scholarly journals From conceptualisation to commercialisation: The Gradnet story

2015 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zenia Barnard ◽  
Chris Rensleigh
Keyword(s):  
Academic Research ◽  
Innovation Process ◽  
Academic Disciplines ◽  
Original Research ◽  
Case Study Approach ◽  
Holistic View ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
A Company ◽  
Practical Implications

Background: A very small percentage of all the research generated by universities is commercialised. The article is a case study of the transformation from action research to a spin-off company. It looks at the practical implications of such a transformation. Objectives: The aim of this article is to provide a holistic view of what the process entailed to leap from academic research to the commercialisation of the research into a company as was the case for Gradnet. Method: A case-study approach was used to document the conceptualisation and development of the research-based, spin-off company, Gradnet. This includes the background of the original research that formed the basis of the innovation process. Results: It was found that the commercialisation process of academic research is not necessarily a natural process for the researcher in the absence of an appropriate supporting infrastructure. Conclusion: All academic disciplines have the potential for establishing commercially viable research projects. This potential should be actively explored and pursued by the institution.

scholarly journals Toward A Business Resilience Framework for Startups

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 3132
Author(s):  
Leo Aldianto ◽  
Grisna Anggadwita ◽  
Anggraeni Permatasari ◽  
Isti Raafaldini Mirzanti ◽  
Ian O. Williamson
Keyword(s):  
Innovation Process ◽  
Dynamic Capability ◽  
Case Study Approach ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Continuous Innovation ◽  
Technology Capability ◽  
Resilience Framework ◽  
Business Resilience

Covid-19 has had a significant impact on the disruption of the global economic sector, including for startup businesses. This encourages entrepreneurs to carry out a continuous innovation process to become more ambidextrous and continue to innovate in an effort to futureproof their business. The paper aims to provide a business resilience framework by exploring capability (innovation ambidexterity, dynamic capability, and technology capability), behavior (agile leadership), and knowledge (knowledge stock) in startup businesses. This study uses a literature review synthesis to gain a greater understanding of startup resilience and its implementation. This study also uses a case study approach in building a framework by obtaining data from semi-structured interviews with three startups owners in Indonesia. This preliminary research has identified four propositions that will be used to develop questionnaires and data collection instruments. Thus, this study provides new insights on how startups can overcome contradictory pressures for business resilience in anticipating, dealing with, and emerging from business turbulence due to the Covid-19 pandemic by considering the factors proposed in this study. The implications and recommendations of this study are also discussed in detail.

Improving transport performance in supply networks: effects of (non)overlapping network horizons

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Victor Eriksson ◽  
Kajsa Hulthén ◽  
Ann-Charlott Pedersen
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Business Relationship ◽  
Transport Service ◽  
Change Initiative ◽  
Case Study Approach ◽  
Supply Networks ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The aim of this paper is to investigate how the efforts of improving transport performance within the scope of one business relationship are embedded in a transport service triad, which, in turn, is embedded in the wider supply network. Design/methodology/approach The theoretical framing originates from the IMP approach with a specific focus on the concept network horizon, and literature on triads. The study is explorative and applies a qualitative design and a case study approach to illustrate how three actors engage in a change initiative to improve transport performance. Findings The paper concludes that it is crucial to get counterparts aware of the importance of expanding and defining their network horizons for a certain change initiative. Interaction among actors is important to create awareness and expand its own as well as others’ network horizons for a certain change. Three generic facets are proposed: overlapping network horizons, partly overlapping network horizons and non-overlapping network horizons. Practical implications The framework offers a tool to managers in terms of the concept of network horizon that can help to understand the challenges when dealing with change in supply networks and to understand where to deploy resources to cope with change. Originality/value This study adds to the literature by explicating facets of the concept of network horizon, especially when firms are faced with a change, how they are affected by this change and how they can cope with the related challenges.

Micro-Sized Enterprises, Innovation and Universities: A Welsh Perspective

2014 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 39-49 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Jones ◽  
Ralf Patz ◽  
Brychan Thomas ◽  
Simon McCarthy
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Research Methodology ◽  
Innovation Process ◽  
Knowledge Gap ◽  
Case Study Approach ◽  
Barriers To Innovation ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Start Up ◽  
Minimal Research

This study considers the linkage between micro-sized enterprises and other organizations, especially universities, in relation to the innovation process. The focus of the research is on non-start-up enterprises in Wales and how they develop their products. The research methodology adopted is a thematic literature review and the case study approach. The findings demonstrate that there are additional barriers to innovation in terms of legislation and regulation when micro-sized enterprises endeavour to overcome their knowledge gap through collaborating with universities. It is noted that there has been minimal research examining the knowledge gap encountered by micro-sized enterprises and how they attempt to overcome the barriers to collaborating with universities.

scholarly journals A marca própria e os seus aspectos negociais: um estudo de caso

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (16) ◽  
Author(s):  
Edivaldo Fernandes Dos Santos Junior ◽  
Andréa Paula Osório Duque ◽  
Manoel Marcondes Machado Neto
Keyword(s):  
Careful Analysis ◽  
Private Label ◽  
Case Study Approach ◽  
Strategic Objectives ◽  
Chain Stores ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
A Company ◽  
Selection Of

Atualmente, as marcas comerciais surgem como atributos de diferenciação e de vantagem competitiva, criando valor para as empresas de varejo. Neste sentido, elas geralmente têm seus produtos associados a preços mais acessíveis, possibilitando a incorporação de um nicho de mercado ao negócio de supermercados e redes de lojas, além de gerar maior rentabilidade. Este estudo se propôs a examinar os aspectos relacionados à origem e ao fortalecimento de uma marca própria por meio de um estudo de caso. O objetivo geral consiste em investigar o desenvolvimento de uma marca própria em uma empresa de produtos naturais. A metodologia adotada é a da pesquisa descritiva, com dados qualitativos obtidos a partir de um estudo de caso único. A coleta de dados foi efetivada via entrevista com o diretor-executivo e a gerente de desenvolvimento de produtos de uma empresa do ramo de alimentos saudáveis. Os resultados demonstram, principalmente, que o desenvolvimento da marca própria pesquisada requereu análise criteriosa dos hábitos dos consumidores; determinação dos objetivos estratégicos; diferenciação competitiva por meio de escolha precisa de fornecedores; investimento maciço em marketing; além de diversificação dos veículos de comunicação.Palavras-chave: Marca. Marca Própria. Brand. Branding.The private label and its negotiation aspects: a case studyAbstractNowadays, trademarks appear as differentiating attributes and competitive advantage, creating value for retail companies. In this way, private labels usually have their products associated with more affordable prices, enabling the incorporation of market niches to supermarkets and chain stores, in addition to higher profitability. This study aimed to examine the issues related to the origin and strengthening of a private label through a case study. The overall objective is to investigate the development of a private label in a company of natural products. The methodology adopted is this study can be classified as an applied research, descriptive and qualitative data obtained through a case study approach. Data collection for the completion of the case study approach was carried out by an interview with the executive director and the product development manager. The results show mainly that the development of a private label required careful analysis of consumers’ habits; determination of strategic objectives; competitive differentiation through careful selection of suppliers; massive investment in marketing and media diversification.Keywords: Brand. Branding. Private Label.

scholarly journals The Re-Conceptualization of the Port Supply Chain as a Smart Port Service System: The Case of the Port of Salerno

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonio Botti ◽  
Antonella Monda ◽  
Marco Pellicano ◽  
Carlo Torre
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Service System ◽  
Service Science ◽  
Case Study Approach ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Smart Service ◽  
Comprehensive Framework ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Smart Port

This paper proposes a re-conceptualization of the port supply chain as a smart service system, according to the theory of the Service science. Starting from a short literature review about the port supply chain approach and the Service science, a new comprehensive framework is provided to better understand the seaport dynamics and the creation of competitive port supply chains. The methodology used is the case study approach. The authors examined the port of Salerno (Italy), and re-conceptualized it as a smart port service systems. Both theoretical and practical implications are provided to enrich the literature about the port supply chain and to support the port operators.

Strengthening and sustaining a community through reciprocal support between local businesses and the community

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 668-680 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lynne Siemens
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Geographical Area ◽  
Reciprocal Relationship ◽  
Sustainable Communities ◽  
Case Study Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Rural Context ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Community economic development (CED) focuses on the creation of sustainable communities. To that end, a reciprocal relationship that sustains the community and business alike can be created. However, little is known about the nature of informal interactions between residents and businesses that achieves that end. This study aims to explore the nature of these interactions and their contribution to CED within a rural context. Design/methodology/approach A case study approach was used with interviews with five rural entrepreneurs. Questions explored the nature of the support that they receive from their home community and their contributions back to it. Findings The results show that communities and businesses do not operate independently of each other, but rather are mutually supportive and contribute directly to the other’s objectives. These relationships are reinforced over time by a business owner’s direct involvement in the community, though this process takes time and effort. Research limitations/implications This study focuses on a limited geographical area in British Columbia with a small group of rural entrepreneurs. The results may not be generalizable to other contexts. Practical implications The results suggest concrete actions that both the rural entrepreneurs and their associated communities can take to be mutually supportive of each other to the benefit of each party alike. Originality/value This paper enlarges the understanding of the types of interactions, especially informal ones, that can support both businesses and the larger community in their efforts to sustain themselves and contribute to CED efforts.

Can a merger of equals truly exist?

2016 ◽  
Vol 32 (6) ◽  
pp. 40-42 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jayanth-Reddy Alluru ◽  
Mark Thomas
Keyword(s):  
Mergers And Acquisitions ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Reading Time ◽  
Case Study Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Perceptions Of Fairness ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Between 1985 and 2001, only 45 of 90,480 total European mergers and acquisitions were identified as a merger of equals (Zaheer et al., 2003). This indicates that there were less than 1 per cent of the M&A deals that could actually be categorized as a merger of equals. This paper aims to analyse two recent mergers and assess to what extent they are “of equals”. Design/methodology/approach The paper takes a multi-case study approach looking specifically at the Lafarge-Holcim and DuPont-Dow Chemical mergers. Findings Zaheer et al. (2003) point out that in the case of a merger of equals emotions run usually high, perceptions of fairness and unfairness are strongly related to identification with their former organizations, and the very idea of “equality” can backfire, as integration can never be equal in all its aspects. It remains to be seen if the Lafarge-Holcim and the DuPont-Dow Chemicals will truly be equal. Practical implications The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organizations. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

scholarly journals Corporate governance practices and the pandemic crisis: UK evidence

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sheeja Sivaprasad ◽  
Sudha Mathew
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Governance ◽  
Content Analysis ◽  
External Information ◽  
Case Study Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Governance Practices ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the corporate governance practices in the UK. The authors adopt a case study approach and use content analysis, using internal and external media releases as well as annual reports to analyse the impact of the pandemic on governance practices. Design/methodology/approach The research design is qualitative in nature and adopts a case study approach. HSBC, an international bank, is used as the case study and a content analysis of internal and external information released after the COVID-19 outbreak is used. Themes arising from the analysis are discussed and recommendations are made. Findings Results from the thematic analysis show that firms must be resilient in difficult times, follow sustainable practices and are attentive to the well-being of their employees. Firms must address the adequacy of IT Infrastructure and assess the IT related risks during these times. Practical implications The pandemic crisis triggered unprecedented changes in the manner the firms are governed and managed. The recommendations made by the study have practical implications for firms who can adopt them to be make the business resilient and sustainable. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to explore the impact of the pandemic and analyse firms’ responses to the crisis in the corporate governance context. This study contributes to the corporate governance literature by providing insights of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Building firm capability through imitative innovation: Chinese manufacturing SME cases

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 575-590 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven Si ◽  
Song Wang ◽  
Steven M. Welch
Keyword(s):  
Continuous Process ◽  
Innovation Process ◽  
Multiple Case Study ◽  
Technological Capabilities ◽  
Case Study Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Firm Capability ◽  
Multiple Case

PurposeThis study aims to investigate how firm capability can be accumulated with the inputs of learning efforts targeted at resolving barriers existing in the imitative innovation process. This paper takes imitative innovation as a process involving a few stages during which learning efforts are targeted at overcoming barriers existing within each process.Design/methodology/approachThe multiple case study approach has been adopted to explore how Chinese manufacturing small and medium enterprises (SMEs) learn and increase their technological capabilities through a continuous process of product refinement and improvement based on imitative innovation. In particular, the authors accentuate the learning efforts that firms must make to cope with various technological barriersFindingsIt is revealed that during the initial stages of imitative innovation, the organizational learning of Chinese manufacturing SMEs is highly constrained by the limitations of their technological resources and capabilities. It is also found that original equipment manufacturers can play an important role in providing Chinese learners with both explicit and tacit technological knowledge.Originality/valueThis study investigates how firm capability can be accumulated with the inputs of learning efforts targeted at resolving barriers existing in the imitative innovation process. The multiple case study approach has been adopted to explore how Chinese manufacturing SMEs learn and increase their technological capabilities through a continuous process of product refinement and improvement based on imitative innovation that could add new and great value to this research area.

Remarkable lives: Chantelle Garth in conversation with Jerome Carson

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chantelle Garth ◽  
Jerome Carson
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Adult Life ◽  
Childhood And Adolescence ◽  
Case Study Approach ◽  
Short Account ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
The Face ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide a profile of Chantelle Garth. Design/methodology/approach Using a case study approach, Chantelle provides a short account of her background and is then interviewed by Jerome. Findings Chantelle gives an account of her very troubled childhood and adolescence. Her adult life has been no easier. Life is a continuous challenge. Research limitations/implications It is hard to imagine a tougher life than Chantelle’s, yet her ambition has carried her through. A single account, yet one of the most powerful accounts in this series. Practical implications There are few better accounts of resilience in the face of at times what seem like insurmountable obstacles. Social implications The belief that can be instilled by a single professional can have a profound effect in encouraging someone facing adversity. Originality/value There are numerous accounts of individuals facing difficulties in life, then there is Chantelle’s. This is in a category of its own.

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