scholarly journals Entrepreneurial Framework Conditions and Impact Scores of Small-Size Certified Benefit Corporations (CBCs). A Configurational Analysis of 17 Countries

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (13) ◽  
pp. 7297
Author(s):  
Alberto Ruozzi ◽  
Jose Antonio Vicente
Keyword(s):  
Small Firms ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Impact Score ◽  
Multiple Stakeholders ◽  
Configurational Analysis ◽  
Average Impact ◽  
Benefit Corporations ◽  
Framework Conditions ◽  
Social And Environmental Impacts ◽  
Legal Infrastructure

The urgent need that the private sector generate positive social and environmental impacts in order to cope with the grand challenges faced by humanity and contribute to sustainable development, has ignited the need to understand the country conditions that could promote such an endeavor, especially for small firms who may have more difficulties and, among them, those that try to generate positive impacts for multiple stakeholders, such as Certified B Corporations (CBCs). To contribute to such understanding, we use fsQCA to identify the combinations of presence/absence of four entrepreneurial framework conditions (EFCs)—financing for entrepreneurs, taxes and bureaucracy, R&D transfer, and commercial and legal infrastructure—that are sufficient for the presence/absence of a high average impact score of small-size CBCs in the country. The analysis reveals that two combinations of the presence/absence of the considered EFCs are sufficient for the presence and another two are sufficient for the absence of that outcome. General patterns, specific combinations and the implications for policymakers, CBCs managers and future research are discussed.

The Relationship Between Urban Renewal and the Built Environment: A Systematic Review and Bibliometric Analysis

2021 ◽  
pp. 088541222110589
Author(s):  
Hao Wang ◽  
Na Liu ◽  
Junhua Chen ◽  
Shan Guo
Keyword(s):  
Built Environment ◽  
Urban Renewal ◽  
Bibliometric Analysis ◽  
Web Of Science ◽  
Interaction Mechanism ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Multiple Stakeholders ◽  
Future Research Agenda ◽  
Environmental Development ◽  
The Relationship

Urban renewal and the built environment have become two of the hottest topics in urban planning studies. Although existing literature has started to examine both of them from different perspectives, a comprehensive review with a bibliometric analysis is necessary to fully reveal the association between them. To overcome these gaps, this paper critically reviews the literature on urban renewal and the built environment and proposes a novel research framework to systematically understand the relationship between them. Based on 155 articles which were published between 2001 and 2020 collected from the Web of Science Core Collection Database, a bibliometric analysis offers the overall development and trajectory of the existing research, and a critical review fully analyzes the relationship between the two topics from three perspectives: main categories of urban renewal, multiple stakeholders, and economic, social and environmental development needs. To better clarify the interaction mechanism between urban renewal and the built environment and guide further research in this area, a future research agenda is also provided.

An Evaluation of Software Development Practices among Small Firms in Developing Countries

2016 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 45-70 ◽  
Author(s):  
Delroy Chevers ◽  
Annette M. Mills ◽  
Evan Duggan ◽  
Stanford Moore
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Software Development ◽  
Process Improvement ◽  
Small Firms ◽  
Software Process ◽  
Software Process Improvement ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Capability Maturity ◽  
Software Product ◽  
Software Development Practices

For software development firms to be competitive they must assure the quality of the software product. This has led many firms to adopt software process improvement (SPI) programs such as the capability maturity model integration (CMMI). However, for small software firms, especially those in developing countries with limited resources, these programs are often too cumbersome and costly to implement. To address this issue, this paper proposes a simplified SPI model for small firms (SPM-S) comprised of 10 key software development practices; with fewer practices, the proposed model should be more accessible and less costly to implement. Using data collected in four developing countries in the English-speaking Caribbean from 112 developer/user dyads, the model is evaluated with respect to its impact on software quality. The findings show that the software development process coupled with supporting technology (e.g. project management tools) significantly impact software product quality. Implications for software process improvement in small firms and future research are discussed.

scholarly journals A PAC Framework for Aggregating Agents’ Judgments

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 ◽  
pp. 2237-2244 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hanrui Zhang ◽  
Vincent Conitzer
Keyword(s):  
Objective Function ◽  
Pac Learning ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Formal Learning ◽  
Multiple Stakeholders

Specifying the objective function that an AI system should pursue can be challenging. Especially when the decisions to be made by the system have a moral component, input from multiple stakeholders is often required. We consider approaches that query them about their judgments in individual examples, and then aggregate these judgments into a general policy. We propose a formal learning-theoretic framework for this setting. We then give general results on how to translate classical results from PAC learning into results in our framework. Subsequently, we show that in some settings, better results can be obtained by working directly in our framework. Finally, we discuss how our model can be extended in a variety of ways for future research.

Organizational Characteristics and Small Firms’ Performance Revisited

1989 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 49-64 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul B. Cragg ◽  
Malcolm King
Keyword(s):  
Firm Performance ◽  
Financial Performance ◽  
Small Firm ◽  
Small Firms ◽  
Causal Model ◽  
Organizational Characteristics ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Firm Financial Performance ◽  
Mixed Support ◽  
Research Studies

Numerous studies have attempted to gain a greater understanding of small firm performance with the intent of isolating factors which are important for success. The studies, some with serious limitations, suggest that many different variables are Important to success. A further study of 179 small, metal goods manufacturers enabled some of the specific relationships to be re-examined, but with mixed support for previous findings. Various suggestions are made for future research studies. A causal model of small firm financial performance is proposed.

An expanded nomological network of experienscape

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 999-1040 ◽  
Author(s):  
Asli D.A. Tasci ◽  
Abraham Pizam
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Subjective Happiness ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Nomological Network ◽  
Multiple Stakeholders ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Holistic Understanding

Purpose Bitner’s (1992) concept of servicescape has received widespread academic attention, resulting in many conceptual and empirical studies. By scanning the servicescape literature and other relevant concepts, Pizam and Tasci (2019) provided experienscape, an expanded version of servicescape, to be measured from different stakeholders’ perspectives with a multidisciplinary approach. This paper aims to build on Pizam and Tasci’s conceptualization of experienscape and expand its nomological network with other pertinent concepts related to different stakeholders with an interdisciplinary approach. Design/methodology/approach This is a conceptual study analyzing diverse literature related to servicescape, experienscape and other related concepts and theories to provide an integrated and holistic picture of experienscape for more robust theory development. Several new relationships are synthesized for hypothesis development and testing in future research. Findings The review of past research reveals that servicescape literature has mostly focused on outcomes for the benefit of brands and firms and missed outcomes for consumers and other stakeholders. In addition, servicescape literature lacks several critical concepts in the affective, cognitive and behavioral reaction domains, as well as moderator factors. The relevance of some theories such as branding (e.g. brand identity, personality, image, perceived quality, consumer value, brand value and self-congruity), cocreation/coproduction/codestruction, transformation, subjective happiness, subjective well-being and quality of life is completely overlooked. Research limitations/implications Experienscape is a container of complex systems where needs, wants and expectations of multiple stakeholders are entertained, often at the same time through dynamic interactions among multiple stakeholders. Thus, a holistic understanding of experienscape requires dynamic integration of theories explaining the behavior of different stakeholders by cross-fertilizing theories through interdisciplinary research rather than unidisciplinary or multidisciplinary research conducted in separate silos. Originality/value By adopting Pizam and Tasci’s (2019) experienscape concept, this study expanded the relational network of service environment components (i.e. sensory, functional, social, natural and cultural components of experienscape) by incorporating diverse theories and concepts that explain cognitive, affective and conative reactions of different stakeholders to an experience environment. Additionally, the current study recommends attention to human-centric outcomes such as transformation, subjective well-being, subjective happiness and quality of life, which were completely overlooked in previous servicescape research.

scholarly journals Using Visualization to Build Transparency in a Healthcare Blockchain Application

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (17) ◽  
pp. 6768
Author(s):  
Jesús Peral ◽  
Eduardo Gallego ◽  
David Gil ◽  
Mohan Tanniru ◽  
Prashant Khambekar
Keyword(s):  
Patient Data ◽  
Health Conditions ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Multiple Stakeholders ◽  
Technical Challenge ◽  
Digital Platform ◽  
Social Challenge ◽  
The Social ◽  
External Stakeholders ◽  
Pilot Implementation

With patients demanding services to control their own health conditions, hospitals are looking to build agility in delivering care by extending their reach into patient and partner ecosystems and sharing relevant patient data to support care continuity. However, sharing patient data with several external stakeholders outside a hospital network calls for the development of a digital platform that is trusted by both hospitals and stakeholders, given that there is often no single entity supporting such coordination. In this paper, we propose a methodology that uses a blockchain architecture to address the technical challenge of linking disparate systems used by multiple stakeholders and the social challenge of engendering trust by using visualization to bring about transparency in the way in which data are shared. We illustrate this methodology using a pilot implementation. The paper concludes with a discussion and directions for future research and makes some concluding comments.

Organizational Learning and Entrepreneurial Strategy

2002 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 27-33 ◽  
Author(s):  
Colin Gray ◽  
Eddie Gonsalves
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Learning ◽  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Small Firms ◽  
Economies Of Scale ◽  
Organizational Capabilities ◽  
Business Strategies ◽  
Economies Of Scope ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Entrepreneurial Strategy ◽  
Different Levels

Globalization, deregulation and new information and communication technologies (ICT) are having enormous effects on all types of business. Indeed, ICT are now adding two new sources of entrepreneurial business alongside start-ups and management buy-ins and buy-outs — rejuvenated established firms and downsized, out-sourced former larger businesses. Schumpeter's five key areas of innovation (drivers of competitive advantage and entrepreneurial strategy) have taken on a new resonance as ICT have added others such as supply chain management, market information, financing and distribution. Outsourcing and ICT have made economies of scale quicker and easier to achieve for SMEs, but deeper and more extensive knowledge is required of the capabilities of ICT and of potential partners. Economies of scope also require increased knowledge of internal organizational capabilities and of potential external partners. Various studies in the UK highlight the increased importance to entrepreneurial small firms of ICT-supported networking with other firms and of the organizational knowledge that lies behind successful strategies in these areas. Thus, the ability of individual owners and managers to learn and the capacity for organizational learning within an SME become crucial determinants of success in the new knowledge economy. This paper is based on an intensive study of organizational learning among the smaller members of the UK's Institute of Directors (IoD). It identifies different levels of organizational learning and the characteristics of SMEs at different levels, with particular attention to differences in business strategies. The findings of the IoD study are augmented by findings from the independent non-profit Small Business Research Trust (SBRT). SBRT has collaborated with the Open University Business School in studies on the determinants of management development in SMEs and has longitudinal data for analysing whether there is a connection between growth-oriented, innovative, entrepreneurial SMEs and their propensity to network, to use ICT and to support learning in their organizations. Exploring the linkages between organizational learning and SME behaviour, strategy and performance, the paper concludes with a typology of SME strategies related to organizational learning and suggestions for future research in this area.

Coopetition among nascent craft breweries: a value chain analysis

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 2-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
David J. Flanagan ◽  
Douglas A. Lepisto ◽  
Laurel F. Ofstein
Keyword(s):  
Value Chain ◽  
Small Firms ◽  
Technology Development ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Relationship Building ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Chain Model ◽  
Value Chain Analysis ◽  
Process Technology ◽  
Content Type

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to employ an inductive approach to explore how small, nascent, firms in the craft brewing industry use cooperative behaviours with direct competitors to achieve their goals. Design/methodology/approach Data were gathered from interviews with the founders of seven small, newly established, craft brewers in a Midwestern city in the USA for this exploratory study. Data analysis followed the general tenants of inductive coding. Porter’s value chain model was used as a framework to organise and conceptualise the coopetitive behaviour uncovered. Findings The firms engage in cooperative behaviours with their direct competitors in areas such as process technology development, procurement, inbound logistics and marketing. A particularly interesting and common collaborative activity was breweries recommending/promoting competing breweries to their own customers. Practical implications This study provides clear examples of how relationship building with competitors could be advantageous and help small, nascent firms overcome the liabilities of newness and smallness. Originality/value Research on coopetition has called for a greater understanding of the nature of cooperative behaviours in small firms, start-ups and firms outside of high-technology industries. Moreover, research has called for finer-grained approaches to conceptualising coopetition. This paper fills these gaps and shows how Porter’s value chain is a useful tool for organising the types of collaborative behaviours that can be part of coopetition. The findings enhance understanding and facilitate future research by illustrating a broad array of cooperative activities that occur between direct competitors.

Knowledge creation processes in small innovative hi‐tech firms

2008 ◽  
Vol 31 (11) ◽  
pp. 879-894 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Spraggon ◽  
Virginia Bodolica
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Knowledge Creation ◽  
Small Firms ◽  
Software Industry ◽  
Specific Interaction ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Exploratory Research ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Interaction Processes

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore knowledge creation processes in small innovative hi‐tech firms operating in the software industry.Design/methodology/approachThe research framework examines specific action and interaction processes aiming at creating knowledge. This exploratory research is constituted by five case studies, each of them being represented by a small Canadian software firm. Analysis draws upon four sources of data. A total of 15 interviews (three per case) had been conducted and subsequently transcribed and coded using qualitative software – Nvivo 07.FindingsThe results of the study reveal that interaction processes permitting the creation of knowledge in small hi‐tech firms can take place via: formal meetings; informal communities; project teams; external interaction; and information technology‐tools. Rapid prototyping represents the kernel activity of knowledge creation through action. Details of the results, implications of the findings, and conclusions are presented and discussed.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper is based on a limited number of case studies, therefore empirical results cannot be generalized. Future research on larger samples of small Canadian software firms is needed, using the same eligibility criteria and comparing the same knowledge creation processes as those explored in this study. Other promising avenues of inquiry include such questions as the way small knowledge‐based firms operating in turbulent environments organize internally to create knowledge, the conditions enabling the generation of knowledge, and the particular “spaces” in which knowledge creation occurs in these firms.Practical implicationsThe systematic description and comparison of knowledge creation processes in each explored company contribute to the better understanding of specific “interaction” and “action” processes through which knowledge is generated, enabling practitioners in small innovative hi‐tech firms to design appropriate policies and procedures for enhancing knowledge creation behaviors of their employees.Originality/valueThis research is among the first and most exhaustive exploratory and comparative studies carried out in the Canadian context of small firms operating in the software industry.

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