implications Practical examples of disaster management activities that adequately account for the beneficiaries’ way of living prior to the eruptions are provided. Aid actors are provided with guidance concerning how to better tailor their activities in line with a cultural lens. Originality/value The study provides empirical grounding for claims concerning the role of culture in planning interventions in Indonesia and other similar contexts.

scholarly journals Coopetition in temporary contexts: examining swift trust and swift distrust in humanitarian operations

2020 ◽  
Vol 40 (9) ◽  
pp. 1449-1473 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Schiffling ◽  
Claire Hannibal ◽  
Yiyi Fan ◽  
Matthew Tickle
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Nonprofit Sector ◽  
Humanitarian Relief ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Trust Theory ◽  
Humanitarian Operations ◽  
Swift Trust ◽  
Limited Choice ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeBy drawing on commitment-trust theory, we examine the role of swift trust and distrust in supporting coopetition under conditions of uncertainty and interdependence in the setting of humanitarian disaster relief organisations.Design/methodology/approachThis paper presents findings from case studies of 18 international humanitarian relief organisations based on 48 interviews and the analysis of publicly available documents.FindingsWe find that both swift trust and swift distrust support coopetition. As coopetition is simultaneous cooperation and competition, in this study we show how swift trust and swift distrust also occur simultaneously in coopetitive contexts.Research limitations/implicationsCoopetition as a strategic choice is well-researched in the private sector, yet has received less attention in the nonprofit sector, particularly in contexts that are shaped by interdependence and uncertainty. We show the importance of swift trust and swift distrust in coopetitive relationships by drawing on commitment-trust theory.Practical implicationsIn focusing on a competitive environment in which cooperation is essential, we find limited choice of coopetitive partners. Humanitarian relief organisations must often simply work with whichever other organisations are available. We highlight how trust and distrust are not opposite ends of a spectrum and detail how both contribute to coopetitive relationships.Originality/valueOur findings contribute to commitment-trust theory by explaining the important role of distrust in forging coopetitive relationships. Furthermore, we contribute to prior work on coopetition by focusing on an uncertain and interdependent nonprofit environment.

Effect of wood particulate size on the mechanical properties of PLA biocomposite

2020 ◽  
Vol 49 (6) ◽  
pp. 465-472
Author(s):  
S. Raj Sachin ◽  
T. Kandasamy Kannan ◽  
Rathanasamy Rajasekar
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Mechanical Characteristics ◽  
Wood Flour ◽  
Wood Particle ◽  
Poly Lactic Acid ◽  
Particle Sizes ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Particulate Size ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this study is to carry out an investigation of the role of the wood particle size on the mechanical properties of poly lactic acid (PLA)-reinforced neem fiber biocomposite. Design/methodology/approach Composite test specimens were processed by reinforcing neem wood flour (NWF) in two different particle sizes, micro-sized NWF (MNWF) and nano-sized NWF (NNWF) separately into PLA. Composites were extruded at four different fiber loadings (10, 15, 20 and 25 Wt.%) into PLA matrix. The MNWF and NNWF had particle sizes varying from 5 to 15 µm and 10 to 15 nm, respectively. Findings Tensile strength, flexural strength and impact strength of PLA increased with fiber reinforcement for both the MNWF and NNWF cases. The NNWF-reinforced PLA composite at 20 Wt.% fiber loading proved to be the best composite that had outstanding mechanical properties in this research. Practical implications The developed composite can be used as a substitute for conventional plywood for furniture, building infrastructure and interior components for the automobile, aircraft and railway sectors. Originality/value A new biocomposite had been fabricated by using PLA and NWF and had been tested for its mechanical characteristics.

The “Halalification” of tourism

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 558-577 ◽  
Author(s):  
Faiza Khan ◽  
Michelle Callanan
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Market Segment ◽  
Analysis Method ◽  
Review Of Literature ◽  
Primary Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to address the confusing use of terminology associated with tourism undertaken by Muslims and to identify key concerns associated with this type of tourism. Design/methodology/approach This is an exploratory study and adopts a critical review of literature following the evolutionary concept analysis method. Content analysis of popular UK media, UK-based tour operators’ websites and tourism strategies of destinations popular with Muslim tourists were conducted to examine the use of terminology. Findings There is no clear difference between the various terms (halal, Muslim friendly, Islamic, etc.) used. Overall, academia uses the term Islamic tourism, while the industry and media use various terms. Among destinations, however, there is no clear and consistent use of terminology. A key concern of Islamic tourism is the role of certification in assuring travellers and the lack of standardisation of halal certification. Research limitations/implications The paper is based on literature review and secondary data analysis. It lacks primary research. Practical implications This study highlights the need for consistent use of terminology across industry. Another implication is the issue surrounding halal certification of food and the importance of trust in the seller/service provide. Another trend that industry providers need to consider is the growth of the Muslim millennial traveller and the needs of this market segment. Originality/value The paper highlights the importance of studying the Muslim tourist market and provides a starting point for further research. It highlights several issues such as the need to develop a typology of Muslim tourists. Of particular interest is the concern whether halal values in danger of being commodified in the absence of a universal agreed criterion for halal certification.

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