scholarly journals Performance of SMEs: Literature synthesis of contingency models

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 276-297
Author(s):  
Humberto Ramirez ◽  
Thien Sang Lim
Keyword(s):  
Prediction Models ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Academic Research ◽  
Empirical Literature ◽  
Performance Models ◽  
Economic Output ◽  
Literature Synthesis ◽  
Common Criterion ◽  
Current Paradigm

The fundamental issue of performance of SMEs has been intensively analyzed by academia mainly through performance models. Performance models are largely focused on predicting failure and have intrinsic limitations. The present literature synthesis proposes an alternative perspective from seemingly unconnected empirical studies, which share the performance of SMEs as a common criterion: contingency models. Such perspective emphasizes the positive facet of SMEs results and complements the current academic standard of prediction models. This study performed integration and conceptual classification of 99 articles cataloged as contingency models and published by reputed journals from 1999 to 2019. The evidence from the integrated empirical literature revealed an ample and diverse set of supported variables that explain a positive economic outcome in small ventures. The analysis and classification of the articles derived 7 sections, 24 categories and 131 supported variables, which are intended to help improve the scholarly and professional analysis of SME performance due to the inherent viability of the integrated articles, proving a benign economic output. This view contradicts the current paradigm of performance models, which is insufficient to predict or explain how to improve SMEs results. The integrated elements developed by this study can work as a framework for the academic research of SMEs performance, and practical guidance for SMEs’ managers. This synthesis sets an agenda for further academic research in the field of SME performance, specifically in the areas of methodology, operationalization of performance, and empirical research.

Yogic Intervention in Sexual Dysfunction - A Review

2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rakshith K. R. ◽  
Shivakumar . ◽  
Kaushal Sinha ◽  
Vijeth Kumar L. A.
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Functioning ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Empirical Literature ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Yoga Therapy ◽  
Cognitive Component ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Breathing Exercises ◽  
The Mind

Yoga is an ancient practice with Eastern roots that involves both physical postures (Asanas) and breathing techniques (Pranayamas). Yoga therapy for male sexual problems can effectively be treated through Yoga therapy, particularly with the help of Yoga poses and breathing exercises, Yoga has proven itself highly very effective in the treatment of a number of incurable and sometimes terminable diseases. Then again, Yoga's therapeutic effects are just a spin-off and supplementary. Yoga which has proved to be very effective in the treatment of many impossible and incurable diseases, the therapeutic effect of Yoga is only a by product and incidental. Problems related to sex can very well be handled with Yoga as most often these problems are more related to the mind than body. Either they are caused by lack of confidence or stress or fatigue or fear and very few times some physical cause is there. There is also a cognitive component focusing on meditation and concentration, which aids in achieving the goal of union between the self and the spiritual. Although numerous empirical studies have found a beneficial effect of Yoga on different aspects of physical and psychological functioning, claims of Yoga's beneficial effects on sexuality derive from a rich but no empirical literature. The goal of this article is to review the philosophy and forms of Yoga, to review the no empirical and (limited) empirical literatures linking Yoga with enhanced sexuality, and to propose some future research avenues focusing on Yoga as a treatment for sexual disorder.

scholarly journals Heritage Module within Legal Translation and Interpreting Studies: Didactic Contribution to University Students’ Sustainable Education

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 3966
Author(s):  
Anastasia Atabekova
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Design ◽  
University Students ◽  
Cultural Heritage ◽  
Theoretical Consideration ◽  
Graduate Program ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Academic Research ◽  
Professional Activities ◽  
Module Design ◽  
Legal Translation

This article explores the hypothesis that the concept of heritage is relevant for a university-based degree course in legal translators and interpreters’ training. The research rests on the legal and academic understanding of cultural heritage. The study explores its specifics regarding the English-taught discipline on Legal Translation and Interpreting Studies within the above-mentioned graduate program. The research integrates qualitative tools and statistical instruments, starts with the theoretical consideration of legislative and academic sources, proceeds to the empirical studies of heritage samples, and considers their relevance for the heritage module design within the specified discipline. The experimental design of such a module and its use for the training of students are also part of the present investigation that further explores students’ perceptions of the heritage module under study, with reference to their future career tracks. The study reveals the specifics and components of the heritage framework for the discipline under study and identifies those areas of professional activities for which students consider the heritage module as most useful and relevant. These issues have not been a subject for academic research so far, which contributes to the research relevance and novelty.

scholarly journals First-Generation College Students and Family Support: A Critical Review of Empirical Research Literature

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 294
Author(s):  
Samantha LeBouef ◽  
Jodi Dworkin
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
Family Support ◽  
Empirical Research ◽  
First Generation ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
First Generation College Students ◽  
Research Literature ◽  
Empirical Literature ◽  
First Generation College ◽  
Research Narrative

The majority of empirical literature on first generation college students (FGCSs) in the U.S. asserts that because their parents did not attend college, FGCSs are lacking important resources to be successful in college. However, this results in a deficit-based approach to the study of FGCSs that tends to highlight the differences between first-generation and continuing-education students. However, FGCSs possess a wealth of resources from parents and families that make them successful, and that are often ignored in research. Asset-based approaches to the study of FGCSs are becoming more frequent in the form of books, book chapters, and white papers; however, published empirical research has yet to adopt this approach. As a result, a deeper understanding of FGCSs’ experiences is essential to advancing diversity and equity in higher education. To begin to address this gap, a systematic literature review of empirical studies following the PRISMA framework was conducted on first generation college students and family support; the literature was critically reviewed and future directions for the field were identified. Applying a critical, cultural, and familial lens to the study of first-generation college students will contribute to reframing the research narrative towards an asset-based narrative.

scholarly journals Personality trait differences across types of entrepreneurs: a systematic literature review

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Florentine U. Salmony ◽  
Dominik K. Kanbach
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Personality Traits ◽  
Systematic Literature Review ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Academic Research ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Rural Farmers ◽  
Start Up ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Research Integration

AbstractThe personality traits that define entrepreneurs have been of significant interest to academic research for several decades. However, previous studies have used vastly different definitions of the term “entrepreneur”, meaning their subjects have ranged from rural farmers to tech-industry start-up founders. Consequently, most research has investigated disparate sub-types of entrepreneurs, which may not allow for inferences to be made regarding the general entrepreneurial population. Despite this, studies have frequently extrapolated results from narrow sub-types to entrepreneurs in general. This variation in entrepreneur samples reduces the comparability of empirical studies and calls into question the reviews that pool results without systematic differentiation between sub-types. The present study offers a novel account by differentiating between the definitions of “entrepreneur” used in studies on entrepreneurs’ personality traits. We conduct a systematic literature review across 95 studies from 1985 to 2020. We uncover three main themes across the previous studies. First, previous research applied a wide range of definitions of the term “entrepreneur”. Second, we identify several inconsistent findings across studies, which may at least partially be due to the use of heterogeneous entrepreneur samples. Third, the few studies that distinguished between various types of entrepreneurs revealed differences between them. Our systematic differentiation between entrepreneur sub-types and our research integration offer a novel perspective that has, to date, been widely neglected in academic research. Future research should use clearly defined entrepreneurial samples and conduct more systematic investigations into the differences between entrepreneur sub-types.

scholarly journals The job demands-resources model and the international work context – a systematic review

2014 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 260-279 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucy T.B. Rattrie ◽  
Markus G. Kittler
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Domestic Work ◽  
Job Demands ◽  
Empirical Literature ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
International Work ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Work Contexts

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a synthesis and evaluation of literature surrounding the job demands-resources (JD-R) model (Demerouti et al., 2001) in the first decade since its inception, with particular emphasis on establishing an evidence-based universal application towards different national and international work contexts. Design/methodology/approach – The study uses a systematic review approach following the stages suggested by Tranfield et al. (2003). Based on empirical data from 62 studies, the authors systematically analyse the application of the JD-R model and queries whether it is applicable outside merely domestic work contexts. Findings – The authors find convincing support for the JD-R model in different national contexts. However, the authors also found an absence of studies employing the JD-R model in cross-national settings. None of the empirical studies in the sample had explicitly considered the international context of today’s work environment or had clearly associated JD-R research with the IHRM literature. Research limitations/implications – Based on the wide acceptance of the JD-R model in domestic work contexts and the increased interest in work-related outcomes such as burnout and engagement in the IHRM literature, the study identifies a gap and suggests future research applying the JD-R model to international work and global mobility contexts. Originality/value – This study is the first to systematically assess the application of the JD-R model in domestic and international work contexts based on a systematic review of empirical literature in the first decade since the inception of the model. The study identifies a lack of internationally focussed JD-R studies and invites further empirical research and theoretical extensions.

The Relationship of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder to Crime and Delinquency: A Meta-Analysis

2002 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 344-360 ◽  
Author(s):  
Travis C. Pratt ◽  
Francis T. Cullen ◽  
Kristie R. Blevins ◽  
Leah Daigle ◽  
James D. Unnever
Keyword(s):  
Attention Deficit ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Strong Association ◽  
Criminological Theory ◽  
Empirical Literature ◽  
Delinquent Behaviour ◽  
Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Correctional Policy ◽  
Crime And Delinquency

In recent years, criminologists have begun to focus more closely on how certain biosocial and/or neuropsychological factors may influence criminal and delinquent behaviour. One factor that is emerging as a potentially important correlate of such behaviour is Attention Deficit — often combined with hyperactivity — Disorder (ADD and/or ADHD). The results of the growing body of empirical literature assessing this link are, however, inconsistent. The present study subjects this body of research to a ‘meta-analysis' — or, ‘quantitative synthesis' — to establish both the overall effect of ADHD on crime and delinquency and the degree to which this relationship is conditioned by methodological factors across empirical studies. The analyses reveal a fairly strong association between measures of ADHD and criminal/delinquent behaviour. Nevertheless, these effects are not invariant across certain salient methodological characteristics. The implications for criminological theory and correctional policy are discussed.

scholarly journals Advances in Blast-Induced Impact Prediction—A Review of Machine Learning Applications

Minerals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 601
Author(s):  
Nelson K. Dumakor-Dupey ◽  
Sampurna Arya ◽  
Ankit Jha
Keyword(s):  
Machine Learning ◽  
Prediction Models ◽  
Academic Research ◽  
Empirical Models ◽  
Rock Breakage ◽  
Environmental Implications ◽  
Learning Methods ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Impact Prediction ◽  
Machine Learning Methods

Rock fragmentation in mining and construction industries is widely achieved using drilling and blasting technique. The technique remains the most effective and efficient means of breaking down rock mass into smaller pieces. However, apart from its intended purpose of rock breakage, throw, and heave, blasting operations generate adverse impacts, such as ground vibration, airblast, flyrock, fumes, and noise, that have significant operational and environmental implications on mining activities. Consequently, blast impact studies are conducted to determine an optimum blast design that can maximize the desirable impacts and minimize the undesirable ones. To achieve this objective, several blast impact estimation empirical models have been developed. However, despite being the industry benchmark, empirical model results are based on a limited number of factors affecting the outcomes of a blast. As a result, modern-day researchers are employing machine learning (ML) techniques for blast impact prediction. The ML approach can incorporate several factors affecting the outcomes of a blast, and therefore, it is preferred over empirical and other statistical methods. This paper reviews the various blast impacts and their prediction models with a focus on empirical and machine learning methods. The details of the prediction methods for various blast impacts—including their applications, advantages, and limitations—are discussed. The literature reveals that the machine learning methods are better predictors compared to the empirical models. However, we observed that presently these ML models are mainly applied in academic research.

Empirical Literature on Economic Growth, 1991–2020: Uncovering Extant Gaps and Avenues for Future Research

2021 ◽  
pp. 097491012110616
Author(s):  
Natalia I. Doré ◽  
Aurora A. C. Teixeira
Keyword(s):  
Economic Growth ◽  
Latin American ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Empirical Literature ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Long Run ◽  
Scientific Attention ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Determinants Of Economic Growth ◽  
Latin American And Caribbean

The factors required to achieve sustainable economic growth in a country are debated for decades, and empirical research in this regard continues to grow. Given the relevance of the topic and the absence of a comprehensive, systematic literature review, we used bibliometric techniques to examine and document several aspects in the empirical literature related to growth, from 1991 to 2020. Five main results are worth highlighting: (a) the share of empirical articles on economic growth show a clear upward trend; (b) among all the groups of countries considered, the emerging economies (EEs) have received the most scientific attention; (c) the economic growth processes of the Latin American and Caribbean EEs have observed negligible scientific attention; (d) the very long-run studies comprise a residual share among the empirical literature on growth; (e) the extant empirical studies on economic growth have addressed mainly the impact of “macroeconomic conditions.” Our findings suggest there is a need to redirect the empirical growth agenda, so as to encourage more scientific attention devoted to the analysis of key determinants of economic growth in the very long run. There should also be increased scrutiny of the processes of economic growth in Latin American and Caribbean EEs

scholarly journals Serendipity and its study

2014 ◽  
Vol 70 (6) ◽  
pp. 1015-1038 ◽  
Author(s):  
Allen Edward Foster ◽  
David Ellis
Keyword(s):  
Information Seeking ◽  
Process Model ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Empirical Literature ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Information Studies ◽  
Information Encountering ◽  
Citation Classics

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the concept of serendipity and approaches to its study particularly in relation to information studies. Design/methodology/approach – The origins of the term serendipity are described and its elaboration as an exploratory and explanatory concept in science and the social sciences are outlined. The distinction between serendipity and serendipity pattern is explained and theoretical and empirical studies of both serendipity and the serendipity patterns are explored. The relationship between information encountering is described. Empirical studies of serendipity using Citation Classics and other research approaches in information studies are described. Findings – The discrepancy between occurrences of serendipity in studies using Citation Classics and reported serendipity in philosophy of science, research anecdotes, information encountering and information seeking by inter-disciplinary researchers is highlighted. A comparison between a process model of serendipity and serendipity as an emergent behavioural characteristic are indicates directions for future research. Originality/value – The paper provides and original synthesis of the theoretical and empirical literature on serendipity with particular reference to work in information studies and an indication of the methodological difficulties involved in its study.

Another failed M&A: misaligned business models as culprit

2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (5) ◽  
pp. 18-26
Author(s):  
Gaël Le Floc’h ◽  
Laurent Scaringella
Keyword(s):  
Customer Value ◽  
Multinational Enterprises ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Empirical Literature ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Recent Debate ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Medium Enterprises

Purpose Literature on business models (BMs) has grown ve ry rapidly since the beginning of the twenty-first century, and although the theoretical and empirical literature has developed significantly, the number of practical and management-oriented studies remains relatively low. A recent debate in the field has focused on the definition of BM invariants: sensing customer needs, creating customer value, sustaining value creation and monetizing value. Extant empirical studies have mainly focused on multinational enterprises (MNEs) and successful BMs; however, this study concentrates on the failure of BMs in the case of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). An important source of a BM’s failure is the misalignment between MNE and SME involved in an acquisition. Design/methodology/approach Looking through the lens of the four BM constants, the aim of this study is to examine the case of the acquisition Domestic Heating (an SME) by Ventilair (an MNE). Findings Although both separate entities were achieving good results and each had a specific BM, the acquisition produced poor results mainly due to the misalignment of the two BMs. The findings lead the authors to make recommendations to practitioners on avoiding BM misalignment during an acquisition. Originality/value The authors encourage practitioners to enhance communication, promote organizational experiments, acknowledge specificities of both entities, foster employee commitment and ensure homogeneity in IT system usage.

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