Strategic Capabilities for Product Innovation in SMEs

2010 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 209-220 ◽  
Author(s):  
Louis Raymond ◽  
Josée St-Pierre
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Economy ◽  
Product Innovation ◽  
Manufacturing Firms ◽  
The Other ◽  
Successful Outcome ◽  
Contingency Perspective ◽  
Canadian Manufacturing ◽  
Research Questions ◽  
Strategic Capabilities ◽  
The Relationship

With the advent of globalization and the knowledge economy, an important issue has arisen concerning the relationship between the strategic capabilities of SMEs and their capacity to innovate. From a contingency perspective, one would argue that the firm's strategic capabilities can be leveraged for the purposes of innovation to the extent that these capabilities are in strategic co-alignment. This gives rise to the following empirical research questions: (a) are the networking, R&D and technological capabilities of SMEs co-aligned such that one can observe different organizational gestalts, and (b) does co-alignment of these capabilities lead to a successful outcome in terms of innovation? In answer to these questions, the authors present the results of a study of 205 Canadian manufacturing firms. Through cluster analysis, three gestalts are identified – entrepreneurial SMEs, engineering SMEs and administrative SMEs. Analysis of these gestalts indicates that entrepreneurial SMEs clearly lead the other two in R&D capability and product innovation.

scholarly journals Complements vs. adjuncts and mouse-controlled reading

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Armine Garibyan
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Sentence Processing ◽  
The Other ◽  
Theoretical Level ◽  
Psycholinguistic Research ◽  
The Past ◽  
Research Questions ◽  
The One ◽  
Fundamental Categories ◽  
The Relationship

The relationship between sentence processing and cognitive demand has received a lot of attention in the past decades. In valency theory, some elements of the sentence are determined by the verbs either in terms of their form or by their presence (Herbst & Schüller 2008). It has to be said that little attention has been paid to the processing of such fundamental categories in the theory of syntax. On the one hand, this is remarkable since given the amount of research, we still do not know whether this distinction is psychologically real, or whether it only serves a lexicographic and pedagogical purpose. On the other hand, there is a consensus among linguists about the problematic character of the distinction itself even on a more theoretical level (Dowty 2000; Herbst & Schüller 2008). Therefore, this study attempts to explore whether complements and adjuncts are associated with different kinds of processing. To answer the research questions, an experiment consisting in a mouse-controlled reading task has been designed. To the best of our knowledge, this is a new method in psycholinguistic research. The paper presents the results of a pilot study.

scholarly journals Sustainability Strategy and Service Quality Innovativeness of Manufacturing Firms in Ogun State

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 38-49
Author(s):  
Olatunji Eniola Sule ◽  
Benedict Chima Onuoha
Keyword(s):  
Service Quality ◽  
Manufacturing Firms ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Statistical Tool ◽  
Ogun State ◽  
Sustainability Strategies ◽  
Sustainability Strategy ◽  
Full Benefit ◽  
Research Questions ◽  
The Relationship

The essence of this study is to examine the relationship between sustainability strategy and service quality innovativeness of manufacturing firms in Ogun State.Four objectives, research questions and hypotheses were postulated in order to find to get close to the unknown of the study.  Two hundred and sixty-six senior personnel and distributors formed the sample size from thirty-eight (38) manufacturing firms.  A self-designed instrument was used for the collection of primary data andPearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) was the statistical tool used in analysing the primary data.  From the findings of the study it was revealed that there is relationship between sustainability strategy and service quality innovativeness in manufacturing firms in Ogun State.  Based on the findings, it was recommended thatmanufacturing firms should keep to the strategic rules of being not easy to imitate, heterogeneity, unique and rare, etc., to enjoy the full benefit of sustainability strategy in the industry.  Again, serious caution should be exercise in adopting more than one sustainability strategies at the same time.

A Meta-Analysis of the Relationship between Cannabis, Opiates, Cocaine, Heroin, or other Illegal Drug Use and Student Academic and Behavioral Outcomes

2021 ◽  
pp. 001312452110045
Author(s):  
William H. Jeynes
Keyword(s):  
Middle School ◽  
Significant Relationship ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Behavioral Outcomes ◽  
Illegal Drug ◽  
Drug Consumption ◽  
The Other ◽  
Research Questions ◽  
The Relationship

The meta-analysis, that included 75 studies, examined the relationship between illegal drug consumption, on the one hand, and student academic and behavioral outcomes, on the other, for the middle school to college grade levels. The meta-analysis first (research question #1) addressed whether there is a statistically significant relationship between illegal drug consumption and student academic and behavioral outcomes. A second question assessed whether there was a statistically significant relationship between the consumption of specific kinds of illegal drugs and student academic and behavioral outcomes (research question #2). The third analysis distinguished between the effects for educational- and behavioral-outcomes to see whether the consumption of illegal drugs was associated with one more than the other (research question #3). Fourth, there were analyses to determine whether the effects that emerged under the first two research questions differed by the age of the student (research question #4). The fifth analysis (research question #5) assessed whether the effects that emerged under the first two research questions differed by the race of the student. The results indicated widespread statistically significant effects for all the drugs under study. The extent of the effects were considerably greater for college students than they were for middle school students.

scholarly journals Complexity and Its Relation to Variation

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diana Forker
Keyword(s):  
Information Theory ◽  
Information Content ◽  
Concrete Research ◽  
The Other ◽  
Linguistic Variation ◽  
Linguistic Complexity ◽  
Research Questions ◽  
The One ◽  
Conceptual Foundations ◽  
The Relationship

This paper is concerned with the relationship between complexity and variation. The main goal is to lay out the conceptual foundations and to develop and systematize reasonable hypotheses such as to set out concrete research questions for future investigations. I first compare how complexity and variation have synchronically been studied and what kinds of questions have been asked in those studies. Departing from earlier surveys of different definitions of complexity, here I classify the majority of complexity studies into two broad types based on two ways of defining this concept. The first type determines and measures linguistic complexity by counting numbers of items (e.g., linguistic forms or rules and interactions between forms). The second type makes use of transparency and the principle of One-Meaning–One-Form. In addition, linguistic complexity has been defined by means of concepts from information theory, namely in terms of description length or information content, but those studies are in the minority. Then I define linguistic variation as a situation when two or more linguistic forms have identical or largely identical meaning and it is possible to use either the one or the other variant. Variation can be free or linguistically or socially conditioned. I argue that there is an implicational relationship between complexity of the first type that is defined in terms of numbers of items and variation. Variation is a type of complexity because it implies the existence of more than one linguistic form per meaning. But not every type of complexity involves variation because complexity defined on the basis of transparency does not necessarily imply the existence of more than one form. In the following I discuss extralinguistic factors that (possibly) have an impact on socially conditioned variation and/or complexity and can lead to an increase or decrease of complexity and/or variation. I conclude with suggestions of how to further examine the relationship between complexity and variation.

scholarly journals Navigating through Resilience: Young Adults in Kuwait

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-66
Author(s):  
Juliet Dinkha ◽  
Aya Abdulhadi ◽  
Ayshah Al-Kandari ◽  
Saja Al-Obaid
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Immune System ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Negative Emotions ◽  
The Other ◽  
Research Questions ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Past Experiences ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Probing Questions

Individual’s behaviors, mindset and personality is greatly affected by their social circle and shaped by their past experiences, leading the individual to develop resilience against stressful situations and adversaries. Such situations are mainly experienced during adolescence stage presenting an opportunity to understand how individuals think they will react to stressful times and what measures do they consider if and when crises hit. The inevitable goal of this research is to find out how and if individuals build resilience to negative situations and find themselves to express and feel happiness instead of succumbing to negative emotions and behaviors. For a better understanding of their self-resilience, we created a framework of Internal and External Resilience to guide us with the findings. This research was conducted during the early stage of the COVID-19 spread, which did not present to be a pandemic at the time and had not affected one’s life as gravely. In gathering our research, questions that will be kept in mind but are not limited to, include: how do two individuals who experience similar situations react in different ways, one left negatively affected while the other unaffected? Do past experiences make individuals more resilient to situations that they came into contact with? With those probing questions, we would be able to further understand the relationship between building resilience and experiencing hopelessness in times of crises. Keywords: resilience, adversaries, crises, hopelessness, psychological immune system

The Relationship of Strategic Intent to the Enablers and Inhibitors of E-Business Adoption in SMEs

2011 ◽  
pp. 244-270 ◽  
Author(s):  
Margi Levy ◽  
Philip Powell ◽  
Les Worrall
Keyword(s):  
Product Innovation ◽  
Small Firms ◽  
Growth Strategies ◽  
Strategic Intent ◽  
West Midlands ◽  
Growth Product ◽  
Research Questions ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
The Relationship

Small firms’ use of e-business is limited and little is known about what drives them to embrace e-business. Using survey data from 354 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UK West Midlands, this chapter investigates e-business use and drivers. It first discusses different growth strategies adopted by SMEs and reviews Internet adoption in SMEs. Drivers and inhibitors of e-business are identified. Three research questions are derived—does strategic intent drive e-business adoption and is it a factor of market position or product innovation? Is this consistent across sectors? And how is strategic intent and industry adoption influenced by the enablers and inhibitors of e-business adoption? This research demonstrates that strategic intent influences decisions to invest in e-business. Those SMEs remaining in their existing markets are the least likely to invest, primarily due to the Internet not being seen as necessary for growth. Product innovation rather than market penetration drives e-business and e-business drivers and inhibitors provide insights into this.

scholarly journals A cadaveric study on the buccal branch of facial nerve - origin and its relation pattern to the parotid duct

2015 ◽  
Vol 04 (04) ◽  
pp. 173-178
Author(s):  
Sapna AK ◽  
Jayasree K.
Keyword(s):  
Facial Nerve ◽  
The Other ◽  
Successful Outcome ◽  
Face Lift ◽  
Lower Trunk ◽  
Parotid Duct ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Operating Surgeon ◽  
Buccal Branches

Abstract Background : The knowledge of anatomy of facial nerve and its terminal branches is important for the successful outcome in facial surgeries. The buccal branch of facial nerve due to its characteristic variations in origin and diverse relationship with the parotid duct can be easily injured during parotid duct surgery, parotidectomy or face lift operations. An operating surgeon would find it helpful if the course of buccal branch especially in relation to parotid duct is studied Aim : To describe the origin, course and number of buccal branches of facial nerve and its pattern of relation with the parotid duct. Materials & Methods : The study was done in 100 cadaveric cranial halves including fetuses. The buccal branch was observed for its origin and course. The relationship of buccal branch to the parotid duct was noted and classified accordingly. Results: Buccal branch originated from the lower trunk of facial nerve in 68 % and from the upper trunk in 28% while the two trunks contributed to the origin in 4%. The buccal branch passed inferior to parotid duct in 41% and superior to duct in 25%. In 28%, buccal branch formed a plexus over the duct along with other branches. In 6%, there were two branches, one passed superior and the other passed inferior to the parotid duct. Conclusion: The knowledge regarding the variations of buccal branch of facial nerve can be a surgeon's guide during facial surgeries.

scholarly journals Influence of Social Media Usage on the Green Product Innovation of Manufacturing Firms through Environmental Collaboration

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (20) ◽  
pp. 8685
Author(s):  
Norhuda Salim ◽  
Mohd Nizam Ab Rahman ◽  
Dzuraidah Abd Wahab ◽  
Ariff Azly Muhamed
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Product Innovation ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Manufacturing Firms ◽  
Green Product ◽  
Key Factors ◽  
Media Usage ◽  
Green Product Innovation ◽  
Use Of Social Media ◽  
The Relationship

Firms are finding it increasingly important to leverage social media to facilitate knowledge access, get valuable feedback, and improve innovations to cater for emerging markets. However, using social media without integrating other key factors does not seem to add value to innovation efforts. Therefore, this study investigates the potential of social media usage (SMU) in enhancing green product innovation (GPI) and how two types of environmental collaboration may affect that relationship, which is a subject that has been under-explored. First, the literature on the expansion of the use of social media in enhancing GPI was reviewed to develop the theoretical framework and hypotheses. Then, data collected from 211 manufacturing firms were analysed using structural equation modelling to examine the proposed relationship. The results revealed that SMU does not directly influence GPI. Rather, internal environmental collaboration (IEC) and environmental collaboration with suppliers (ECS) fully mediate the relationship between SMU and GPI. The results further disclosed a positive relationship between IEC and ECS, where both types of environmental collaboration seem to be key factors in improving GPI. Hence, this study highlights the importance of knowledge sharing through environmental collaborations for the generation of ideas to improve products in order to remain competitive in the market.

scholarly journals Concept of uncertainty in relation to the foresight research

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 46-55 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrzej Magruk
Keyword(s):  
Deductive Reasoning ◽  
Economic Life ◽  
The Other ◽  
Complex Environment ◽  
Strategic Decisions ◽  
System Perspective ◽  
The Future ◽  
Research Questions ◽  
The One ◽  
The Relationship

AbstractUncertainty is one of the most important features of many areas of social and economic life, especially in the forward-looking context. On the one hand, the degree of uncertainty is associated with the objective essence of randomness of the phenomenon, and on the other, with the subjective perspective of a man. Future-oriented perception of human activities is laden with an incomplete specificity of the analysed phenomena, their volatility, and lack of continuity. A man is unable to determine, with complete certainty, the further course of these phenomena. According to the author of this article, in order to significantly reduce the uncertainty while making strategic decisions in a complex environment, we should focus our actions on the future through systemic research of foresight. This article attempts to answer the following research questions: 1) What is the relationship between foresight studies in the system perspective to studies of the uncertainty? 2) What classes of foresight methods enable the research of uncertainty in the process of system inquiry of the future? This study conducted deductive reasoning based on the results of the analysis methods and criticism of literature.

The Effect of Leadership on the Performance of Chinese Manufacturing Companies

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 49-64
Author(s):  
Yan Li
Keyword(s):  
Financial Performance ◽  
Product Innovation ◽  
Manufacturing Firms ◽  
Manufacturing Companies ◽  
Key Factors ◽  
Value Innovation ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
Corporate Growth ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
The Relationship

The aim of this paper is to find out the effects of leadership, mediated by value innovation on the business financial performance of the manufacturing SMEs in China. Second, to examine what kind of links there are among leadership, value innovation and financial performance of Chinese manufacturing firms are explored. Last but not least, this paper will investigate Chinese manufacturing companies, which have survived and grown. To discuss what kind of key factors they have and how they adopt these strategies in order to achieve value innovation for their corporate growth in emerging markets, the result of this study is that there is a positive relationship between leadership value innovation, and financial performance of companies. Meanwhile, results illustrated that product innovation mediated the relationship of leadership with financial performance, but business model innovation has no mediating role on the relationship of leadership with financial performance.

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