Growing exports via online communities and regional web-portals : A case from the Central Highlands region of Victoria
- Authors: Thompson, Helen
- Date: 2003
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of New Business Ideas and Trends Vol. 1, no. 2 (2003), p. 44-58
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Despite a rise of interest in information communications technology (ICT) and in community informatics (CI) initiatives, these are not ‘magic bullets’ or ‘quickfix solutions’ for SMEs or even larger organisations, communities, or industries. There is growing recognition of the need to go beyond anecdotal evidence and to assess more effectively the change brought about by providing access to and utilisation of ICT in communities. Denison et al. (2002) have presented a taxonomy that differentiates between various types of ICT and community networking initiatives. The application of this schema to a cluster of community informatics initiatives originating from the Central Highlands region of Victoria proves to be useful. A single case study is then presented which reviews the evolution of GrowExport.com, one of the online communities within that cluster. The diverse factors that are involved in establishing sustainable online services are examined. Access to a comprehensive toolset specifically designed to meet the skills and infrastructure gaps that often exist in regional areas has been important. The active involvement of community members in designing, implementing and sustaining web-based services has also been important. By generating debate and discussion and by sharing the critical learning from specific cases it is hoped that others can be better informed about the major characteristics and the diverse factors which impact on the effectiveness and long-term sustainability of CI initiatives in a regional and rural context.
- Description: C1
- Description: 2003000615
- Authors: Thompson, Helen
- Date: 2003
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of New Business Ideas and Trends Vol. 1, no. 2 (2003), p. 44-58
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Despite a rise of interest in information communications technology (ICT) and in community informatics (CI) initiatives, these are not ‘magic bullets’ or ‘quickfix solutions’ for SMEs or even larger organisations, communities, or industries. There is growing recognition of the need to go beyond anecdotal evidence and to assess more effectively the change brought about by providing access to and utilisation of ICT in communities. Denison et al. (2002) have presented a taxonomy that differentiates between various types of ICT and community networking initiatives. The application of this schema to a cluster of community informatics initiatives originating from the Central Highlands region of Victoria proves to be useful. A single case study is then presented which reviews the evolution of GrowExport.com, one of the online communities within that cluster. The diverse factors that are involved in establishing sustainable online services are examined. Access to a comprehensive toolset specifically designed to meet the skills and infrastructure gaps that often exist in regional areas has been important. The active involvement of community members in designing, implementing and sustaining web-based services has also been important. By generating debate and discussion and by sharing the critical learning from specific cases it is hoped that others can be better informed about the major characteristics and the diverse factors which impact on the effectiveness and long-term sustainability of CI initiatives in a regional and rural context.
- Description: C1
- Description: 2003000615
Virtual SME networks : Pathways towards online collaboration
- Authors: Braun, Patrice
- Date: 2003
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: New Business Ideas and Trends Vol. 1, no. 2 (2003), p. 10-20
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The Internet and portability of technologies are changing the way we are doing business. Electronic business and commerce (e-commerce) platforms purportedly provide companies of all sizes with opportunities for economies of scale, process efficiencies and mechanisms for electronic advertising, retailing, trading and transaction. Australian small and medium size enterprises (SME) have, however, been reluctant to embrace information and communication technologies (ICT) and e-commerce because they fail to see the value of such tools. While SME are still coming to terms with core ICT adoption and strategic e-commerce directions, individual SME connectivity and e-commerce adoption inertia has been upstaged by collaborative network trends. Competitive advantage is becoming embedded in collaboration, networking and (virtual) clustering. This paper discusses the pathways towards online collaboration that address both industry or network needs and the capabilities, needs and attitudes of individual SME.
- Description: C1
- Description: 2003000610
- Authors: Braun, Patrice
- Date: 2003
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: New Business Ideas and Trends Vol. 1, no. 2 (2003), p. 10-20
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The Internet and portability of technologies are changing the way we are doing business. Electronic business and commerce (e-commerce) platforms purportedly provide companies of all sizes with opportunities for economies of scale, process efficiencies and mechanisms for electronic advertising, retailing, trading and transaction. Australian small and medium size enterprises (SME) have, however, been reluctant to embrace information and communication technologies (ICT) and e-commerce because they fail to see the value of such tools. While SME are still coming to terms with core ICT adoption and strategic e-commerce directions, individual SME connectivity and e-commerce adoption inertia has been upstaged by collaborative network trends. Competitive advantage is becoming embedded in collaboration, networking and (virtual) clustering. This paper discusses the pathways towards online collaboration that address both industry or network needs and the capabilities, needs and attitudes of individual SME.
- Description: C1
- Description: 2003000610
Start up and beyond : Evolving training needs for rural women in small business
- Newton, Janice, Gottschalk, Lorene, Wood, Glenice
- Authors: Newton, Janice , Gottschalk, Lorene , Wood, Glenice
- Date: 2004
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of New Business Ideas and Trends Vol. 2, no. 1 (2004), p. 29-42
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The rural decline in Australian industry restructuring and the withdrawal of infrastructural services (ABS, 1998), gives rise to the hope of a turnaround in regional and rural Australia arising from the growth of new business ventures. There has been a trend towards an increase in both small business and the involvement of women in recent years (ABS 1301.0, 1997). This combination is important for a sustainable rural future, and therefore, a greater understanding is needed of how women stand in relation to sound business preparation, and attitudes to professional training.
- Description: C1
- Description: 2003000792
- Authors: Newton, Janice , Gottschalk, Lorene , Wood, Glenice
- Date: 2004
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of New Business Ideas and Trends Vol. 2, no. 1 (2004), p. 29-42
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The rural decline in Australian industry restructuring and the withdrawal of infrastructural services (ABS, 1998), gives rise to the hope of a turnaround in regional and rural Australia arising from the growth of new business ventures. There has been a trend towards an increase in both small business and the involvement of women in recent years (ABS 1301.0, 1997). This combination is important for a sustainable rural future, and therefore, a greater understanding is needed of how women stand in relation to sound business preparation, and attitudes to professional training.
- Description: C1
- Description: 2003000792
A post-keynesian Innovation policy for sustainable development
- Authors: Courvisanos, Jerry
- Date: 2005
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Environment, Workplace and Employment Vol. 1, no. 2 (2005), p. 187-192
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Innovation and the environment are perceived as being in conflict within mainstream economics. Both are neglected themes in post-Keynesian economics, despite their prominence in general business discourse. A post-Keynesian ‘eco-sustainable framework’ is specified, which can stimulate innovation with supportive public policy tools for the attainment of sustainable economic and ecological development. The framework aims at satisficing towards a ‘sustainable society’ based on the work of Micha
- Description: C1
- Description: 2003001291
- Authors: Courvisanos, Jerry
- Date: 2005
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Environment, Workplace and Employment Vol. 1, no. 2 (2005), p. 187-192
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Innovation and the environment are perceived as being in conflict within mainstream economics. Both are neglected themes in post-Keynesian economics, despite their prominence in general business discourse. A post-Keynesian ‘eco-sustainable framework’ is specified, which can stimulate innovation with supportive public policy tools for the attainment of sustainable economic and ecological development. The framework aims at satisficing towards a ‘sustainable society’ based on the work of Micha
- Description: C1
- Description: 2003001291
Vice-chancellors for the 21st Century? A study of contemporary recruitment and selection practices in Australian universities
- O'Meara, Bernard, Petzall, Stanley
- Authors: O'Meara, Bernard , Petzall, Stanley
- Date: 2005
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Management Research News Vol. 28, no. 9 (2005), p. 18-35
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: This article is based on recent Ph.D research. The practices for appointing Vice Chancellors (VC’s) in Australian Universities were examined, together with the changing role of the VC and new demographic patterns in VC backgrounds. A number of other issues were also examined, including the training and preparation of VC’s, mentoring and the changing skill base required to be effective in the role. In addition, the paradox was investigated of appointing academics from the ranks of individuals with non-business backgrounds, to run large enterprises which are being compelled to adopt an increasingly business-oriented focus.
- Description: C1
- Description: 2003001175
- Authors: O'Meara, Bernard , Petzall, Stanley
- Date: 2005
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Management Research News Vol. 28, no. 9 (2005), p. 18-35
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: This article is based on recent Ph.D research. The practices for appointing Vice Chancellors (VC’s) in Australian Universities were examined, together with the changing role of the VC and new demographic patterns in VC backgrounds. A number of other issues were also examined, including the training and preparation of VC’s, mentoring and the changing skill base required to be effective in the role. In addition, the paradox was investigated of appointing academics from the ranks of individuals with non-business backgrounds, to run large enterprises which are being compelled to adopt an increasingly business-oriented focus.
- Description: C1
- Description: 2003001175
A case study of organisational culture and ideological issues in a joint venture in China
- Authors: Jiang, Xiaoli
- Date: 2006
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Enterprising Culture Vol. 9 , no. 3 (2006), p. 313-330
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: This study utilises interviews to investigate issues within a joint venture (JV) in China. The findings demonstrate that the organisational culture of this JV was dominated by its former state-owned enterprise (SOE) culture. The culture was influenced by Chinese culture, particularly by Maoist ideology. This organisational culture appeared not to be compatible with the liberalist ideology of the capitalist market economy. This incompatibility had contributed to management difficulties and financial losses for the JV. Discontent existed between the Chinese staff/workers and Western expatriates. Changing the organisational culture by changing staff may assist the JV to survive in the market economy.
- Description: C1
- Description: 2003003410
- Authors: Jiang, Xiaoli
- Date: 2006
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Enterprising Culture Vol. 9 , no. 3 (2006), p. 313-330
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: This study utilises interviews to investigate issues within a joint venture (JV) in China. The findings demonstrate that the organisational culture of this JV was dominated by its former state-owned enterprise (SOE) culture. The culture was influenced by Chinese culture, particularly by Maoist ideology. This organisational culture appeared not to be compatible with the liberalist ideology of the capitalist market economy. This incompatibility had contributed to management difficulties and financial losses for the JV. Discontent existed between the Chinese staff/workers and Western expatriates. Changing the organisational culture by changing staff may assist the JV to survive in the market economy.
- Description: C1
- Description: 2003003410
Childlessness and women managers : 'Choice', context and discourses
- Wood, Glenice, Newton, Janice
- Authors: Wood, Glenice , Newton, Janice
- Date: 2006
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Gender, Work and Organization Vol. 13, no. 4 (2006), p. 338-358
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Childlessness is increasing and might reflect acceptance of diversity, scope for individual choice and a creative 'social imaginary' about being feminine without being a mother. Childlessness also appears to have a contextual manifestation arising from the recognition that the long-hours work culture in many organizations does not support appropriate parenting. A qualitative study of Australian managers reveals the contradictory discourses of childlessness around enlightened equality, maternalism, an elusive, ideal 'work-life balance' and individualism. The article explores a contextually nuanced, dynamic, generative theory of agency which does not hinge on the mother-child dyad, in explaining women managers' choices to remain childless. © Blackwell Publishing Ltd 2006.
- Description: C1
- Description: 2003002074
- Authors: Wood, Glenice , Newton, Janice
- Date: 2006
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Gender, Work and Organization Vol. 13, no. 4 (2006), p. 338-358
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Childlessness is increasing and might reflect acceptance of diversity, scope for individual choice and a creative 'social imaginary' about being feminine without being a mother. Childlessness also appears to have a contextual manifestation arising from the recognition that the long-hours work culture in many organizations does not support appropriate parenting. A qualitative study of Australian managers reveals the contradictory discourses of childlessness around enlightened equality, maternalism, an elusive, ideal 'work-life balance' and individualism. The article explores a contextually nuanced, dynamic, generative theory of agency which does not hinge on the mother-child dyad, in explaining women managers' choices to remain childless. © Blackwell Publishing Ltd 2006.
- Description: C1
- Description: 2003002074
Malaysian and Australian male and female middle managers
- Authors: Wood, Glenice , Jogulu, Uma
- Date: 2006
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: The international journal of knowledge, Culture amd Change Management Vol. 6, no. 3 (2006), p. 109-119
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: This paper outlines the rise of women in management worldwide, and considers why so few women achieve senior or executive management positions. This slow advance of women into senior roles is unexpected given that the changes in organisations today are believed to require more ‘feminine leadership’. A decrease in the emphasis on masculine characteristics for managers is reported, and a requirement that more ‘feminine leadership’ needs to be adopted by organisations in order to ensure their survival in the future (Powell, Butterfield & Parent, 2002, p.189). Recent empirical research reports that there are differences in leadership style between male and female managers, and the findings suggest that women exhibit more transformational leadership than their male counterparts, with this style being strongly equated with effective leadership (Eagly, Johannesen-Schmidt, van Engen, 2003). However, these findings are based on western research, and it may be that cross cultural research will yield a different picture (House, Hanges, Javidan, Dorfman, & Gupta, 2004). Leadership and leadership styles may be conceptualised differently in a more paternalistic society. To explore this possibility, a cross cultural study was conducted in Malaysia and Australia. It is hypothesised that countries that are paternalistic in cultural values will exhibit a stronger constraint on women in management roles, which may impact on workplace attitudes, aspirations for promotion and style of leadership exhibited. Therefore, it is possible that the career advancement of women may be more problematic for Malaysian managerial women than their Australian counterparts. Results from an initial pilot study in Malaysia and Australia are outlined, and highlight some interesting similarities and differences to what are reported in the western literature.
- Description: C1
- Description: 2003001775
- Authors: Wood, Glenice , Jogulu, Uma
- Date: 2006
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: The international journal of knowledge, Culture amd Change Management Vol. 6, no. 3 (2006), p. 109-119
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: This paper outlines the rise of women in management worldwide, and considers why so few women achieve senior or executive management positions. This slow advance of women into senior roles is unexpected given that the changes in organisations today are believed to require more ‘feminine leadership’. A decrease in the emphasis on masculine characteristics for managers is reported, and a requirement that more ‘feminine leadership’ needs to be adopted by organisations in order to ensure their survival in the future (Powell, Butterfield & Parent, 2002, p.189). Recent empirical research reports that there are differences in leadership style between male and female managers, and the findings suggest that women exhibit more transformational leadership than their male counterparts, with this style being strongly equated with effective leadership (Eagly, Johannesen-Schmidt, van Engen, 2003). However, these findings are based on western research, and it may be that cross cultural research will yield a different picture (House, Hanges, Javidan, Dorfman, & Gupta, 2004). Leadership and leadership styles may be conceptualised differently in a more paternalistic society. To explore this possibility, a cross cultural study was conducted in Malaysia and Australia. It is hypothesised that countries that are paternalistic in cultural values will exhibit a stronger constraint on women in management roles, which may impact on workplace attitudes, aspirations for promotion and style of leadership exhibited. Therefore, it is possible that the career advancement of women may be more problematic for Malaysian managerial women than their Australian counterparts. Results from an initial pilot study in Malaysia and Australia are outlined, and highlight some interesting similarities and differences to what are reported in the western literature.
- Description: C1
- Description: 2003001775
The E-factor : Advancing women entrepreneurs in the digital economy
- Authors: Braun, Patrice
- Date: 2006
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Asian Pacific Women's Information Network Center Vol. 8, no. (2006), p. 99-109
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: With the rise of globalisation, technological innovation, diffusion of information via the Internet, and related changes in business values and beliefs, countries, regions, governments and institutions everywhere are facing changing conditions for competitive advantage (Pfeffer & Sutton, 2000). Globalisation allows companies of all sizes, even micro and small and medium size enterprises (SME) which were once unable to compete with larger firms, to participate in new markets and reduce costs. Deregulated markets allow for more competition as well as better product offering and prices for small businesses.
- Description: C1
- Description: 2003002171
- Authors: Braun, Patrice
- Date: 2006
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Asian Pacific Women's Information Network Center Vol. 8, no. (2006), p. 99-109
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: With the rise of globalisation, technological innovation, diffusion of information via the Internet, and related changes in business values and beliefs, countries, regions, governments and institutions everywhere are facing changing conditions for competitive advantage (Pfeffer & Sutton, 2000). Globalisation allows companies of all sizes, even micro and small and medium size enterprises (SME) which were once unable to compete with larger firms, to participate in new markets and reduce costs. Deregulated markets allow for more competition as well as better product offering and prices for small businesses.
- Description: C1
- Description: 2003002171
The role of leadership theory in raising the profile of women in management
- Authors: Jogulu, Uma , Wood, Glenice
- Date: 2006
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Equal opportunities international Vol. 25, no. 4 (2006), p. 236-250
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: To consider how leadership theories have helped or hindered raising the profile of women in management and leadership roles. The paper reviews the major leadership theories, and links these to a timeframe to illustrate how women were not visible in a management context until relatively recently. Such an omission may have contributed to the continuing low numbers of women who advance to senior management and leadership roles.
- Description: C1
- Description: 2003001718
- Authors: Jogulu, Uma , Wood, Glenice
- Date: 2006
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Equal opportunities international Vol. 25, no. 4 (2006), p. 236-250
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: To consider how leadership theories have helped or hindered raising the profile of women in management and leadership roles. The paper reviews the major leadership theories, and links these to a timeframe to illustrate how women were not visible in a management context until relatively recently. Such an omission may have contributed to the continuing low numbers of women who advance to senior management and leadership roles.
- Description: C1
- Description: 2003001718
Towards a third level of analysis in the work-life balance debate: Incorporating a 'society' perspective
- Authors: Zacharias, Nadine
- Date: 2006
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: The international journal of knowledge, culture & change management Vol. 5, no. 8 (2006), p. 195-201
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The concept of ‘work-life balance’ has been researched from three main but largely separate perspectives: Business, individual and society. Much research has attempted to link ‘work-life balance’ initiatives to ‘bottom line’ performance and to make a ‘business case’ for their introduction. Studies that have focused on employees using ‘work-life balance’ policies have shown that the issues around a satisfactory combination of work and private life spheres are still mainly perceived as an individual (female) concern. It is only recently that the issues have been regarded as a phenomenon of broader social significance because the negative consequences of the increased inability of finding a ‘balance’ are becoming more and more obvious in Western societies. In this paper, I argue that the discussion around ‘work-life balance’ has to be more inclusive and needs to integrate the three perspectives to take the debate to a new level. The underlying theme is that of values, attitudes and beliefs that are held in organisations, individuals and societies and of the ways in which their interplay predicts the ability to achieve a personal ‘work-life balance’. It is argued that those values, attitudes and beliefs are innately gendered. By adding a ‘society’ perspective to the equation, in the form of a critical ‘gender lens’, it is possible to detect deeply held and widely shared assumptions within national cultures that create gendered social structures which currently hinder the reconciliation of work and private life spheres.
- Description: C1
- Description: 2003001776
- Authors: Zacharias, Nadine
- Date: 2006
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: The international journal of knowledge, culture & change management Vol. 5, no. 8 (2006), p. 195-201
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The concept of ‘work-life balance’ has been researched from three main but largely separate perspectives: Business, individual and society. Much research has attempted to link ‘work-life balance’ initiatives to ‘bottom line’ performance and to make a ‘business case’ for their introduction. Studies that have focused on employees using ‘work-life balance’ policies have shown that the issues around a satisfactory combination of work and private life spheres are still mainly perceived as an individual (female) concern. It is only recently that the issues have been regarded as a phenomenon of broader social significance because the negative consequences of the increased inability of finding a ‘balance’ are becoming more and more obvious in Western societies. In this paper, I argue that the discussion around ‘work-life balance’ has to be more inclusive and needs to integrate the three perspectives to take the debate to a new level. The underlying theme is that of values, attitudes and beliefs that are held in organisations, individuals and societies and of the ways in which their interplay predicts the ability to achieve a personal ‘work-life balance’. It is argued that those values, attitudes and beliefs are innately gendered. By adding a ‘society’ perspective to the equation, in the form of a critical ‘gender lens’, it is possible to detect deeply held and widely shared assumptions within national cultures that create gendered social structures which currently hinder the reconciliation of work and private life spheres.
- Description: C1
- Description: 2003001776
The influence of industrial clusters and place on innovation and entrepreneurial behaviour
- McRae-Williams, Pamela, Lowe, Julian, Taylor, Peter
- Authors: McRae-Williams, Pamela , Lowe, Julian , Taylor, Peter
- Date: 2007
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Vol. 8, no. 3 (2007), p. 165-174
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Responses from a questionnaire survey of wine and tourism businesses operating in regional clusters were analysed using factor analysis. These suggested three factor scores relating to entrepreneurial behaviour; four factor scores relating to cluster activities and attributes; and three factors relating to the respondents' personal characteristics. The three entrepreneurial behaviour factor scores were interpreted as: innovator, calculator and venturer. These were used as dependent variables in regression models. The independent variables were the cluster and personal characteristics factor scores, industry and place. The central result was that the cluster activity variables did not have a significant impact on the innovator behaviour variable, which contradicts the standard view. Cluster activities and attributes were found to attract entrepreneurs of the calculator kind, and to a lesser extent, of the venturer kind. Place did seem to offer an attraction to entrepreneurs beyond those offered by the intensities of the cluster activities and attributes. Responses from a questionnaire survey of wine and tourism businesses operating in regional clusters were analysed using factor analysis. These suggested three factor scores relating to entrepreneurial behaviour; four factor scores relating to cluster activities and attributes; and three factors relating to the respondents' personal characteristics. The three entrepreneurial behaviour factor scores were interpreted as: innovator, calculator and venturer. These were used as dependent variables in regression models. The independent variables were the cluster and personal characteristics factor scores, industry and place. The central result was that the cluster activity variables did not have a significant impact on the innovator behaviour variable, which contradicts the standard view. Cluster activities and attributes were found to attract entrepreneurs of the calculator kind, and to a lesser extent, of the venturer kind. Place did seem to offer an attraction to entrepreneurs beyond those offered by the intensities of the cluster activities and attributes.
- Description: C1
- Description: 2003005196
- Authors: McRae-Williams, Pamela , Lowe, Julian , Taylor, Peter
- Date: 2007
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Vol. 8, no. 3 (2007), p. 165-174
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Responses from a questionnaire survey of wine and tourism businesses operating in regional clusters were analysed using factor analysis. These suggested three factor scores relating to entrepreneurial behaviour; four factor scores relating to cluster activities and attributes; and three factors relating to the respondents' personal characteristics. The three entrepreneurial behaviour factor scores were interpreted as: innovator, calculator and venturer. These were used as dependent variables in regression models. The independent variables were the cluster and personal characteristics factor scores, industry and place. The central result was that the cluster activity variables did not have a significant impact on the innovator behaviour variable, which contradicts the standard view. Cluster activities and attributes were found to attract entrepreneurs of the calculator kind, and to a lesser extent, of the venturer kind. Place did seem to offer an attraction to entrepreneurs beyond those offered by the intensities of the cluster activities and attributes. Responses from a questionnaire survey of wine and tourism businesses operating in regional clusters were analysed using factor analysis. These suggested three factor scores relating to entrepreneurial behaviour; four factor scores relating to cluster activities and attributes; and three factors relating to the respondents' personal characteristics. The three entrepreneurial behaviour factor scores were interpreted as: innovator, calculator and venturer. These were used as dependent variables in regression models. The independent variables were the cluster and personal characteristics factor scores, industry and place. The central result was that the cluster activity variables did not have a significant impact on the innovator behaviour variable, which contradicts the standard view. Cluster activities and attributes were found to attract entrepreneurs of the calculator kind, and to a lesser extent, of the venturer kind. Place did seem to offer an attraction to entrepreneurs beyond those offered by the intensities of the cluster activities and attributes.
- Description: C1
- Description: 2003005196
The influence of national and organizational culture on absorptive capacity of Chinese companies
- Authors: Tian, Feng , Lowe, Julian
- Date: 2007
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: The international journal of knowledge, culture & change management Vol. 7, no. 10 (2007), p. 1-8
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The paper reports on a research study of knowledge acquisition by Chinese firms involved in collaborative ventures with foreign enterprises. The study uses 152 Chinese businesses and examines how absorptive capacity (ACAP), as conceptualized by Cohen and Leventahl (1990) and modified by Zahra and George (2002), and national and organizational culture differences, affect the transfer of knowledge between Chinese firms and their international partners. The study uses a multivariate modeling approach to examine the impact of a number of factors on successful knowledge transfer. It finds that ACAP has a significant effect on successful knowledge transfer but that the relationship is significantly modified by cultural differences and inter-firm communications. Culture per se does not influence knowledge transfer directly but does so through its impact on communications channels and institutions. Knowledge management practices and organization are also able to impact successful knowledge transfer.
- Description: C1
- Description: 2003005181
- Authors: Tian, Feng , Lowe, Julian
- Date: 2007
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: The international journal of knowledge, culture & change management Vol. 7, no. 10 (2007), p. 1-8
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The paper reports on a research study of knowledge acquisition by Chinese firms involved in collaborative ventures with foreign enterprises. The study uses 152 Chinese businesses and examines how absorptive capacity (ACAP), as conceptualized by Cohen and Leventahl (1990) and modified by Zahra and George (2002), and national and organizational culture differences, affect the transfer of knowledge between Chinese firms and their international partners. The study uses a multivariate modeling approach to examine the impact of a number of factors on successful knowledge transfer. It finds that ACAP has a significant effect on successful knowledge transfer but that the relationship is significantly modified by cultural differences and inter-firm communications. Culture per se does not influence knowledge transfer directly but does so through its impact on communications channels and institutions. Knowledge management practices and organization are also able to impact successful knowledge transfer.
- Description: C1
- Description: 2003005181
Biometrics in banking security : A case study
- Venkatraman, Sitalakshmi, Delpachitra, Indika
- Authors: Venkatraman, Sitalakshmi , Delpachitra, Indika
- Date: 2008
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Information Management and Computer Security Vol. 16, no. 4 (2008), p. 415-430
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Purpose - To identify and discuss the issues and success factors surrounding biometrics, especially in the context of user authentication and controls in the banking sector, using a case study. Design/methodology/approach - The literature survey and analysis of the security models of the present information systems and biometric technologies in the banking sector provide the theoretical and practical background for this work. The impact of adopting biometric solutions in banks was analysed by considering the various issues and challenges from technological, managerial, social and ethical angles. These explorations led to identifying the success factors that serve as possible guidelines for a viable implementation of a biometric-enabled authentication system in banking organisations, in particular for a major bank in New Zealand. Findings - As the level of security breaches and transaction frauds increase day by day, the need for highly secure identification and personal verification information systems is becoming extremely important especially in the banking and finance sector. Biometric technology appeals to many banking organisations as a near perfect solution to such security threats. Though biometric technology has gained traction in areas like healthcare and criminology, its application in banking security is still in its infancy. Due to the close association of biometrics to human, physical and behavioural aspects, such technologies pose a multitude of social, ethical and managerial challenges. The key success factors proposed through the case study served as a guideline for a biometric-enabled security project called Bio-Sec, which is envisaged in a large banking organisation in New Zealand. This pilot study reveals that more than coping with the technology issues of gelling biometrics into the existing information systems, formulating a viable security plan that addresses user privacy fears, human tolerance levels, organisational change and legal issues is of prime importance. Originality/value - Though biometric systems are successfully adopted in areas such as immigration control and criminology, there is a paucity of their implementation and research pertaining to banking environments. Not all banks venture into biometric solutions to enhance their security systems due to their socio-technological issues. This paper fulfils the need for a guideline to identify the various issues and success factors for a viable biometric implementation in a bank's access control system. This work is only a starting point for academics to conduct more research in the application of biometrics in the various facets of banking businesses.
- Authors: Venkatraman, Sitalakshmi , Delpachitra, Indika
- Date: 2008
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Information Management and Computer Security Vol. 16, no. 4 (2008), p. 415-430
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Purpose - To identify and discuss the issues and success factors surrounding biometrics, especially in the context of user authentication and controls in the banking sector, using a case study. Design/methodology/approach - The literature survey and analysis of the security models of the present information systems and biometric technologies in the banking sector provide the theoretical and practical background for this work. The impact of adopting biometric solutions in banks was analysed by considering the various issues and challenges from technological, managerial, social and ethical angles. These explorations led to identifying the success factors that serve as possible guidelines for a viable implementation of a biometric-enabled authentication system in banking organisations, in particular for a major bank in New Zealand. Findings - As the level of security breaches and transaction frauds increase day by day, the need for highly secure identification and personal verification information systems is becoming extremely important especially in the banking and finance sector. Biometric technology appeals to many banking organisations as a near perfect solution to such security threats. Though biometric technology has gained traction in areas like healthcare and criminology, its application in banking security is still in its infancy. Due to the close association of biometrics to human, physical and behavioural aspects, such technologies pose a multitude of social, ethical and managerial challenges. The key success factors proposed through the case study served as a guideline for a biometric-enabled security project called Bio-Sec, which is envisaged in a large banking organisation in New Zealand. This pilot study reveals that more than coping with the technology issues of gelling biometrics into the existing information systems, formulating a viable security plan that addresses user privacy fears, human tolerance levels, organisational change and legal issues is of prime importance. Originality/value - Though biometric systems are successfully adopted in areas such as immigration control and criminology, there is a paucity of their implementation and research pertaining to banking environments. Not all banks venture into biometric solutions to enhance their security systems due to their socio-technological issues. This paper fulfils the need for a guideline to identify the various issues and success factors for a viable biometric implementation in a bank's access control system. This work is only a starting point for academics to conduct more research in the application of biometrics in the various facets of banking businesses.
Perceptions of effective leaders : Cross cultural influences
- Authors: Jogulu, Uma , Wood, Glenice
- Date: 2008
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Knowledge, Culture and Change Management Vol. 8, no. 1 (2008), p. 113-120
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- Description: This paper suggests that values, attitudes and behaviours are strongly culture specific. Therefore, it is contended that if culture exerts an influence in behaviours and attitudes of people it will be evident in the way leadership is perceived or traits of effective leadership is distinguished in organisations around the world. In the Western leadership literature, effective leadership appears to be correlated with organisational performance and profitability, subordinate extra effort and subordinate satisfaction with the leader. The Western literature also suggests that the measure of effective leadership at an individual level involve rating “by subordinates, superiors and peers and leaders themselves” (Eagly, Karau, & Makhijani, 1995, p. 128). However, there is limited knowledge and specific details of leadership characteristics that may constitute effective leadership practices outside the West, nor how universal the Western theories and models may be beyond the Western settings. There is a need to expand the existing knowledge and findings to understand whether Western leadership behaviours and practices are acceptable, appropriate or relevant in other cultures. In order to address this broad topic, the present paper will explore the perceptions of effective leadership in two diverse cultures of Malaysia and Australia. The middle managers in four industry types participated in the present research and the study found differences within and between female and male middle managers in both countries in terms of how leadership effectiveness is perceived and evaluated.
- Description: C1
- Description: 2003006153
- Authors: Jogulu, Uma , Wood, Glenice
- Date: 2008
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Knowledge, Culture and Change Management Vol. 8, no. 1 (2008), p. 113-120
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: This paper suggests that values, attitudes and behaviours are strongly culture specific. Therefore, it is contended that if culture exerts an influence in behaviours and attitudes of people it will be evident in the way leadership is perceived or traits of effective leadership is distinguished in organisations around the world. In the Western leadership literature, effective leadership appears to be correlated with organisational performance and profitability, subordinate extra effort and subordinate satisfaction with the leader. The Western literature also suggests that the measure of effective leadership at an individual level involve rating “by subordinates, superiors and peers and leaders themselves” (Eagly, Karau, & Makhijani, 1995, p. 128). However, there is limited knowledge and specific details of leadership characteristics that may constitute effective leadership practices outside the West, nor how universal the Western theories and models may be beyond the Western settings. There is a need to expand the existing knowledge and findings to understand whether Western leadership behaviours and practices are acceptable, appropriate or relevant in other cultures. In order to address this broad topic, the present paper will explore the perceptions of effective leadership in two diverse cultures of Malaysia and Australia. The middle managers in four industry types participated in the present research and the study found differences within and between female and male middle managers in both countries in terms of how leadership effectiveness is perceived and evaluated.
- Description: C1
- Description: 2003006153
Women entrepreneurs in the digital economy: What skills do they really need?
- Authors: Braun, Patrice
- Date: 2008
- Type: Text , Conference paper
- Relation: 5th International Australian Graduate School of Entrepreneurship (AGSE) Entrepreneurship Research Exchange
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- Description: Through its impact on transactions, communications and problem solving, the digital economy is increasing opportunities for business and changing the nature of how we work - this may provide an advantage to women entrepreneurs. With women entrepreneurs becoming increasingly important to the economy, there is a growing interest in understanding how to better utilise this important resource. This paper presents the results of a literature review of women’s (e) business training needs in the digital economy. The paper concludes with a discussion on providing women entrepreneurs with the meta-competencies they require to reach their full potential via gender-friendly and evidence-based training models that suits both their work and lifestyle needs.
- Authors: Braun, Patrice
- Date: 2008
- Type: Text , Conference paper
- Relation: 5th International Australian Graduate School of Entrepreneurship (AGSE) Entrepreneurship Research Exchange
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- Description: Through its impact on transactions, communications and problem solving, the digital economy is increasing opportunities for business and changing the nature of how we work - this may provide an advantage to women entrepreneurs. With women entrepreneurs becoming increasingly important to the economy, there is a growing interest in understanding how to better utilise this important resource. This paper presents the results of a literature review of women’s (e) business training needs in the digital economy. The paper concludes with a discussion on providing women entrepreneurs with the meta-competencies they require to reach their full potential via gender-friendly and evidence-based training models that suits both their work and lifestyle needs.
Regional innovation for sustainable development : An Australian perspective
- Authors: Courvisanos, Jerry
- Date: 2009
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Innovation Economics Vol. 1, no. 3 (2009), p. 119-143
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- Description: 2003007338
- Authors: Courvisanos, Jerry
- Date: 2009
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Innovation Economics Vol. 1, no. 3 (2009), p. 119-143
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- Description: 2003007338
Retail centres: It's time to make them convenient
- Authors: Reimers, Vaughan
- Date: 2009
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Retail and Distribution Management Vol. 37, no. 7 (2009), p. 541-562
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- Description: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the influence of time convenience on shopping behaviour in the light of a time scarcity phenomenon that is reported to have reached epidemic proportions in many markets. Design/methodology/approach – The paper begins with a survey of consumer households, examining the importance shoppers assign to time convenience. This is followed by a supply‐side comparison of malls and shopping strips against the attributes of time convenience. Findings – The results indicate that time convenience has a salient influence on consumers' patronage behaviour, and that malls and strips differ in their provision of this key attribute. Practical implications – Retail planners must give serious thought to creating retail environments that allow shoppers to “buy” time. Providing time convenience via one‐stop shopping, extended trading hours, proximity to home or work and enclosure offers one such strategy for the shopping mall and shopping strip. Originality/value – The focus on convenience provides practitioners with a strategic alternative to hedonic strategies. It is also one of the first studies to investigate retail centre patronage from both a demand‐and supply‐side perspective
Student management in Chinese higher education institutions
- Jiang, Xiaoli, Ma, Xiaoping, Wu, Yumei
- Authors: Jiang, Xiaoli , Ma, Xiaoping , Wu, Yumei
- Date: 2009
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Knowledge, Culture and Change Management Vol. 9, no. 11 (2009), p. 45-58
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- Description: This study investigated six Chinese higher education institutions in relation to management of their students. The results indicate Chinese higher education institutions place a greater emphasis on controlling students in order to achieve desired outcomes according to their national ideology and cultural values. Control measures are intended to ensure good class attendance, collective teamwork and discipline. Their student management focuses on extrinsic rewards and punishments to promote desirable moral values and ethics. A very comprehensive control system is in place to achieve these goals. Students are encouraged to manage fellow students. The research also identified that prestigious universities with a higher level of entry scores place less control measures on their students compared to their counterparts with lower entry scores. Chinese higher education management believes the measures to control students are designed to combat negative elements of human beings. This study provides an understanding into the reasons why current higher education management practices exist in China and offers some explanations from historical, political and social culture perspectives. The study will assist Western educators to better understand the challenges facing Chinese students studying abroad. © Common Ground.
- Description: 2003007993
- Authors: Jiang, Xiaoli , Ma, Xiaoping , Wu, Yumei
- Date: 2009
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Knowledge, Culture and Change Management Vol. 9, no. 11 (2009), p. 45-58
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: This study investigated six Chinese higher education institutions in relation to management of their students. The results indicate Chinese higher education institutions place a greater emphasis on controlling students in order to achieve desired outcomes according to their national ideology and cultural values. Control measures are intended to ensure good class attendance, collective teamwork and discipline. Their student management focuses on extrinsic rewards and punishments to promote desirable moral values and ethics. A very comprehensive control system is in place to achieve these goals. Students are encouraged to manage fellow students. The research also identified that prestigious universities with a higher level of entry scores place less control measures on their students compared to their counterparts with lower entry scores. Chinese higher education management believes the measures to control students are designed to combat negative elements of human beings. This study provides an understanding into the reasons why current higher education management practices exist in China and offers some explanations from historical, political and social culture perspectives. The study will assist Western educators to better understand the challenges facing Chinese students studying abroad. © Common Ground.
- Description: 2003007993
The processes of ICT diffusion in technology projects
- Jagodic, Jana, Courvisanos, Jerry, Yearwood, John
- Authors: Jagodic, Jana , Courvisanos, Jerry , Yearwood, John
- Date: 2009
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Innovation: Management Policy & Practice Vol. 11, no. 3 (2009), p. 291-303
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- Description: Delivering technology projects on time with a specified budget and resources has emerged as a strategic imperative in the highly competitive business world. One of the project challenges is increasingly tied to diffigion (spread) of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) innovation. This paper presents an empirical study that examines how ICT innovation is diffused within technology projects. Based on the case study methodology within 12 organisations in Australia and Germany, it emerged that ICT innovation is diffused formally alongside standard project management phases and informally within informal networks. The findings are synthesised in a new framework that seeks to inform theory and practice about formal and informal processes of ICT diffusion in technology projects.
- Description: 2003007370
- Authors: Jagodic, Jana , Courvisanos, Jerry , Yearwood, John
- Date: 2009
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Innovation: Management Policy & Practice Vol. 11, no. 3 (2009), p. 291-303
- Full Text:
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- Description: Delivering technology projects on time with a specified budget and resources has emerged as a strategic imperative in the highly competitive business world. One of the project challenges is increasingly tied to diffigion (spread) of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) innovation. This paper presents an empirical study that examines how ICT innovation is diffused within technology projects. Based on the case study methodology within 12 organisations in Australia and Germany, it emerged that ICT innovation is diffused formally alongside standard project management phases and informally within informal networks. The findings are synthesised in a new framework that seeks to inform theory and practice about formal and informal processes of ICT diffusion in technology projects.
- Description: 2003007370