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:
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:
This article reports the outcomes of a study on the nature of the change process when a regional tourism network seeks to adopt e-commerce. The study builds on Rogers' seminal work on the diffusion of innovations and makes a unique contribution to existing ICT diffusion studies by its focus on the nature of the network links and by its application of an action-oriented methodology to untangle the effects of the embedded network structure. The study suggests a strong relationship between diffusion and network positioning, both in terms of place (status and position in the network) and space (the geographic make-up of the network). Diffusion additionally hinged on network cohesion and actors' trust in and engagement with the network.
Description:
This article reports the outcomes of a study on the nature of the change process when a regional tourism network seeks to adopt e-commerce. The study builds on Rogers' seminal work on the diffusion of innovations and makes a unique contribution to existing ICT diffusion studies by its focus on the nature of the network links and by its application of an action-oriented methodology to untangle the effects of the embedded network structure. The study suggests a strong relationship between diffusion and network positioning, both in terms of place (status and position in the network) and space (the geographic make-up of the network). Diffusion additionally hinged on network cohesion and actors' trust in and engagement with the network.
Description:
In view of the fact that women are playing an increasingly important role in the global economy, this chapter examines business skilling in the digital economy for women in general and women-led small businesses in Australia, in particular. With employability and entrepreneurial capacity of women increasing, so too is their need for a comprehensive skill set is increasing. It is proposed that business courses currently offered do not necessarily consider their target audience or include new economy considerations. This chapter discusses the need for meta-competencies that will allow women in both developed and emerging economies to operate more effectively in a changing work environment and an increasingly digital business environment. For meta-competency efficacy, it is further proposed that evidence-based learning models, gender-sensitive approaches to business learning, and collaborative uses of technology underpin content and (e-)business learning designs.
Description:
To make a valuable contribution to our society today, knowledge must be relevant, applicable and actionable. On the side of managers it calls for collaborative approaches to knowledge creation and knowledge transfer between their organisations and knowledge institutions. On the side of academics, it calls for engaged scholarship aimed at knowledge transfer and knowledge contribution to the practical know-how of managers and organisations. Action researchers have long advocated collaborative knowledge creation processes as the way forward, despite the fact that working within an environment that aspires for knowledge to be become applicable and actionable can be complex and challenging. This paper discusses actionable research methods with a focus on networks and learning in a regional development context.
Description:
To make a valuable contribution to our society today, knowledge must be relevant, applicable and actionable. On the side of managers it calls for collaborative approaches to knowledge creation and knowledge transfer between their organisations and knowledge institutions. On the side of academics, it calls for engaged scholarship aimed at knowledge transfer and knowledge contribution to the practical know-how of managers and organisations. Action researchers have long advocated collaborative knowledge creation processes as the way forward, despite the fact that working within an environment that aspires for knowledge to be become applicable and actionable can be complex and challenging. This paper discusses actionable research methods with a focus on networks and learning in a regional development context.
Description:
The paper starts with an evaluation of a group of ICT organizations in a regional Victorian town and using a range of qualitative and quantitative data evaluates whether there is a cluster emerging and if so what are the processes of clustering that underpin this. Using archival and interview data the paper then examines key events and turning points in the development of what might be identified as a nascent cluster (Rosenfeld, 1997). In the context of current public policy that directly or indirectly supports ‘clustering’, the paper then assesses the effectiveness of public policy versus private action in the development of regional agglomerations of organisations and institutions that may be called clusters.
Description:
The paper starts with an evaluation of a group of ICT organizations in a regional Victorian town and using a range of qualitative and quantitative data evaluates whether there is a cluster emerging and if so what are the processes of clustering that underpin this. Using archival and interview data the paper then examines key events and turning points in the development of what might be identified as a nascent cluster (Rosenfeld, 1997). In the context of current public policy that directly or indirectly supports ‘clustering’, the paper then assesses the effectiveness of public policy versus private action in the development of regional agglomerations of organisations and institutions that may be called clusters.
Description:
The success of the tourism industry is highly dependent on the quality of business operations. To run tourism businesses well, operators need to be skilled, flexible and innovative in order to maintain and enhance competitiveness. The aim of this paper is to share the authors’ initial insights into tourism industry capacity building via flexibly delivered online skilling and knowledge sharing. This discussion paper builds on the work of online learning research for small tourism firms conducted in Europe and compares the European approach and considers how the European approach to content development and delivery informed a recently piloted Australian online skilling program. The paper also provides insights into online user behaviour and challenges fundamental research expectations. While both programs have focussed tourism information and skills development, the Australian pilot has been embedded in the Tourism Accreditation Board of Victoria and is being utilised to enable operators to complete tourism industry accreditation. Aiming to raise industry standards and move away from ineffective silo approaches to industry training and capacity building, this pilot reflects the importance of and contributes to the development of an effective national voluntary accreditation system.
Description:
The success of the tourism industry is highly dependent on the quality of business operations. To run tourism businesses well, operators need to be skilled, flexible and innovative in order to maintain and enhance competitiveness. The aim of this paper is to share the authors’ initial insights into tourism industry capacity building via flexibly delivered online skilling and knowledge sharing. This discussion paper builds on the work of online learning research for small tourism firms conducted in Europe and compares the European approach and considers how the European approach to content development and delivery informed a recently piloted Australian online skilling program. The paper also provides insights into online user behaviour and challenges fundamental research expectations. While both programs have focussed tourism information and skills development, the Australian pilot has been embedded in the Tourism Accreditation Board of Victoria and is being utilised to enable operators to complete tourism industry accreditation. Aiming to raise industry standards and move away from ineffective silo approaches to industry training and capacity building, this pilot reflects the importance of and contributes to the development of an effective national voluntary accreditation system.
Description:
This paper discusses elements of inter-entrepreneurial trust in regional networks and clusters in terms of influencing business processes and economic viability in today’s economy. The message that can be extracted from the literature is that competitive advantage strongly depends on interfirm collaboration and that networks with a high degree of trust lead to entrepreneurship and innovation. The paper highlights two local Victorian network studies, one in the grains industry and one in the tourism industry, and explores trust based relations in these regional networks. Contrasting sectoral results indicate that social network cohesion and trust were found to be present in the grains community but were absent in the tourism community. Borrowing from the economics and leadership literature, it is proposed that trust fosters certain types of inter-entrepreneurial networks. A description of these networks and related policy implications conclude the paper.
Description:
This paper discusses elements of inter-entrepreneurial trust in regional networks and clusters in terms of influencing business processes and economic viability in today’s economy. The message that can be extracted from the literature is that competitive advantage strongly depends on interfirm collaboration and that networks with a high degree of trust lead to entrepreneurship and innovation. The paper highlights two local Victorian network studies, one in the grains industry and one in the tourism industry, and explores trust based relations in these regional networks. Contrasting sectoral results indicate that social network cohesion and trust were found to be present in the grains community but were absent in the tourism community. Borrowing from the economics and leadership literature, it is proposed that trust fosters certain types of inter-entrepreneurial networks. A description of these networks and related policy implications conclude the paper.
Description:
Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to share the authors' initial insights into tourism industry capacity building via flexibly delivered online skilling and knowledge sharing. Design/methodology/approach - An online research survey approach was employed, involving a sample of 64 micro tourism operators. Findings - The paper finds that the major benefits perceived by operators across the pilot region, were the time saving aspects demonstrated in the smart form concept. Operators were also drawn in by the best practise examples and direct links to the online resources to bring and keep them up to date with industry information and developments. Research limitations/implications - The data presented in this paper represent initial findings of the pilot project. The project has since been completed. Practical implications - The model used for the pilot in this paper has been adopted by the Tourism Accreditation Board of Victoria and is now being considered for national rollout across Australia. The model is a practical and replicable capacity building model for micro tourism operators anywhere. Originality/value - The paper adopts a collaborative learning network approach to micro business capacity building and training.
Description:
Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to share the authors' initial insights into tourism industry capacity building via flexibly delivered online skilling and knowledge sharing. Design/methodology/approach - An online research survey approach was employed, involving a sample of 64 micro tourism operators. Findings - The paper finds that the major benefits perceived by operators across the pilot region, were the time saving aspects demonstrated in the smart form concept. Operators were also drawn in by the best practise examples and direct links to the online resources to bring and keep them up to date with industry information and developments. Research limitations/implications - The data presented in this paper represent initial findings of the pilot project. The project has since been completed. Practical implications - The model used for the pilot in this paper has been adopted by the Tourism Accreditation Board of Victoria and is now being considered for national rollout across Australia. The model is a practical and replicable capacity building model for micro tourism operators anywhere. Originality/value - The paper adopts a collaborative learning network approach to micro business capacity building and training.
Description:
This encyclopedia provides a thorough examination of concepts, technologies, policies, training, and applications of ICT in support of economic and regional developments around the globe.
Description:
This encyclopedia provides a thorough examination of concepts, technologies, policies, training, and applications of ICT in support of economic and regional developments around the globe.
Description:
Today, with an economy enabled and driven by connectivity, a fundamental shift in business models is occurring whereby information, knowledge, and relationships underpin competitive advantage. In order to compete in what some refer to as the networked economy, companies across the globe must use technology-mediated channels, create internal and external value, formulate technology convergent strategies, and organize resources around knowledge and relationships (Scott & Storper, 2003). The rise of information and communication technologies (ICT) and electronic information networks has led firms of all sizes to implement more technology driven solutions for improved productivity and information flow. Malhotra (2000) identified three general information management (IM) developments that have revolutionized company information processes over the last 40 years. The first phase, the automation phase, increased company efficiency of operations. The second phase, the rationalization phase, streamlined those procedures by eliminating bottlenecks made apparent by the automation. The third phase, the business reengineering phase, radically redesigned information and knowledge management processes through technology-intensive implementation of procedures in workflows and work processes (Malhotra, 2000). Now we have reached a fourth phase, the knowledge creation and knowledge transfer phase, that, if possible, is even more closely associated with technology than business process reengineering. With embedded knowledge flows and innovation linked to communities of practice as well as through linkages using technology, companies of all sizes have the potential to both collaborate and compete by taking advantage of connectivity and new relationships founded on the exchange and sharing of embedded knowledge. This article discusses how knowledge sharing environments such as communities of practice and virtual business communities can be important determinants of commercial viability and business success for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), provided that both the (virtual) environment and inter-firm relationships are conducive to information sharing and knowledge flows.
Description:
"This book provides a cross-disciplinary perspective on participation and governance issues in regional development - processes now regarded as essential for sustainable regional development. It brings together a group of respected social researchers from across Australia to consider these issues and places Australian regional development experiences within their broader international context."--BOOK JACKET.
Description:
Food Hubs have been developed to promote sustainability practices in managing regional distribution of fresh produce in a number of countries including the United States and Australia. They have the potential to support the resilience and sustainability of regional food supply chains by improving the local economy, environmental condition, and community well-being. However, despite the potential benefits, Food Hubs face many challenges that threaten their long-term survival. Currently, limited research has been conducted to investigate benefits and challenges of Food Hubs and how Information and Communication Technology (ICT), which is known as one of the key enablers to facilitate sustainable practices, can help address the challenges. In this research-in-progress paper, we present preliminary findings from an on-going research project that seeks to explore benefits and challenges experienced by Australian Food Hubs and the role of ICT in supporting their operations and growth. Our study enhances the understanding of the contributions of Food Hubs to sustainability and the roles of ICT in supporting sustainability practices.
Description:
Networks, knowledge, and relationships have become crucial assets to business survival in the new economy. Research indicates that network building is a major new source of competitive advantage and an essential regional and indeed global management requirement. Because regional policies encourage interfirm alliances and the development of regional economic communities, the fostering of a culture of connectivity, networking, learning, and trust between regional Australian small and medium- size tourism enterprises (SMTEs) may offer a potential solution to the possible loss of competitive advantage for Australian tourism enterprises. It is suggested that SMTEs would benefit from increased information flow through regional networking and cooperative e-marketing campaigns to enhance market visibility, global positioning, and strategic leverage in the new economy.
Description:
Networks, knowledge, and relationships have become crucial assets to business survival in the new economy. Research indicates that network building is a major new source of competitive advantage and an essential regional and indeed global management requirement. Because regional policies encourage interfirm alliances and the development of regional economic communities, the fostering of a culture of connectivity, networking, learning, and trust between regional Australian small and medium- size tourism enterprises (SMTEs) may offer a potential solution to the possible loss of competitive advantage for Australian tourism enterprises. It is suggested that SMTEs would benefit from increased information flow through regional networking and cooperative e-marketing campaigns to enhance market visibility, global positioning, and strategic leverage in the new economy.