Revisiting the concept of a competitive “cash advantage”

2015 ◽  
Vol 43 (4) ◽  
pp. 38-46 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph Calandro, Jr.
Keyword(s):  
Competitive Advantage ◽  
Corporate Strategy ◽  
Academic Research ◽  
Cash Holdings ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cash Reserves ◽  
Changing Role ◽  
Viable Method ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to profile how ample cash holdings can serve as a competitive advantage by first mitigating the risk of becoming a forced seller during times of distress, and then positioning a firm to take strategic advantage of forced selling and other forms of distress-generated opportunities. Design/methodology/approach – The author reviews the changing role of cash over time in corporate strategy, and how inadequate cash has caused or contributed to corporate failures. Findings – The findings of this paper, which are supported by historical and contemporary examples, are that ample cash reserves can be a powerful source of comparative advantage. Practical implications – This article supports earlier work published in Strategy & Leadership that shows how Graham-and-Dodd-based analysis is a viable avenue of academic research and a viable method with which to assess and formulate corporate strategic initiatives such as mergers and acquisitions, share buy-backs, risk management and, in this case, the strategic uses of cash. Originality/value – This paper offers leaders and financial executives a practical explanation of how ample cash holdings can serve as a competitive advantage.

Negotiation and corporate strategy

2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
pp. 4-6
Keyword(s):  
Competitive Advantage ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Reading Time ◽  
Corporate Strategy ◽  
Organizational Strategy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Consistent Approach

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings Negotiation is a key tool in delivering competitive advantage but requires a clear and consistent approach closely linked to organizational strategy. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives, strategists and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

Access policies and licensing issues in research libraries

2005 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 9-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tony Horava
Keyword(s):  
Collection Development ◽  
Electronic Resources ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Libraries ◽  
Acquisition Management ◽  
Development And Management ◽  
Access Policies ◽  
Changing Role ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThis paper discusses the importance of incorporating licensing issues in access policies for electronic resources in research libraries. The implications for patron understanding of basic legal issues and the role of the library in managing and acquiring these resources are investigated and discussed.Design/methodology/approachA survey of various research libraries was undertaken to examine what is provided to patrons in terms of conditions of use for electronic resources. Literature relating to the management and provision of electronic resources was examined.FindingsIt was found that few libraries provide key licensing information to their patrons. This has important consequences in terms of the patron's lack of awareness of restrictions on use, as well as the costs, complexity, and consortial involvement in acquiring these resources.Research limitations/implicationsA comprehensive international review of the trends and practices of research libraries regarding access policies and licensing issues would build upon this paper's findings.Practical implicationsLibrary patrons are not receiving adequate information about the resources they are using. If more research libraries would consider what licensing information is made available to patrons, there could be changes in patron understanding and perception of the library. This will impact the profile of the library in academia, and the changing role of librarians in collection development in the digital environment.Originality/valueThe paper will be of value to research libraries involved in the acquisition, management and delivery of electronic resources to its patrons, and to librarians involved in collection development and management.

The changing role of the salesperson: how should salespeople act today?

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (6) ◽  
pp. 8-11
Author(s):  
Sandra Castro-González ◽  
Belén Bande
Keyword(s):  
Sales Force ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Paper Briefly ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Business Context ◽  
Organizational Role ◽  
Key Points ◽  
Changing Role ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to highlight the nature and the organizational role of salespeople and, in particular, underscore the change in salespeople’s management in the current business context. Design/methodology/approach The paper briefly explains the role of salespeople in an organization and how salespeople are gaining prominence in customer management. From this point of view, the paper suggests steps to achieve the sale. Findings It is evident that salespeople must change the way they achieve sales goals within the organization. Currently, they need to adopt a more customer-centric approach, and the paper suggests how to do this. Practical implications The paper aims to provide key points for understanding and managing the sales force within the organization. Findings are relevant for those who must manage these workers or those who simply want to know more about the characteristics of the sales force. Originality/value The paper highlights the importance of salespeople in organizations and describes how they should be managed. In addition, in some ways, the paper helps improve readers’ perception of the sales position.

Researchers as enablers of commercialization at an entrepreneurial university

2017 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 217-232 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eva Berggren
Keyword(s):  
Academic Research ◽  
Entrepreneurial University ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Individual Motivation ◽  
Commercial Use ◽  
University Of Technology ◽  
Academic Researchers ◽  
Established Firms ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore and visualize alternative ways – how and by whom – that academic research can come into commercial use. Design/methodology/approach This study in the Swedish context investigates one entrepreneurial university, Chalmers University of Technology. In total, 18 interviews were conducted about researchers’ views on commercialization and on how research comes into commercial use. Findings Five propositions are advocated in relation to researchers’ role as enablers of others’ commercialization. The concept of “need for utilization” is introduced as the critical explanation for researchers’ readiness to transfer knowledge mainly via alumni to established companies. Practical implications This study suggests that both universities and policy should acknowledge alternative ways of commercialization of academic research instead of putting all efforts on trying to transform unwilling academic researchers into entrepreneurs. One alternative is to foster ongoing contacts between researchers and alumni, who make commercial use of academic research in established firms. Originality/value This study furthers the knowledge about researchers’ individual motivation for commercialization, as driven by a “need for utilization.” By showing how researchers enable others commercialization, this study broadens the prevailing focus on researchers’ formation of university spin-offs as the essential output from entrepreneurial universities. The results also contribute to understanding the role of alumni in knowledge transfer to existing industry.

scholarly journals Learning commons reference collections in ARL libraries

2016 ◽  
Vol 44 (3) ◽  
pp. 411-430
Author(s):  
Cindy Pierard ◽  
Sever Bordeianu
Keyword(s):  
Random Sample ◽  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Academic Research ◽  
Target Population ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Libraries ◽  
Learning Commons ◽  
Reference Collection ◽  
Changing Role

Purpose This paper aims to explore the changing role of the reference collection in learning commons at Association of Research Libraries (ARL) member libraries. Design/methodology/approach A 15-question survey was sent to managers at academic research libraries with membership in the ARL. Respondents were asked about their learning commons and reference collections. To increase the sample size, the researchers conducted phone interviews with a random sample of individuals from the same target population, utilizing the same questions and generated additional results. Findings Most respondents had or were planning learning commons for their libraries. The role of reference collections varied. Of those who had retained a print reference collection, the majority believed them to be little-used. The researchers believe this may signal an end to a formerly cherished idea: the primacy of the reference collection within a library learning space. Research limitations/implications This study involved a random sample of public service managers at North American ARL academic libraries. While the sample is believed to be representative of the broader population, findings may not be generalizable to all ARL libraries or to other academic libraries. Originality/value Many papers have been written about information or learning commons spaces and their distinctive elements. Others have discussed the changing role of reference collections. This paper is unique in examining the changing role of the reference collection within learning commons spaces.

Reverse technology transfer from the East to the West

2018 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 443-455 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pierre Wolfram ◽  
Nivedita Agarwal ◽  
Alexander Brem
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Learning Effects ◽  
Cultural Economic ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Empirical Context ◽  
Changing Role ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Shed Light

Purpose The approach of Western companies to internationalise their R&D by establishing R&D sites in emerging markets (EMs) has led to a discussion about the role of R&D in home markets and host markets. The purpose of this paper is to shed light on the evolution of foreign R&D sites of Western companies in EMs and their role using China as the empirical context. Design/methodology/approach The study uses the State Intellectual Property Office database, and investigates about 2,000 patent families of the top 14 Western patent applicants in China. Findings The results indicate a gradual shift from an exploitative to an exploratory role of R&D sites in China. The study also shows evident learning effects on Western R&D from local counterparts. Research limitations/implications The paper motivates further research of R&D internationalisation approaches within EMs, and explores the changing role of local subsidiaries. While the study is only focussed on China, the applicability of the results is limited in context of other countries, due to cultural, economic and legislative differences. Practical implications This study shows the increasing importance of EMs such as China and how these markets, known for imitations and cheap resources, are gradually moving towards innovations and creating new technologies locally. Originality/value Based on the patent analysis, this study shows the growing importance of the local R&D subsidiaries of Western multinationals in China.

Drivers of multiple eco-innovation and the impact on sustainable competitive advantage: evidence from manufacturing SMEs in Egypt

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Khalid Mady ◽  
Muhammad Abi Sofian Abdul Halim ◽  
Khatijah Omar
Keyword(s):  
Competitive Advantage ◽  
Manufacturing Industry ◽  
Significant Contribution ◽  
Sustainable Competitive Advantage ◽  
Environmental Orientation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Process Innovations ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This study aims to investigate the drivers of three main eco-innovation types within the manufacturing small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Egypt, as well as to examine the impact of these types in sustaining competitive advantage. Design/methodology/approach The positivist methodological paradigm is adopted in this study, with 183 valid questionnaires collected from the owners and executives of manufacturing SMEs. The SmartPLS has been used to analyse the data. Findings Results show that internal drivers (organisational capabilities, absorptive capacity and strategically environmental orientation) affect eco-innovation types. External drivers (regulation, eco-friendly products demand and competitive advantage) do not significantly affect eco-innovation types. The results also reveal that both eco-organisational and eco-process innovations significantly affect sustainable competitive advantage. Practical implications This study has presented valuable insights for owners and executives of SMEs and policymakers in the business and manufacturing industry. Originality/value This study has presented valuable insights for literature on eco-innovation, owners and executives of SMEs and policymakers manufacturing industry to depth-understanding of drivers of eco-innovation types. in addition, the role of eco-innovation types in sustaining competitive advantage for SMEs has been a significant contribution to eco-innovation literature.

Consumers’ decision to boycott “unethical” products: the role of materialism/post materialism

2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (10) ◽  
pp. 1121-1138 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonia Delistavrou ◽  
Athanasios Krystallis ◽  
Irene Tilikidou
Keyword(s):  
Perceived Control ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Academic Research ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
The Social ◽  
Retail Products ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeAlthough boycotting campaigns have been increasing, a limited amount of academic research has been focussed on the antecedents of consumers’ participation in the retail field. This paper presents an examination of consumers’ intentions to boycott the “unethical” supermarket products by a Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) application. Materialism/Post-materialism was incorporated in the research as a moderating variable.Design/methodology/approachPersonal interviews were taken in a sample (420) selected by a probability sampling method. Structural equation modelling was performed to analyse the data.FindingsTPB was found powerful to explain boycotting intentions. Consumers, who more strongly intent to boycott, are affected more by social norms than by attitudes and perceived behavioural control. Those consumers believe more strongly that boycotting “unethical” retail products will generate valuable outcomes, will comply with their referents’ expectations and will not be obstructed by any barriers. Post-materialists were found to hold stronger intentions than materialists. Materialists are mostly influenced by their attitudes and their perceived control over participation in boycotting. On the contrary, post-materialists are solely influenced by their feelings regarding social pressure to boycott.Research limitations/implicationsControl for social desirability should be included in future research. National or multinational samples more effective for generalization. The ability of other psychographics or demographics to moderate TPB relationships could be further investigated.Practical implicationsRetailers, who try to avoid potential boycotts, should primarily aim to diminish the social influence towards boycotting. Secondarily, they should aim to decrease the consumers’ positive attitudes and perceived controllability over participation in boycotting. On the other side, consumers’ groups or associations when designing a boycott campaign should address their call targeting to post-materialist consumers. Messages for a boycotting call should enhance the important referents’ pressure towards a friendlier society in which people’s action is able to ethics in the market.Originality/valueIn this study, TPB was expanded by the incorporation of values, namely Materialism/Post-materialism, as a moderating factor.

The effect of psychological empowerment on job burnout and competitive advantage

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 47-71 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali Safari ◽  
Arash Adelpanah ◽  
Razieh Soleimani ◽  
Parisa Heidari Aqagoli ◽  
Rosa Eidizadeh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Data Analysis ◽  
Organizational Commitment ◽  
Competitive Advantage ◽  
Indirect Effect ◽  
Psychological Empowerment ◽  
Job Burnout ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mediating Role

Purpose This study aims at investigating the effect of psychological empowerment on job burnout and competitive advantage with the mediating role of organizational commitment and creativity. Design/methodology/approach The statistical population included all the managers and staffs of Tooka Company in Iran, and for data analysis, 120 completed questionnaires were used. Data analysis was carried out by SPSS 18 and Amos 20 software and structural equation modeling method. To test the mediating relationships, bootstrap method was used. Findings The findings showed that psychological empowerment has a significant direct effect on job burnout and competitive advantage. Also, psychological empowerment has a significant indirect effect on job burnout through the mediating role of organizational commitment. In addition, psychological empowerment has a significant indirect effect on competitive advantage through the mediating role of organizational creativity. Originality/value This study is among the first to investigate the relationship between psychological empowerment, job burnout, competitive advantage, organizational commitment and creativity.

A “Learning from Action” workshop in Japan

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (2) ◽  
pp. 77-83
Author(s):  
Robert Douglas Hinshelwood ◽  
Luca Mingarelli ◽  
Simona Masnata
Keyword(s):  
Far East ◽  
Opportunity To Learn ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Work Activities ◽  
Defensive Role ◽  
Feedback Data ◽  
Experiential Workshop ◽  
First Time ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Many people in severe mentally disturbed states do not use language or other symbolic media well or coherently. Therefore, the non-verbal medium needs to be understood by workers with such people. The “Learning from Action” experiential workshop was developed in order to provide an opportunity to learn about hidden messages in the relationships and roles occurring in activities. In August 2017, a workshop was run for the first time in Japan. The purpose of this paper is to report the experience and dynamics observed by the three consultants, who are here the authors of this paper. Design/methodology/approach After the workshop all the staff and members, including interpreters, were invited to give feedback. Findings Analysis of the feedback data showed certain important dynamics, concerning especially dependence, cultural defences and the defensive role of activity in a multicultural context. Research limitations/implications This is an initial experience to be followed up by later feedback and further workshops. Practical implications Workers awareness of non-verbal communication within the roles of work activities is a training possibility. It faces various resistances including the mental health assumptions of meaninglessness of any communication outside the verbal. Originality/value This is a method of training not widely used even in European countries, and is the first in a country in the far east.

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