scholarly journals Evaluating SMEs Growth Strategies: The Case Study of A Medium-sized UK Specialty Chemical Distributor

2016 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 122
Author(s):  
Hendrik Frentzen ◽  
Evripidis Lampadarios
Keyword(s):  
Regulatory Compliance ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Growth Strategies ◽  
Organic Growth ◽  
Compliance Requirements ◽  
Small Business Growth ◽  
Chemical Distribution ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Past Experiences

The UK chemical distribution industry, a well-established, highly fragmented, subject to strong consolidation and significant part of the chemical industry, is a major contributor to the UK economy and employment. The ever increasing regulatory compliance requirements pose a significant challenge to all companies in general but more so to SMEs which have a strong presence in this industry. Even though there has been considerable research in the area of small business growth, best practices for SMEs in the chemical distribution industry are scarce. This is one of the few research papers that address this gap in knowledge in a case study context in the specific industry, arguing that a mix of inorganic and organic growth is the best way to achieve growth. Findings suggest that the strategy depends on the vision of the owner/manager, strategies in place, access to human resources and finance, past experiences, industry characteristics and company structure. Despite the methodological limitations of this study, this can be used as the basis for future research and to inform key stakeholders and policy makers.

The Compliance of IT Control and Governance

2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 28-44
Author(s):  
Colin Lai ◽  
Hung-Lian Tang ◽  
J. Michael Tarn ◽  
Sock Chung
Keyword(s):  
Regulatory Compliance ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Gaming Industry ◽  
Case Study Methodology ◽  
Stage Of Development ◽  
Casino Gaming ◽  
Initial Stage ◽  
The Status ◽  
Compliance Requirements ◽  
Multiple Case

This study used a multiple-case study methodology in exploring the status of IT control in the casino gaming industry. The observations of this research should very much represent the overall status of the concerned issues regarding the casino gaming industry of Macao. Having attained a more complete level of IT control not only helps the company in satisfying the concerned regulatory compliance requirements, but also makes IT works more effectively for the companies in helping them to gain the competitive advantage in the fierce competitive environment in the gaming industry. The findings of this research can help the gaming companies to identify the potential enhancement areas of IT control. This study has captured the IT control status of the gaming industry at an initial stage of development in Macao. Further, the results can serve as a solid foundation for future research on the casino gaming industry and extending similar research to be conducted on other industries and government agencies, which are promoting the awareness of the importance of IT control.

The contested instruments of a new governance regime

2017 ◽  
Vol 30 (7) ◽  
pp. 1568-1590 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlos Ferreira
Keyword(s):  
Single Case ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Governance Mechanism ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Governance Regime ◽  
Biodiversity Offsets ◽  
The Creation ◽  
Political Project ◽  
The Uk

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyse the processes involved in the creation and eventual demise of a market for biodiversity offsets in the UK. The reasons for the failure of this market to take hold as a governance mechanism are considered, and its subsequent effects examined. Design/methodology/approach The research examines a single case study of the creation of a pilot market for biodiversity offsets in the UK. Data include policy and industry papers, complemented with interviews with biodiversity offset practitioners, regulators and non-government organisations. Findings The case study demonstrates that a market for biodiversity offsets was piloted with the intent to contribute to the reform of the UK planning regime. However, disagreements about this political project, uncertainties in the knowledge base, and continued entanglements with existing biodiversity meant it was impossible to stabilise the assemblages necessary to support the market, leading to its eventual demise. However, the principles and devices of offsetting have proved more resilient, and have started to combine with the existing arrangements for the governance of nature. Practical implications The paper presents a situation where a political project to reform governance arrangements through the creation of a market was not successful, making it of interest to researchers and policymakers alike. Originality/value While biodiversity offsetting has been widely discussed from scientific, legal and political perspectives, this paper addresses it as a market, explicitly designed to become a part of a governance regime. It also advances the understanding of the mechanisms by which similar processes of marketisation can fail, and suggests avenues for future research in those contexts.

scholarly journals The growth strategies of a global pharmaceutical company: a case study of Aspen Pharmacare Holdings Limited

2017 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 248-259 ◽  
Author(s):  
Victoria Margaret Hodgon ◽  
Muhammad Ehsanul Hoque
Keyword(s):  
Single Case ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Visionary Leadership ◽  
Growth Strategies ◽  
Incremental Value ◽  
Organic Growth ◽  
Key Factor ◽  
Restrictive Legislation ◽  
Double Digit

Given the rapid and sustained growth of Aspen over the past decade, the main aim of this study is to identify and analyze the growth strategies, adopted by Aspen over the period from 2004 to 2014. The research method used was a descriptive study through a single case study of Aspen by analyzing secondary data in the form of publicly available company reports and presentations, as well as financial results, issued between 2004 and 2014. The study finds that, guided by strategic and visionary leadership, Aspen adopted a number of growth strategies including (i) organic growth, as a key factor in creating incremental value for Aspen and its stakeholders, (ii) inorganic growth, in the form of carefully planned and well executed acquisitions, aligned to the Group strategy, (iii) extending territorial coverage through global expansion, particularly into emerging pharmaceutical countries, and (iv) ongoing investment in production capabilities as a means of achieving a strategic advantage. Despite the challenges of intense competition, restrictive legislation, pressure on medicine prices, currency volatility and market specific risks, Aspen has delivered double-digit earnings growth to its shareholders for 16 consecutive years.

My name is bond, Pecorino Bond

2020 ◽  
Vol 122 (4) ◽  
pp. 1040-1055
Author(s):  
Paola Paoloni ◽  
Giuseppe Modaffari ◽  
Niccolò Paoloni
Keyword(s):  
Small Island ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Growth Strategies ◽  
Food Sector ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Credit Access ◽  
Agricultural Enterprises ◽  
Start Up ◽  
A Company

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to analyze how “mini-bonds,” an innovative financial tool for Italian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), can contribute to the development and sustainability of the agri-food sector and its local products, such as Pecorino Cheese.Design/methodology/approachThe study was conducted as a qualitative case study applying the CAOS (“characteristics, ambience, organization, start-up”) model. This model makes it possible to describe all variables that affect a company in a given economic context.FindingsIn Sardinia, a small island to the southwest of Italy, there are more than 60,000 agricultural enterprises, 60 percent of which are shepherding operations. Obtaining financial resources is a constant challenge, often related to the uncertainties inherent in seasonal activities. This paper explores how a mini-bond was implemented to promote the development and sustainability of Pecorino Cheese.Research limitations/implicationsLimitations are chiefly related to the short observation period—the bond was first issued in 2018—and to the narrow geographical base of observation.Originality/valueThis research contributes to the expanding body of literature on innovative financial tools for the promotion and development of the local agri-food heritage. It may be useful to practitioners currently researching and developing growth strategies for companies. Existing barriers to credit access are among the most important causes of the lack of development of SMEs, especially in Italy where SMEs represent the principal type of new businesses in the agri-food sector, and their economic success is so dependent on seasonality. In February 2019, the Pecorino case played a role in the Italian government stepping in to avoid the collapse of the price of milk. Future research will focus on the analysis of specific economic results of the financial operations described herein, and will further focus on possibly similar cases of local products making use of innovative financial tools.

Conclusion

2008 ◽  
pp. 222-239
Author(s):  
Yogesk K. Dwivedi
Keyword(s):  
Case Study Research ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Policy And Practice ◽  
Research Directions ◽  
Study Research ◽  
The Future ◽  
Future Research Directions ◽  
The Uk

This chapter provides a conclusion of the results and discussions of the UK case study research presented in this book. The chapter begins with an overview of this research in the next section. This is followed by the main conclusions drawn from this research. Following this, a discussion of the research contributions and implications of this research in terms of the theory, policy and practice is provided. This is ensued by the research limitations, and a review of the future research directions in the area of broadband diffusion and adoption. Finally, a summary of the chapter is provided.

scholarly journals Jinn and mental health: looking at jinn possession in modern psychiatric practice

2013 ◽  
Vol 37 (9) ◽  
pp. 290-293 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simon Dein ◽  
Abdool Samad Illaiee
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Mental Distress ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Working Relationships ◽  
Religious Professionals ◽  
Collaborative Working ◽  
The Uk

SummaryThis article focuses on jinn possession and mental illness in Islam. After discussing spirit possession generally and its classification in DSM-5, we present an overview of several studies examining the role of jinn in mental distress in Muslims in the UK. A case study which exemplifies jinn possession is presented and the clinical implications of the findings are discussed. We argue for collaborative working relationships between Islamic religious professionals and mental health professionals. Finally, we discuss potential areas for future research.

The Role of the Consultant in Enterprise Development

2013 ◽  
pp. 88-113 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ian K. Bathgate
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Business Failure ◽  
Growth Strategies ◽  
Economic Agents ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Strategic Options ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Embedded Case Study

Business failure crisis is not a new phenomenon. The competitive dynamism to which businesses are susceptible exposes free economic agents to the vagaries of the marketplace, encompassing problems of growth, sustainability, and paradoxically, failure. However, the problems are more exacerbated in small-to-medium sized enterprises (SMEs) than large businesses, which is why they have continued to experience disproportionately high failure rates. Set against this background, this chapter focuses on the role of early consultancy intervention in securing sustainable development of SMEs. It does this by analysing SME growth strategies with respect to the interface with consultants. Using the ‘embedded case study’ approach and leaning significantly on the author’s consultancy undertakings with SMEs in the UK, the chapter provides refreshing perspectives on the nature of consultancy, strategic options open to SMEs, entrepreneurial competences and characteristics, the need for consultants, and an assessment of role effectiveness in the SME sector.

scholarly journals The texture of narrative dilemmas: qualitative study in front-line professionals working with asylum seekers in the UK

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Paaras Abbas ◽  
Martha von Werthern ◽  
Cornelius Katona ◽  
Francesca Brady ◽  
Yeree Woo
Keyword(s):  
Asylum Seekers ◽  
Personal Information ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Home Office ◽  
International Protection ◽  
Group Settings ◽  
Shame And Guilt ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Past Experiences

Aims and method Asylum seekers are required to narrate past experiences to the UK Home Office, doctors, lawyers and psychologists as part of their claims for international protection. The Home Office often cites perceived inconsistencies in asylum interviews as grounds for refusal of their claims. A number of processes affect asylum seekers' abilities to narrate past experiences fully to the professionals interviewing them. The dilemmas around disclosure that asylum seekers face have received little attention to date. This work aims to explore the perspectives of UK-based medico-legal report-writing doctors, lawyers and psychologists whose work involves eliciting narratives from asylum seekers on the processes that affect asylum seekers' abilities to disclose sensitive personal information in interview settings. Eighteen professionals participated in semi-structured interviews in individual or focus group settings to discuss, from their perspectives of extensive collective professional experience, the narrative dilemmas experienced by asylum seekers with whom they have worked. Results Professionals identified a number of processes that made disclosure of personal information difficult for asylum seekers. These included asylum seekers' lack of trust towards the professionals conducting the interview, unclear ideas around pertinence of information for interviewers, feelings of fear, shame and guilt related to suspicions around collusions between UK and their country-of-origin's authorities, sexual trauma and, occasionally, their own involvement or collusion in crimes against others. Clinical implications Recommendations are made on how to improve the interview environment to encourage disclosure. These have important implications for future research and policy initiatives.

scholarly journals Functionality and Usability Requirements for a Crowdsourcing Task Interface that Supports Rich Data Collection and Volunteer Participation: A Case Study: The New Zealand Reading Experience Database

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Donelle McKinley
Keyword(s):  
Data Collection ◽  
Data Entry ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Reading Experience ◽  
The Social ◽  
Volunteer Participation ◽  
Usability Requirements ◽  
Rich Data ◽  
The Uk

<p>Research problem: The New Zealand Reading Experience Database (NZ-RED) is a crowdsourced history of reading project based on the UK-RED launched in 1996. The purpose of this study is to produce high-level functionality and usability requirements for a NZ-RED task interface that supports volunteer participation and rich data collection, and to determine the extent to which the UK-RED task interface meets these requirements.  Methodology: The case study takes a mixed-methods approach informed by grounded theory. Data was collected from RED project documentation and research, a usability inspection of the UK-RED task interface using evidence-based heuristics developed by Petrie & Power (2012), an online questionnaire of 112 current and potential RED contributors, an examination of recent crowdsourcing projects, and literature on crowdsourcing and human-computer interaction.   Results: This study established seven functionality and usability requirements for a NZ-RED task interface that supports volunteer participation and rich data collection: minimize user effort; support integration of the task with research processes; enable new visitors and contributors to understand what the task involves quickly and easily; support accurate and controlled data entry; be easy to use for people reasonably confident with the Web; support flexible, structured data entry; and support bilingual data entry. The UK-RED task interface partially meets four of the seven requirements.  Implications: Evidence-based requirements that inform project development and evaluation contribute to the social sustainability of crowdsourcing projects driven by academic and cultural heritage institutions. Future research could review the requirements produced by this study and consider their impact on the social sustainability of the NZ-RED and, potentially, World-RED partners. An increase in published requirements documentation could help to inform the requirements activity of other crowdsourcing projects, thereby reducing the time and expertise required. Future research could also investigate the value of studies like this one for other crowdsourcing projects.</p>

Exploring Data Center Migration: A Case Study

2016 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-17
Author(s):  
Meghann A. Cefaratti ◽  
Hui Lin
Keyword(s):  
Data Center ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Regulatory Compliance ◽  
Data Availability ◽  
Future Research ◽  
It Services ◽  
Structure Mapping ◽  
Governmental Organization ◽  
Key Success Factors

ABSTRACT A data center migration (DCM) refers to the physical and/or logical relocation of IT services from one physical and/or virtual location to another. The demand for and occurrences of DCMs have increased in recent years. In this case study, we examine a DCM completed by a governmental organization with approximately 80,000 users. We identify key success factors and measure the importance of specific DCM activities. Analyzing both quantitative and qualitative data to derive factors that contribute to DCM success, the following overarching conclusion emerged: Key success factors in a data center migration include proper planning, consideration of procedures to minimize end-user impact including downtime, and effective communication among team members before and during the data center migration. DCMs have practical implications for regulatory compliance and enterprise risk management efforts. Opportunities for future research include employing structure-mapping theory to test the predictive value of DCM success factors in other system implementation and migration contexts such as cloud migrations. Data Availability: A complete copy of the questionnaire is available upon request.

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