scholarly journals PRODUCT INNOVATION IN SMALL COMPANIES: MANAGING RESOURCE SCARCITY THROUGH FINANCIAL BOOTSTRAPPING

2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (02) ◽  
pp. 1750020 ◽  
Author(s):  
LARS LÖFQVIST
Keyword(s):  
Product Innovation ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Multiple Case Study ◽  
Resource Scarcity ◽  
Small Companies ◽  
Functional Categories ◽  
Scarce Resources ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Main Factor

Researchers have proposed that scarce resources are the main factor hindering product innovation in small companies. However, despite scarce resources, small companies do innovate, so the research question is: How do small companies manage resource scarcity in product innovation? To answer the research question a multiple case study of three small established companies and their product innovation was used, including interviews and observations over a period of five months. The small companies were found to use many different bootstrapping methods in combination within their product innovation. The methods can be classified into three different functional categories: bootstrapping methods for increasing resources, for using existing resources more efficiently, and those for securing a fast payback on resources put into product innovation. Due to their resource scarcity, the studied companies also favoured an innovation strategy only involving new products done with known technology and targeting existing markets. This strategy seems to avoid unsuccessful innovation but at the same time exclude technologically radical innovation.

Das Chamäleon-Modell als Erklärungsmuster für die Organisationsstrukturen von Unternehmerfamilien

2019 ◽  
Vol 67 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-34 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rena Haftlmeier-Seiffert ◽  
Sven Cravotta
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Family Business ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Multiple Case Study ◽  
Economic Stability ◽  
Family Organization ◽  
The Family ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Multiple Case

Zusammenfassung Offensichtlich sind es die Unternehmerfamilien, die ihrem Familienunternehmen eine besondere wirtschaftliche Stabilität verleihen. Dies ist allerdings nur möglich, wenn sie sicherstellen, dass sie stets handlungs- und entscheidungsfähig sind. Die hier verfolgte Forschungsfrage lautet deshalb: Wie organisieren Unternehmerfamilien ihre Entscheidungsfähigkeit? Das Chamäleon-Modell zeigt, dass bei Unternehmerfamilien verschiedene Organisationsformen latent vorhanden sind. Diese werden flexibel eingesetzt, je nachdem, was zielführend ist, um schnell zu tragfähigen Entscheidungen zu gelangen. D.h. die Unternehmerfamilienorganisation wechselt also ihre explizite Organisationsform wie ein Chamäleon die Farbe. Das Chamäleon-Modell wurde aus einer multiplen Fallstudie entwickelt, bei der vier traditionsreiche Unternehmerfamilien intensiv untersucht wurden. Abstract Apparently, it is the family that grants outstanding economic stability to the family business. However, this is only possible, if the family ensures to be always capable of acting and of making decisions. This leads us to the following research question: How do entrepreneurial families organize their decision-making ability? The Chameleon Model shows, that there are different types of organization latent available for entrepreneurial families. These are used flexibly, depending on what is leading to quick and stable decisions. That is to say, the entrepreneurial family organization changes the explicit organization form like a chameleon the colour. The Chameleon Model was developed from a multiple case study, analyzing four traditional entrepreneurial families in depth.

INNOVATION MANAGEMENT CHALLENGES OF A SYSTEM INTEGRATOR IN INNOVATION NETWORKS

2010 ◽  
Vol 14 (06) ◽  
pp. 1047-1064 ◽  
Author(s):  
JAAKKO PAASI ◽  
KATRI VALKOKARI ◽  
TUIJA RANTALA ◽  
HENRI HYTÖNEN ◽  
SOILI NYSTÉN-HAARALA ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Integration ◽  
Innovation Management ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Multiple Case Study ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Innovation Networks ◽  
High Demand ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Component Assembly

The paper describes findings from a multiple case study about the innovation management challenges of a system integrator (SI) whose operation is characterized by a high demand of innovation and whose focus of integration capabilities is, accordingly, changing from component assembly to knowledge integration. The study involved six diverse case firms, and it applied the methodology of qualitative research. Innovation networks orchestrated by the SI were categorized, according to the way in which knowledge and intellectual property (IP) were explored and exploited in the network, to sourcing (transaction) and co-creation types of networks. The research question of the study was, what aspects of sourcing networks and of co-creation networks support or hinder networked innovation from the viewpoint of a SI and innovation management? After iteratively addressing the lessons learned from literature and empirical case findings, sets of supporting and hindering aspects were presented as implications of the study.

scholarly journals Resource Based Theory of Accelerator Programme

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matshediso Elizabeth Mohapeloa ◽  
Mmankitseng Lerato Mametsi
Keyword(s):  
Formal Education ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Multiple Case Study ◽  
Case Study Method ◽  
Entrepreneurial Ecosystem ◽  
Intangible Resources ◽  
Sustained Competitive Advantage ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Resource Based Theory

Abstract Accelerators help accelerate startups through formal education and mentorship connections during intensive, temporally-compressed programmes for a period of three -six months.This paper investigate how Resource Based Theory (RBT) posits accelerators for sustained competitive advantage of startups. Our research question was to determine the value (in terms of resources offered) that accelerators bring to benefit startups that have been through the acceleration programmes. Our focus was to uncover what value gets created by accelerator programme and how. Through this qualitative study we selected a multiple case study method of 5 accelerator programmes in South Africa. For analysis we linked the RBT (tangible and intangible resources) for each accelerator’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, to determine if the phenomenon of the burgeoning accelerator industry can be better understood. Document reviews were explored to determine intended impact that sustain success for startup (technology) companies. Findings revealed that accelerators ensure that fewer startups fail and more SME’s become sustainable into the future. Secondly accelerators help startup companies define and build their initial products. Thirdly upscale is achieved through, identification of promising customer segments. Finally mentorship and accelerator process enhanced and securing resources is strengthening necessary resources available to startups.

scholarly journals Training for volunteers - A multiple case study investigating the relationship between volunteer motivations and required training programmes

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Philip Ronald Daly
Keyword(s):  
Research Question ◽  
Multiple Case Study ◽  
Career Motivation ◽  
Volunteer Training ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Training Programmes ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Volunteer Motivations

<p>This thesis reports on a multiple case study exploring the impact of required training programmes upon the motivations of new volunteers. The core research question is: How are the primary motivations of volunteers affected by the initial training that they are required to complete? Previous research has investigated the motivations of volunteers, and sought to measure the efficacy of volunteer training programmes. However there is little research investigating how volunteer motivations and volunteer training programmes influence each other.  Volunteers from two contrasting volunteer organisations were interviewed about their motivations to volunteer, experiences of the volunteer training, and any subsequent changes in motivation. Prior to these interviews the volunteers were given the Volunteers Function Inventory (VFI) questionnaire which measures volunteer motivations. The interview data was analysed using a six phase process of thematic analysis, and the motivational themes from this analysis were checked against the results of the VFI Questionnaire. The study found little difference in the overall motivations of volunteers between the two organisations, though there were differences in how these motivations were expressed within each organisation. Both sets of volunteers displayed high levels of altruistic and knowledge-based motivations, with the career motivation being the most variable, and age and stage of life appearing as a key moderator for the motivations. Volunteers appreciated training that they perceived as being relevant, and that utilised peer-learning, but both training programmes lacked the flexibility required to have a high level of relevance to a wide range of learning needs and motivations. Ultimately the motivations of the volunteers were improved by the training when they found that it either helped them to be more effective in their volunteer roles, or related well to their motivations for volunteering.</p>

scholarly journals Training for volunteers - A multiple case study investigating the relationship between volunteer motivations and required training programmes

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Philip Ronald Daly
Keyword(s):  
Research Question ◽  
Multiple Case Study ◽  
Career Motivation ◽  
Volunteer Training ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Training Programmes ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Volunteer Motivations

<p>This thesis reports on a multiple case study exploring the impact of required training programmes upon the motivations of new volunteers. The core research question is: How are the primary motivations of volunteers affected by the initial training that they are required to complete? Previous research has investigated the motivations of volunteers, and sought to measure the efficacy of volunteer training programmes. However there is little research investigating how volunteer motivations and volunteer training programmes influence each other.  Volunteers from two contrasting volunteer organisations were interviewed about their motivations to volunteer, experiences of the volunteer training, and any subsequent changes in motivation. Prior to these interviews the volunteers were given the Volunteers Function Inventory (VFI) questionnaire which measures volunteer motivations. The interview data was analysed using a six phase process of thematic analysis, and the motivational themes from this analysis were checked against the results of the VFI Questionnaire. The study found little difference in the overall motivations of volunteers between the two organisations, though there were differences in how these motivations were expressed within each organisation. Both sets of volunteers displayed high levels of altruistic and knowledge-based motivations, with the career motivation being the most variable, and age and stage of life appearing as a key moderator for the motivations. Volunteers appreciated training that they perceived as being relevant, and that utilised peer-learning, but both training programmes lacked the flexibility required to have a high level of relevance to a wide range of learning needs and motivations. Ultimately the motivations of the volunteers were improved by the training when they found that it either helped them to be more effective in their volunteer roles, or related well to their motivations for volunteering.</p>

scholarly journals How Can the Organizing Work Involved in the Joint Regulation of Lean Projects Promote an Enabling Organization and Occupational Health?

2018 ◽  
Vol 73 (1) ◽  
pp. 93-116
Author(s):  
Sébastien Bruère ◽  
Marie Bellemare ◽  
Sandrine Caroly
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Health ◽  
Empirical Study ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Multiple Case Study ◽  
Lean Implementation ◽  
Case Study Design ◽  
Individual Interviews ◽  
Multiple Case

The objective of this article is, through an empirical study, to further understanding of the actions and decisions taken in the context of Lean implementation projects carried out under joint regulation (Lévesque and Murray, 1998) agreements. We, therefore, attempt to identify factors that may facilitate the organizing work involved in joint regulation of Lean projects to allow workers to develop a broader range of health-minded work methods and habits. Our assumption is that factors which influence joint regulation, such as the union’s capacity for action, management’s attitude and the purpose of the change, also influence the occupational health outcomes of Lean projects. We believe that the organizing work involved in joint regulation (actions and decisions) has an impact on these factors and influences the occupational health outcomes. Our research question is therefore this: What are the actions and decisions involved in joint regulation of Lean implementation projects that lead to closer correspondence with enabling organization criteria? This empirical study was exploratory in nature and had a multiple case study design. Two cases of lean projects were documented through eight individual interviews and the collection of documents. The main results indicate that, while joint regulation appears essential in terms of meeting enabling organization criteria, it alone is insufficient to explain the health effects of Lean projects. All stakeholders need to define the project goals, modes of assessment and management rules, both cooperatively and transparently, and through their involvement in decisions regarding all processes.

Managers’ views on how intellectual capital is recognized and managed in practice

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 282-304 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Tyskbo
Keyword(s):  
Intellectual Capital ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Multiple Case Study ◽  
Sample Survey ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Financial Reports ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
The Rich

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to advance the understanding of how intellectual capital (IC) unfolds in practice in organizations. This is done by answering the research question of how IC is recognized and managed in practice as expressed by managers. Design/methodology/approach An explorative, empirical and multiple case study was conducted, investigating four Swedish firms. Findings This paper illustrates how IC was recognized and managed in practice despite managers expressing uncertainty of what the IC concept means. More or less direct, formalized and purposeful ways were adopted. The IC elements and practices most important from a management perspective were those aligned with the overall strategy, but were seldom what was visible in financial reports. Research limitations/implications The use of an explorative, multiple case study limits the generalizability. However, the rich view gained of how IC unfolds in practice may not always be possible using large sample, survey-studies. Future research is therefore suggested to take this paper’s insights further and investigate IC in other organizations and in other national contexts. Originality/value This paper responds to the calls for third stage IC research, by showing how IC management in practice may not be as clear and straightforward as researchers tend to assume. It also adds to the importance debate on IC accountingization, by reflecting on how an accounting dominance may not fully capture IC inside organizations. A number of practical contributions are also made.

scholarly journals The Importance of Innovation for Small-Scale Metallurgical Industries: Multiple Case Study on Innovation Management

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 174
Author(s):  
Marcos Oliveira Morais ◽  
Antonio Sérgio Brejão ◽  
Marcelo Bernardino Araújo ◽  
Pedro Luiz de Oliveira Costa Neto
Keyword(s):  
Innovation Management ◽  
Multiple Case Study ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Tax Burden ◽  
Small Companies ◽  
Aluminum Casting ◽  
Secondary Sector ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Plastic Injection

This research aims to identify how specialists of small metallurgical companies analyze the question regarding the search for innovation. Then, we conducted a survey in five companies from the sectors of aluminum casting under pressure, plastic injection, and lighting. It is also possible to see that for small companies, partnership issues become relevant in the context of innovation together with the interaction between the company and employees. This research indicates that innovate became the way to remain competitive, since the high Brazilian tax burden prejudice the gains of the companies, enabling both technological and organizational advances. It is a multiple case study paper in the secondary sector.

WHAT'S SMALL SIZE GOT TO DO WITH IT? PROTECTION OF INTELLECTUAL ASSETS IN SMEs

2009 ◽  
Vol 13 (03) ◽  
pp. 349-370 ◽  
Author(s):  
HEIDI OLANDER ◽  
PIA HURMELINNA-LAUKKANEN ◽  
JUKKA MÄHÖNEN
Keyword(s):  
Small Firms ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Multiple Case Study ◽  
Small Companies ◽  
Innovation Activities ◽  
Knowledge Protection ◽  
Intellectual Assets ◽  
Protection Mechanisms ◽  
Multiple Case

The knowledge protection/sharing dilemma related to innovation activities is becoming known to all firms, even though it is generally more notable for SMEs: the small size of the firms inherently creates a need for inter-organizational collaboration, but it also makes dealing with the related contradictories more challenging. One factor behind this is that the needed tools — such as the protection mechanisms of intellectual assets — may be more limited. In line with this notion, we examine the protection available for and used by small firms in their innovation activities. We approach the issue by conducting a review on the relevant literature, and use a qualitative multiple case study conducted in eight small companies to empirically study the issue. Departing from prior research, we consider protection of innovations by distinguishing between the intangibles needed in innovation activities and the actual innovation outputs, and combine these considerations to the knowledge protection/sharing dilemma.

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