scholarly journals Local Development Platforms (LDP): an operational framework for business development

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 97-109
Author(s):  
Gastão de Jesus Marques ◽  
Cristina Gama Guerra
Keyword(s):  
Conceptual Model ◽  
Local Development ◽  
Critical Mass ◽  
Cooperative Networks ◽  
Business Development ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Development Platform ◽  
Private And Public ◽  
Five Axes

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present a conceptual model of business development that provides operational ways to increase the competitive presence of more micro and small ventures (both actual and new) in enlarged markets, including international ones. Design/methodology/approach The paper develops a conceptual model starting from the identification of the most usual constraints limiting the SMEs and entrepreneurship development and success. After this stage, the model was built with the help of selected concepts, which represent a theoretical framework of support. Findings Regarding the universe of SME and entrepreneurship, the authors usually find some weaknesses: markets mainly local/regional, absence of growth, cooperative networks and/or international operations, because of several usual constraints: limited competences and resources, absence of critical mass on buying/selling and difficulty to cooperate. These shortcomings represent an economic waste when there are competitive offers and/or endogenous resources. Research limitations/implications The model will be applied in a Portuguese county, in this way the authors expect to make an empirical research in the near future. Practical implications The model surpasses the, usual, limited skills of people and organisations betting in their competitive specialisation, with the assumptions that few people can be successful entrepreneurs/managers, but quite everyone can perform something competitively. The organisation/structure – Local Development Platform (LDP) – has the responsibility to assure the competitiveness of value chains built over networks of these agents. Additionally, the LDP should provide collective resources to lower the investments and operational needs of the agents involved, provide the added value services necessary for offers and agents’ competitiveness, achieve critical mass on buying and selling and enlarge/open new markets. These resources are organised in up to five specialised platforms, to service a strategy structured along five axes of development. Social implications With this model, it is possible to increase the levels of employment and welfare. Originality/value A practical/operational integrated model able to be applied in different contexts will help private and public agents to define and implement strategies of development to enable the growth and success of SMEs and entrepreneurial initiatives in the international markets context.

Development policies and partnerships in Greece: experiences from Thessaloniki

2015 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 209-233
Author(s):  
Theodore Metaxas ◽  
Marie Noelle Duquenne
Keyword(s):  
Service Sector ◽  
Local Economic Development ◽  
Local Development ◽  
Local Economy ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Local Authorities ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Main Research ◽  
Development Policies ◽  
Research Questions

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the importance of specific local development policies and partnerships for SME enterprises in Thessaloniki one of the metropolis of south Europe. The two main research questions are: first, what are the most important development policies for firms’ development? and second, in what level these policies receive different significance from firms belonging in different production sectors? Design/methodology/approach – In order to achieve the aims of the paper and answer the research questions, the study uses an extensive use of bibliography, and field research that has been implemented by administering questionnaires on a representative sample of 227 enterprises. The study comes up to valuable conclusions for the firms and the city through the use of exploratory factor analysis, reliability analysis and clustering. Findings – The present research brings on important issues and questions about local economic development because it presents directly the estimations and views of a large number of local enterprises that reflect the image of local economy. Finally, this research gives a satisfactory overview of the inner growth of Thessaloniki and further the results could lead to an evaluation, planning, implementation, rejection or reconstruction of specific actions and policies locally. Research limitations/implications – The analysis is constrained by weakness since the sample of enterprises is rather small and the results concern only the enterprises located in Thessaloniki. Based on this fact, general conclusions can be drawed for other regions as well as for the whole Greece. This is subjected to more analysis. Practical implications – The added value of this research is essential since there are only few similar researches in South-East Europe and in Greece. Especially, the relationship between local development policies and firms’ development competitiveness has not been studied enough in the area under consideration. Social implications – Enterprises understand and designate the importance of specific policies that affect their development while at the same time through their evaluations they outline the character and dynamics of these policies in a unique dynamic, geographical and productive city like this of Thessaloniki. Originality/value – The analysis showed that enterprises recognize as positive factor the effort of the local authorities to set the area as a business pole in favour of enterprises and the broader area but policy problems of organization and planning arise that concern mainly the operation and support of local enterprises and specific those from the tourist and service sector. This image raises issues of competence on planning and organization of development polices by the local authorities focusing on specific productive sectors so as the effect of these policies to be effective with positive results for enterprises.

How hyper-collaboration accelerates ecosystem innovation

2018 ◽  
Vol 46 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-29 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michaël Kolk ◽  
Rick Eagar ◽  
Charles Boulton ◽  
Carlos Mira
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Clear Vision ◽  
Rapid Changes ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
Private And Public ◽  
Ecosystem Evolution ◽  
Vast Network ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Hyper-collaboration means managing ecosystems not just as candy stores full of opportunities, but as fiercely competitive arenas in which companies fight for the best partners, technologies and networks to create, build and defend added value. Design/methodology/approach To address the challenges inherent in the dynamic world of hyper-collaboration, the authors identify the five pillars of ecosystem management and the priorities for implementing them. Findings To be successful, establish a clear vision and sense of purpose that guides the ecosystem evolution but is robust enough to deal with rapid changes. Practical implications Setting out clear IP principles is important, but it should be based on how best to maximize the overall value of the collaboration to all parties, rather than just protection. Originality/value Many of the world’s greatest technological challenges and opportunities, such as urbanization and mobility, are impossible to solve without forming a vast network of private and public organizations that work seamlessly together. Hyper-collaboration implies adopting a mindset that assumes it’s likely someone somewhere in the world already knows what you need to know to address such challenges– and it is unlikely that this person works in your company.

scholarly journals Conceptual Model of Informal Business Development Based on Intellectual Capital

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 87-92
Author(s):  
Tinneke Evie Meggy Sumual ◽  
Muhammad Amir Arham ◽  
Arie Kawulur ◽  
Rocky Rimbing
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Human Capital ◽  
Conceptual Model ◽  
Intellectual Capital ◽  
Business Development ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Work Culture ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Frozen Food ◽  
Business Partners

This paper aims to describe the conceptual model of informal business development applied to “Tibo-Tibo” fisherwomen in North Minahasa Regency. Data and information were obtained by observation and structured interviews to “Tibo-Tibo” fisherwomen, business partners and village governments. The data was analyzed qualitatively by using Miles Huberman perspective, through stages: data reduction, data presentation, conclusion drawing and verification. After going through the validity of experts, this paper produced a conceptual model of informal business development based on intellectual capital namely human capital, social capital and organizational capital. This paper recommends that through the intellectual capital approach "Tibo-Tibo" fisher women's business can be improved through empowerment. Empowerment in the form of human capital will increase the added value products with the availability of a variety of products for frozen food businesses and products for culinary businesses. Empowerment in the form of social capital will strengthen the values of relationships with business partners, trust to customers and employees and strengthen the work culture "mapalus" (local wisdom for the community) such as cooperation and helping each other. Empowerment in the form of organizational will strengthening the management and organizational professionalism as well as the acknowledgment of business license and product brands by consumers.

A risk-adjusted decoupled-net-present-value model to determine the optimal concession period of BOT projects

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nhat Nguyen ◽  
Khalid Almarri ◽  
Halim Boussabaine
Keyword(s):  
Net Present Value ◽  
Cost Benefit Analysis ◽  
Flow Analysis ◽  
Cost Benefit ◽  
The Body ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Present Value ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Private And Public ◽  
Concession Period

PurposeThe net-present-value (NPV) method is well-known for its drawbacks. To overcome some of these NPV weaknesses this paper aims to provide a methodology to determine an optimal concession period that treats risk and time separately. The purpose of this paper is to apply the notion of risk-adjusted decoupled net present value (risk-adjusted DNPV) to determine a conception period taken into consideration synthetic insurance premiums as compensation for risks.Design/methodology/approachThis paper conducts theoretical and empirical analysis and provides an integrated model for deriving concession periods of any PPP projects. The model is able to capture several contractual issues such risks costing and other contractual scenarios. Methodologically, the paper addressees both the issues of risk-based cost–benefit analysis and cash flow analysis bearing an emphasis of risk-adjusted DNPV to compute an optimum concession period.FindingsThe results show that using DNPV will produce a shorter concession period comparatively to NPV. The consequence of this is that the public sector will gain financially from an earlier transfer of the concession.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper contributes to the PPP literature by combing DNPV and risk to determine the PPP concession period for the mutual benefits both the private and public sectors. The decoupling of risk from traditional NPV computation will allow for risk pricing and tradability through insurance and allocation.Originality/valueThe attempt to decouple time and risk in the computation of NPV is the added value to the body of knowledge.

Managing tourism development: a kit for action

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 734-739
Author(s):  
Carmen Pardo
Keyword(s):  
Tourism Development ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Tourism Impact ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Private And Public ◽  
Over Exploitation ◽  
Tourism Flows

Purpose Tourism impact on the economy is a reality that is going to be around for years to come. However, recognition of the “less positive” effects of tourism means that both private and public sectors need to reach a consensus in trying to mitigate and correct (or avoid) present and potential impacts. The purpose of this paper is to consider the positive aspects of tourism development and the use of technology to help anticipate and correctly manage the added value of tourism impacts. Design/methodology/approach Presents the viewpoint of the author, based on her significant experience as a public and private sectors’ manager, thus describing some of the challenges posed by tourism development and suggestions for action. Findings Tourism-related impacts do not “just happen”, they are the result of tourism growth and both public and private sectors need to use new solutions, based on tourism intelligence to anticipate threats and explore opportunities. Practical implications Tourism intelligence offers a route to defining strategies to better balance and manage tourism flows and, where necessary, to compensate residents, to reduce the pressures of tourism on popular areas and to mitigate potential tourism damage. Originality/value It is often the case that those who claim that tourism promotes over-use or over-exploitation of natural resources think that reducing tourism is the only possible solution. This paper suggests that tourists can live together with locals without damaging their quality of life.

Understanding Semantic Web: a conceptual model

2015 ◽  
Vol 64 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 82-100 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Calaresu ◽  
Ali Shiri
Keyword(s):  
Semantic Web ◽  
Conceptual Model ◽  
The Body ◽  
Three Dimensional Model ◽  
Conceptual Approach ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Software Applications ◽  
Web Architecture ◽  
The Web

Purpose – The purpose of this article is to explore and conceptualize the Semantic Web as a term that has been widely mentioned in the literature of library and information science. More specifically, its aim is to shed light on the evolution of the Web and to highlight a previously proposed means of attempting to improve automated manipulation of Web-based data in the context of a rapidly expanding base of both users and digital content. Design/methodology/approach – The conceptual analysis presented in this paper adopts a three-dimensional model for the discussion of Semantic Web. The first dimension focuses on Semantic Web’s basic nature, purpose and history, as well as the current state and limitations of modern search systems and related software agents. The second dimension focuses on critical knowledge structures such as taxonomies, thesauri and ontologies which are understood as fundamental elements in the creation of a Semantic Web architecture. In the third dimension, an alternative conceptual model is proposed, one, which unlike more commonly prevalent Semantic Web models, offers a greater emphasis on describing the proposed structure from an interpretive viewpoint, rather than a technical one. This paper adopts an interpretive, historical and conceptual approach to the notion of the Semantic Web by reviewing the literature and by analyzing the developments associated with the Web over the past three decades. It proposes a simplified conceptual model for easy understanding. Findings – The paper provides a conceptual model of the Semantic Web that encompasses four key strata, namely, the body of human users, the body of software applications facilitating creation and consumption of documents, the body of documents themselves and a proposed layer that would improve automated manipulation of Web-based data by the software applications. Research limitations/implications – This paper will facilitate a better conceptual understanding of the Semantic Web, and thereby contribute, in a small way, to the larger body of discourse surrounding it. The conceptual model will provide a reference point for education and research purposes. Originality/value – This paper provides an original analysis of both conceptual and technical aspects of Semantic Web. The proposed conceptual model provides a new perspective on this subject.

scholarly journals Factors That Affect E-Learning Platforms after the Spread of COVID-19: Post Acceptance Study

Data ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (5) ◽  
pp. 49
Author(s):  
Rana Saeed Al-Maroof ◽  
Khadija Alhumaid ◽  
Iman Akour ◽  
Said Salloum
Keyword(s):  
Conceptual Model ◽  
Critical Mass ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
Daily Routine ◽  
Perceived Ease Of Use ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Learning Platform ◽  
E Learning ◽  
Learning Platforms ◽  
Vaccination Hesitancy

The fear of vaccines has led to population rejection due to various reasons. Students have had their own inquiries towards the effectiveness of the vaccination, which leads to vaccination hesitancy. Vaccination hesitancy can affect students’ perception, hence, acceptance of e-learning platforms. Therefore, this research attempts to explore the post-acceptance of e-learning platforms based on a conceptual model that has various variables. Each variable contributes differently to the post-acceptance of the e-learning platform. The research investigates the moderating role of vaccination fear on the post-acceptance of e-learning platforms among students. Thus, the study aims at exploring students’ perceptions about their post-acceptance of e-learning platforms where vaccination fear functions as a moderator. The current study depends on an online questionnaire that is composed of 29 items. The total number of respondents is 630. The collected data was implemented to test the study model and the proposed constructs and hypotheses depending on the Smart PLS Software. Fear of vaccination has a significant impact on the acceptance of e-learning platforms, and it is a strong mediator in the conceptual model. The findings indicate a positive effect of the fear of vaccination as a mediator in the variables: perceived ease of use and usefulness, perceived daily routine, perceived critical mass and perceived self-efficiency. The implication gives a deep insight to take effective steps in reducing the level of fear of vaccination, supporting the vaccination confidence among educators, teachers and students who will, in turn, affect the society as a whole.

From Ossau and Iraty to PDO Ossau-Iraty

2019 ◽  
Vol 121 (12) ◽  
pp. 3062-3075 ◽  
Author(s):  
Morgane Millet
Keyword(s):  
Local Development ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Pasture Production ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Farm Production ◽  
Protected Designation Of Origin ◽  
Summer Pasture ◽  
On Farm ◽  
Term Analysis

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to understand how a geographical indication (GI) is built through time and how its (non)appropriation by local producers shapes it. The reciprocity of such process is also considered: how the creation of a GI changes local relationships between producers, within the GI and out of it? The case of Ossau-Iraty is relevant: in south-west of France, this protected designation of origin (PDO) has been based on two distinct regions: Bearn (Ossau) and Pays Basque (Iraty). Since then, most producers of Bearn have rejected this PDO. Design/methodology/approach The author adopts a diachronic perspective: the trajectory of the local dairy ewe sector is described, focusing on the trajectory of on-farm cheese makers from Bearn and Pays Basque and the trajectory of Ossau-Iraty. Based on different methods (qualitative interviews and archive research), this paper aims at analyzing the interactions within such heterogeneous networks. Findings When the PDO was created (1980), the opposition between producers of Bearn and Pays Basque was based on strong senses of place, which would be translated in a different perception of tradition: to Bearn producers, PDO Ossau-Iraty would be an industrial cheese, in which they did not recognize their product and themselves. With time, the producers who have been involved in the PDO worked on its specifications. The recognition of symbolic practices such as on-farm production or Summer pasture production, the recognition of differences between Basque cheese and Bearn cheese are changes that contribute to the evolution of perceptions within the local producers’ community. The author observes a recent convergence between Basque producers and Bearn producers, as their distinct products share common and strong qualifications within PDO Ossau-Iraty that contribute to their respective valorization. However, it seems to occur at an institutional level and the adhesion of the local producers might still be at stakes. Research limitations/implications A statistical study could reinforce the author’s exploratory and historical research. Furthermore, it would have been relevant to take local inhabitants and local consumers into account, as they have participated in the products’ qualifications as well. Originality/value A long-term analysis (40 years) contributes to better understand how cheeses are valorized and how such process is based on controversial processes. It contributes to root GIs into local histories, which are nor as consensual neither as uniform as we would primarily think, and to identity levers for sustainable local development.

A model of mobile technologies acceptance for knowledge transfer by employees

2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (5) ◽  
pp. 1053-1076 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michal Kuciapski
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Knowledge Transfer ◽  
Conceptual Model ◽  
Mobile Devices ◽  
Mobile Technologies ◽  
Intention To Use ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Model Based ◽  
New Variables ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Although mobile devices are ubiquitous among employees, their awareness and readiness to use mobile technologies for competence development is still not widespread and therefore requires further exploration. The purpose of this study is to propose a conceptual model based on the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) to explain the determinants that affect employees’ intention to use mobile devices and software for knowledge transfer during the process of knowledge management. Design/methodology/approach A conceptual model based on the UTAUT with new variables concerning relative usability (RU) and user autonomy (UA) and new connections between the determinants was developed as a result of a subject matter literature review. A structural equation modelling approach was used to validate the model on the basis of data collected via a survey collected from 371 employees from 21 sectors, both public and private. Findings The UTAUT model extended by new variables like RU and UA explains employee acceptance of mobile technologies for knowledge transfer reasonably well. New proposed variables highlighted that the usability of technology compared to other solutions and user autonomy in the selection and the use of applications have the strongest impact on the employees’ intention to use mobile devices and software for knowledge transfer. Research limitations/implications This model explains the 55 per cent behavioral intention of employees to use mobile technologies for knowledge transfer. Even though it is quite high in terms of acceptance theories, some new variables should be explored. Furthermore, study does not verify whether m-learning acceptance for knowledge transfer is sector-specific. Practical implications Mobile technologies used for knowledge transfer by employees should allow for high UA through their ability to select solutions that they find convenient, use of preferred platforms, personalize applications and utilize devices and software in various environments. They should not be simplified and should have the same functionality and efficiency of use as alternative solutions like web and desktop applications, even if additional effort to learn them would be required. Mobile technologies that take into account UA and RU support the process of employees capturing, distributing and effectively using knowledge. Originality/value The elaborated model provides a valuable solution with practical implications for increasing mobile technologies acceptance for knowledge transfer. The study results contribute both to knowledge management and technology acceptance research fields by introducing two new determinants for the acceptance of technologies in knowledge transfer, such as UA and RU with several additional connections between existing UTAUT variables.

A comparison between economic and organic store brands

2017 ◽  
Vol 45 (12) ◽  
pp. 1298-1316 ◽  
Author(s):  
Magali Jara ◽  
Gérard Cliquet ◽  
Isabelle Robert
Keyword(s):  
Brand Equity ◽  
Perceived Quality ◽  
Purchase Intentions ◽  
Path Model ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Store Brand ◽  
Store Brands ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Further Development

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to tackle the issue of store brand equity by considering two store brand’s positioning strategies: those with high perceived added value (the organic store brands), as opposed to economic brands. It takes place in the current environmental considerations showing the important role played by the packaging in determining the store brand equity. Design/methodology/approach A PLS Path model divided into four sub-models enables the authors to make specific predictions about customers’ purchase intentions. It also provides a concise operational calculation of the brand equity of each studied store brand. Findings Results show that economic brands build their equity with reinforced packaging, and organic brands maximise their brand equity by using simple packaging. In general, reinforced packaging improves the perceived quality of economic store brands but destroys that of organic brands. The calculations of overall equity scores for each studied store brand reveal that economic brands could benefit from further development whilst organic brands already maximise their equity. Practical implications Results will enable large retailers to develop effective campaigns focussing on perceived quality and more specifically by designing packaging that are suitable for the positioning of their brands – a simple packaging for organic brands and a reinforced packaging for economic brands to maximise customers’ value. Originality/value This is one of the first studies to deepen the store brand equity, comparing two contrasting types of brands, by studying specifically variations of the levels of customers’ perceived quality depending of two types of packaging.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document