scholarly journals Understanding innovation performance measurement in SMEs

2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Minna Saunila
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Methods ◽  
Performance Measurement ◽  
Mixed Method ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Innovation Performance ◽  
Mixed Method Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Current State ◽  
Traditional Performance ◽  
Quantitative And Qualitative Methods

Purpose This paper aims to focus on the challenges and characteristics of innovation performance measurement in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Design/methodology/approach This study is exploratory-descriptive and uses mixed-method research. Quantitative and qualitative methods for collecting data are used. Findings The paper contributes to the current understanding of innovation performance measurement by clarifying how this measurement is used and by defining what must be improved. Originality/value Appropriate measures can contribute to a significantly better understanding of innovation. However, studies on how innovation performance measurement is used in practice are scarce. The current state of knowledge of performance measurement in SMEs seems to be limited to studying SMEs from traditional performance measurement perspectives.

Triangulating Area Studies, Not Just Methods

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rudra Sil
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Comparative Analysis ◽  
Qualitative Methods ◽  
Mixed Method ◽  
Mixed Method Research ◽  
Area Studies ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
Middle Range ◽  
Causal Laws ◽  
Quantitative And Qualitative Methods

This chapter revisits trade-offs that qualitative researchers face when balancing the different expectations of area studies and disciplinary audiences. One putative solution to such trade-offs, mixed-method research, emphasizes the triangulation of quantitative and qualitative methods. CAS, as defined above, essentially encourages a different form of triangulation—the pooling of observations and interpretations across a wider array of cases spanning multiple areas. This kind of triangulation can be facilitated by cross-regional contextualized comparison, a middle-range approach that stands between area-bound qualitative research and (Millean) macro-comparative analysis that brackets out context in search of causal laws. Importantly, this approach relies upon an area specialist’s sensibilities and experience to generate awareness of local complexities and context conditions for less familiar cases. The examples of cross-regional contextualized comparison considered in this chapter collectively demonstrate that engagement with area studies scholarship and the pursuit of disciplinary knowledge can be a positive-sum game.

scholarly journals Perceived authenticity of online-only brands (OOBs): a quali-quantitative study with online consumers

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kokho Jason Sit ◽  
Giovanni Pino ◽  
Marco Pichierri
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Method ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Mixed Method Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Five Dimensions ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
Multiple Factors ◽  
Quantitative Studies ◽  
Building Components ◽  
Online Brands

PurposeThe present study examines the dimensions that are meaningful to define the perceived authenticity of online-only brands (OOBs) (i.e. retail brands that trade exclusively online) from a consumer's perspective. Past frameworks of perceived authenticity exist in the branding literature but consistently focus on contexts beyond e-commerce settings like OOBs.Design/methodology/approachWe employed a mixed-method research design, consisting of quasi-qualitative and quantitative studies with online customers, to establish the dimensions meaningful for the perceived authenticity of OOBs. Our work has theory testing and building components.FindingsWe identify five dimensions that are meaningful to define consumers' perceived authenticity of OOBs. They are “honesty”, “connection”, “continuity”, “craftsmanship” and “accessibility”. Representing by multiple factors, “craftsmanship” serves as the most meaningful dimension followed by “accessibility”. Often being considered incompatible with perceived authenticity, we find accessibility particularly relevant to the context of OOBs. It describes the “convenient” and “affordable” aspects of OOBs, which typically serve as unique selling propositions.Originality/valueOur work confirms the utility of established dimensions to define consumers' perceived authenticity of OOBs. This highlights that consumers hold some consistent authenticity image between non-online and online brands. Our work also reveals the accessibility dimension being neglected by the branding literature, suggesting a more up-to-date perspective is needed when studying consumers' perceived authenticity of OOBs.

The value of people

2014 ◽  
Vol 15 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 67-80 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen Town
Keyword(s):  
Human Capital ◽  
Mixed Method ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Research Strategy ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Mixed Method Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Human Capital Measurement ◽  
Unique Framework ◽  
Desk Research

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to reflect on advances in the understanding and practice of people evaluation in libraries. The paper is conceptual and offers a framework for human capital evaluation. Design/methodology/approach – The research approach has been to employ a mixed method research strategy (multi-methodology), combining desk research exploring quantitative capital assessment methods from other industries, sectors and libraries; phenomenological observation of existing data collection and development concepts; and survey data from staff in case studies of the author's own and other organizations. Findings – The synthesis suggests the measures required to populate the library capital dimension of the value scorecard, thereby providing an estimation of the value of a library's human capital. Originality/value – The paper fills a gap through a broad survey of advances in people assessment in libraries, and provides a unique framework for human capital measurement in libraries.

Information professionals' soft skills status and barriers in its development: a mixed method study

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sajjad Ahmad ◽  
Kanwal Ameen ◽  
Shehzad Ahmad
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Method ◽  
Administrative Support ◽  
Soft Skills ◽  
Mixed Method Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
University Library ◽  
Current State ◽  
Information Professionals ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Qualitative Phase

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate the self-perceptions of university information professionals about the current state of their soft skills and to highlight the barriers faced in the development of such skills.Design/methodology/approachA sequential mixed method research design using a questionnaire followed by in-depth interviews as data collection tools were used to achieve the objectives of the study. Self-completion questionnaires were used to collect the data from 560 respondents spread over 33 universities of Pakistan. Then, 21 interviews were conducted with purposely selected library and information professionals at the qualitative phase.FindingsThe findings of the survey revealed that the majority of the information professionals perceived themselves “moderately competent” in soft skills. Only 14.8% information professionals considered themselves “competent”. The qualitative findings revealed that university library and information professionals generally faced several barriers in the development of their soft skills that included “lack of administrative support”, “lack of personal commitment”, “lack of financial support by the parent organizations”, and so many others, which might have affected their current levels of soft skills.Research limitations/implicationsThe possible limitation of this study may be the bias of the respondents, toward their self-judgment. During interviews, most of the assistant librarians were not comfortable and expressive. This might be due to lack of soft skills knowledge, interview anxiety and poor communication skills.Originality/valueThis research is the first study in Pakistan that dealt with the state of soft skills and barriers in its development among university library and information professionals having a large number (N = 372) of respondents.

United we stand: quantitative and qualitative methods to assess cooperation

2014 ◽  
Vol 35 (6/7) ◽  
pp. 508-520 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Gabriele Weston ◽  
Giuseppina Vullo
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Methods ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Functional Requirements ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Library Management ◽  
Research Libraries ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Multi Level ◽  
Quantitative And Qualitative Methods ◽  
Common Vision

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe the quantitative and qualitative methods to assess the sustainability of cooperation models within research libraries networks in the humanities. Design/methodology/approach – Changing research environment and budget constraints currently are the main challenges of research libraries networks: to cope with this pressure libraries need to build collective capacity through a strong model of collaboration and partnership and foster closer interaction between actors both from the library and the external world. In order to build effective and efficient cooperation models research libraries networks will first need to share a common vision and a well-focused organisation. Nevertheless, a multi-level approach should help them to identify their core functional requirements, the specialised needs of their users and a flexible cooperation structure able to maintain the financial sustainability of the system. Findings – After illustrating the current challenges in the research libraries world, and how cooperation and collaboration issues have been connoting library management and activities, this work presents the methodology and the preliminary results of a research project which surveyed the URBS network, an international consortium of 12 libraries from academic and research institutions of several nations (Austria, Denmark, Finland, Great Britain, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the USA) based in Rome, Italy. Originality/value – This paper will be of interest and value to other research library networks or consortia with an interest in the development of new organisational models, and in the evaluation and assessment of their sustainability.

scholarly journals Taxonomizing performance measurement systems’ failures

2016 ◽  
Vol 65 (5) ◽  
pp. 672-693 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jelle Van Camp ◽  
Johan Braet
Keyword(s):  
Performance Measurement ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Data Gathering ◽  
Research Literature ◽  
Original Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Measurement Systems ◽  
Current State ◽  
Performance Measurement Systems ◽  
Research Domain

Purpose – After more than 30 years of research, literature on performance measurement systems (PMS) is characterized by diversity and fragmentation. Due to the multidisciplinarity of stakeholders and researchers involved the basis of literature is expanding, but not converging. The purpose of this paper is to dispersedly discuss failures of PMS in the abundance of literature written. Design/methodology/approach – Over 250 articles related to PMS have been analyzed in order to shortlist failures of PMS. Two criteria have been used: explicitly referenced being a failure; or mentioned as being essential for a successful PMS. Next steps were clustering, cross-checking with academics and professionals and re-allocation to appropriate levels. Findings – This paper identifies 36 failures and proposes an easy taxonomy for further referencing by attribution to three levels: metric, framework and management. Failures range from uncertainties in data gathering, lack of knowledge and dealing with complexity, toward the allocation of necessary resources. Research limitations/implications – Limitations are attributed to the abundance of research published on PMS. Consequently, incorporated papers are a subset representing the current state of the research domain. Furthermore, the completeness of the list can be discussed as well as the level of generalization of the proposed taxonomy. Originality/value – Both academics and professionals can benefit from this study as it creates an awareness of the risks involved when constructing, implementing and managing a PMS. Therefore, this original research ought to be seen as a catalyst for a learning curve, as it puts the research of PMS in a different perspective.

scholarly journals Run or hide: changes in acquisition behaviour during the COVID-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Florian Bauer ◽  
Martin Friesl ◽  
Mai Anh Dao
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Method ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Target Selection ◽  
Mixed Method Research ◽  
Growth Strategies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Corporate Development ◽  
Performance Results ◽  
External Growth

PurposeMergers and acquisitions (M&As) are an important strategic tool for continuous adaptation, sustainable corporate development and external growth. At the same time, M&As involve high levels of risk with mixed performance results even under normal circumstances. Even though the M&A market was continuously growing for the last decade, it was abruptly ended by the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic as executives were more concerned about liquidity than with long-term growth strategies. This raises the question how M&A behaviour is affected by the economic fall-out of the COVID-19 pandemic.Design/methodology/approachThe mixed method research design was employed in this study.FindingsThe authors particularly investigate how target selection as well as synergy management are affected by the pandemic. The study analysis reveals four archetypical responses to the COVID-19 crisis. The authors describe those responses in detail and analyse antecedents that seem to influence firms' acquisition behaviour during the pandemic.Originality/valueThe paper draws on survey and interview data of M&A practitioners.

The effects of leaders’ behaviors on employees’ resilience

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 318-338
Author(s):  
Reza Salehzadeh
Keyword(s):  
Indirect Effect ◽  
Mixed Method ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Hypotheses Testing ◽  
Mixed Method Research ◽  
Kano Model ◽  
Content Type ◽  
One Dimensional ◽  
Employees Satisfaction ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to propose a new typology for classifying the leaders’ behaviors and investigate the effects of leaders’ behaviors on employees’ resilience. Design/methodology/approach This paper used a mixed method research (i.e. interview and questionnaire). First, through the interviews with employees, the leaders’ behaviors were identified. Next, based on the identified behaviors and Kano model the type of each behavior was classified. Finally, according to this classification, the impact of leaders’ behaviors on employees’ resilience was investigated. Findings Based on the results of the interviews, 46 leaders’ behaviors which influence employees’ satisfaction/dissatisfaction were identified out of which 10 behaviors were must-be; 5 behaviors were one-dimensional, 18 behaviors were attractive and 13 behaviors were reverse type. Also, the results of hypotheses testing showed that attractive behaviors have a stronger relationship to employees’ resilience than one-dimensional and must-be behaviors; one-dimensional behaviors have a stronger relationship to employees’ resilience than must-be behaviors; and reverse behaviors have an indirect effect on employees’ resilience. Originality/value This research proposes a new typology for classifying the leaders’ behaviors into the five categories and the approach and findings of this research contribute to the literature of Kano model and leadership theory.

They did not start the fire: reviewing and resolving the issue of physician stress and burnout

2017 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 410-417 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie Christine Babyar
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Intervention Studies ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Organizational Strategies ◽  
Physician Burnout ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Current State ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Research Accountability ◽  
Physician Stress

Purpose Physician stress and burnout is a serious and common concern in healthcare, with over half of physicians in the USA meeting at least one criterion for burnout. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach A review on current state of physician stress and burnout research, from 2008 to 2016, was undertaken. A subsequent perspective paper was shaped around these reviews. Findings Findings reveal research strength in prevalence and incidence with opportunities for stronger intervention studies. While descriptive studies on causes and consequences of physician burnout are available, studies on interventions and prevention of physician burnout are lacking. Future research on physician stress and burnout should incorporate intervention studies and take care to avoid limitations found in current research. Accountability and prevention of physician burnout is the responsibility of the healthcare industry as a whole, and organizational strategies must be emphasized in future research. Originality/value The value of this research comes in the original comprehensive review, international inclusion and succinct summary of physician burnout research and strategies.

Reading the past to imagine the future

2015 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 363-366
Author(s):  
Silvia Gherardi
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Qualitative Methods ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Personal Reflection ◽  
Research Topics ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Distinctive Features ◽  
The Past ◽  
The Future

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the ten years of the journal through a personal reflection. Design/methodology/approach – A review of the articles published in the last ten years. Findings – I argue that what has distinguished QROM in these ten years are two distinctive features: reflexivity on practices of qualitative research, and openness to the application of qualitative methods to unusual research topics. Originality/value – The main limit of the paper resides in the subjectivity of the person who has read the articles. Other readers may have different opinions and may have chosen different criteria.

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