Factors of broadband development and the design of a strategic policy framework

The paper analyses the household use of broadband technology and services in EU countries in an attempt to find the main reasons which explain the differences seen among countries. With the use of factor analysis, the underlying factors are identified as: (1) enablers and means; (2) the use of services; and (3) the ICT sector's development. Based on these findings, a two-dimensional framework that enables the classification of policy actions depending on the influencing factor and type of influence is developed. The framework can be used to analyse what is the appropriate set of policies at the national and regional governmental levels leading towards the better diffusion of new broadband (BB) technologies and services.     

The risk‐return paradox for strategic management: disentangling true and spurious effects

The concept of risk is central to strategy research and practice. Yet, the expected positive association between risk and return, familiar from financial markets, is elusive. Measuring risk as the variance of a series of accounting‐based returns, Bowman obtained the puzzling result of a negative association between risk and mean return. This finding, known as the Bowman paradox, has spawned a remarkable number of publications, and various explanations have been suggested. The present study contributes to this literature by showing that skewness of individual firm' return distributions has a considerable spurious effect on the empirically estimated mean‐variance relationship. I devise a method to disentangle true and spurious effects, illustrate it using simulations, and apply it to empirical data. It turns out that the size of the spurious effect is such that, on average, it explains the larger part of the observed negative relationship. My results might thus help to reconcile mean‐variance approaches to risk‐return analysis with other, ex‐ante, approaches. In concluding, I show that the analysis of skewness is linked to all three streams of literature devoted to explaining the Bowman paradox. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Toward a comprehensive framework of value proposition development: From strategy to implementation

Value propositions (VPs) can play a major role for the strategy development and implementation process in B2B markets. While being recognized as one of the firm's most important organizing principles, the VP concept is still poorly understood and executed in many B2B firms and scholarly research provides limited guidance on how to develop and implement VPs in B2B markets. This article re-assesses the VP in the context of both strategy and implementation. It undertakes a review of extant conceptual frameworks and identifies key elements that are overlooked and/or not addressed. A new conceptual framework for addressing VP design and development is offered, which incorporates five key interrelated phases of implementation that need to be comprehensively addressed. This research provides a theoretically sound and practically applicable VP development framework, integrating the firm's strategic considerations, ensuring a fit between its business model and customers' needs, and reflecting the nature of B2B markets through its dynamic perspective. In addressing key implementation issues, the article provides firms with a robust approach to addressing the dynamic competitive environment, as well as taking into account changing customer needs.     

Revisiting the Miles and Snow strategic framework: uncovering interrelationships between strategic types,capabilities, environmental uncertainty,and firm performance

The Miles and Snow strategic type framework is re‐examined with respect to interrelationships with several theoretically relevant batteries of variables, including SBU strategic capabilities, environmental uncertainty, and performance. A newly developed constrained, multi‐objective, classification methodology is modified to empirically derive an alternative quantitative typology using survey data obtained from 709 firms in three countries (China, Japan, United States). We compare the Miles and Snow typology to the classification empirically derived utilizing this combinatorial optimization clustering procedure. With respect to both variable battery associations and objective statistical criteria, we show that the empirically derived solution clearly dominates the traditional P‐A‐D‐R typology of Miles and Snow. Implications and directions for future research are provided. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A framework for understanding strategic network performance: Exploring efficiency and effectiveness at the network level

There are currently limits in our understanding of strategic network performance due to the complexity of the underlying processes involved. Improving our understanding of performance is critical if we are to improve network functioning, an important managerial problem. This paper addresses a research gap in strategic network performance by investigating: efficiency and effectiveness at the network level of analysis. A multiple case study methodology is used to investigate two Australian agri-business strategic networks. The cases suggest that processes relating to building actor webs and collective sensemaking are crucial for improving strategic network effectiveness, whereas network efficiency is influenced by developing activity patterns and utilizing resource constellations. The cases also highlight potential trade-offs between network effectiveness and efficiency in relation to performance at the network level. The paper contributes an empirically informed theoretical framework for understanding how network level processes influence network performance.     

天然气销售企业社会战略营销模式的构建与实施

以目前中国最大的天然气产销基地--西南油气田为研究背景,运用现代市场营销理论、战略管理理论、价值论,研究新环境下天然气销售企业市场营销的内涵、内容及模式,首次提出社会战略营销的概念、管理模式和与之相配套的营销策略,并重点评估了在夹江地区的应用效果.社会战略营销是企业基于社会责任体系的要求,以全要素资源营销策略为核心的战略营销.社会战略营销的本质是在充分吸收社会营销和战略营销的核心理念基础上,把对企业自身、社会、环境以及利益相关者的责任融入到企业战略营销过程中,使企业的发展有益于公众、有益于环境、有益于整个社会,实现企业的可持续发展.社会战略营销在夹江地区的应用,为我国天然气销售企业和其他销售企业的营销管理创新提供了可借鉴的经验.     

Modeling the dynamics of strategic fit: a normative approach to strategic change

This study develops and tests a dynamic perspective on strategic fit. Drawing from contingency and resource‐based arguments in the strategy and organizational theory literatures, we propose a distinctive analytical approach to identify environmental and organizational contingencies that should predict changes in a firm's strategy and the performance implications of such changes. We test our model using extensive longitudinal data from over 4000 U.S. savings and loan institutions during a period when many S&Ls considered changing strategic direction. The findings support our model of dynamic strategic fit. Specifically, we find that (1) the timing, direction, and magnitude of strategic changes can be logically predicted based on differences in specific environmental forces and organizational resources, and (2) organizations that deviated from our model's prediction of dynamic strategic fit (i.e., changed more or changed less than our model prescribed) experienced negative performance consequences. We conclude by discussing the implications of our approach and findings for future research on strategic fit and strategic change. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A framework of ERP systems implementation success in China: An empirical study

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) system is one of the most widely accepted choices to obtain competitive advantage for manufacturing companies. However, the successful implementation rate is low and many firms did not achieve intended goals in China. This study develops an ERP implementation success framework by adapting the Ives et al. information systems (ISs) research model and DeLone and McLean's IS success model to identify both critical success factors and success measures. Qualitative case study research methodology is used to collect data and Atlas/ti program is used to facilitate data analysis. Discussion is made finally and suggested ERP systems implementation methodology is given at the end.     

Dual sourcing of a newsvendor with exponential utility of profit

Dual sourcing strategies supplement inflexible, low-cost country sourcing with quick response manufacturing. Due to short product life cycles, combined with uncertain demand, dual sourcing strategies are very common in several industries, in particular in the sporting goods or fashion industries.Even though scholars have given some attention to the analysis of dual sourcing strategies, the importance of the decision-maker’s risk preferences has not been covered yet.In this paper we analyse dual sourcing strategies using an extended single-product newsvendor model with two order points. Different risk preferences will be modelled using an exponential utility function. Within realistic parameter ranges, the optimal order quantities can only be numerically computed. The findings of this paper show that dual sourcing strategies are always preferable to an exclusive offshore approach, as long as the onshore ordering costs are smaller than the selling price of the considered product. The more risk-averse the decision-maker, the smaller the offshore order quantity will be.     

Collaboration and technology linkages: a strategic supplier typology

This study uses frameworks from the strategic management and operations strategy literatures to explore the relationships among collaboration, technology, and innovation in small and medium‐sized manufacturers. Statistical analysis of the responses of 200 New Hampshire manufacturing companies in four SIC code industries (fabricated metals, industrial equipment, electrical and electronic equipment, and instruments) leads to the development of a strategic supplier typology which is useful in explaining the differences in the composition and performance of various types of suppliers. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Practical framework for strategic alliance in Pearl River Delta manufacturing supply chain: A total quality approach

Supply chain management becomes one of the most powerful business concepts for organizations to gain a competitive advantage in the global market. Strategic alliance could enhance the performance of a global supply chain. This paper identifies three phases for strategic alliance, and proposes a practical framework for Pearl River Delta (PRD) manufacturing companies to develop a strategic partnership with their critical suppliers, by adopting total quality philosophies approach. Finally, this paper provides some critical factors for PRD manufacturing companies forming a supply network within PRD region through establishing strategic alliance.     

用户感知评估体系的设计与实现

传统的网络性能评估手段无法做到对于用户感知的准确评估,需要采用新的手段,准确地评估手机用户对于网络质量的感知情况,在此基础上进行综合分析,为市场营销提供支撑。"用户感知评估体系"软件是基于GSM网络中A接口信令采集数据,以信令关联技术和数据挖掘的分析方法为基础,设计并实现提升用户感知性能的评估软件。通过用户感知评估体系的设计与实现,从全新的视角分析手机用户和移动市场,从而为移动市场营销及业务推广提供全面支撑,以及针对重点客户群进行感知网络性能的网络优化。     

The sourcing of technological knowledge: distributed innovation processes and dynamic change

This paper outlines the knowledge and technology sourcing practices of a range of key firms and organisations across the UK based on primary research, and analyses the key factors related to managing the technological knowledge boundaries of the firm. In particular, the paper considers the dynamic dimension considerations to such issues. As such it outlines important differences between short and long time horizons, before analysing in more detail some of the implications for firms of technological change over the long term. The paper seeks to highlight the importance of the time dimension in helping to explain why and how firms source technological knowledge externally and how they align their sourcing activities to their strategies associated with developing current and future capabilities.     

Technology sourcing and output of established firms in a regime of encompassing technological change

This paper argues that when the technological basis of an industry is changing, the firm's approach to technology sourcing plays a critical role in building the capabilities needed to generate new technical outputs. Using survey and archival data from the U.S. pharmaceutical industry during the period 1981–91, we find that different approaches to technology sourcing (internal R&D and external R&D) are related to different types of biotechnology‐based output at the end of the period. Internal R&D was positively associated with patent output. Acquisition activity was positively related to number of biotechnology‐based products. Greater use of R&D contracts and licenses was associated with stronger reputation for possessing expertise in biotechnology. These findings underscore the importance of taking a multifaceted approach to technology sourcing in order to build the absorptive capacity needed to generate new technical output. Surprisingly, we also found that involvement in joint ventures was negatively related to patent output. This raises interesting questions about the strategic use of joint ventures in a regime of encompassing technological change. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

通用试题库系统的设计与实现

试题库系统是教学信息化建设的重要内容,是公平、公正、合理检验学生真实水平的依据,使用试题库进行组卷有利于实现教考分离,任课教师需要按照教学大纲的要求,不断改进教学方法,切实提高教学水平.从实用的角度出发,探讨了通用试题库系统的组成方案和实现方法,在此基础上开发了通用试题库软件程序.     

The relationship between knowledge sourcing and fear of imitation

When firms tap external knowledge sources, they risk spillovers of their own internal knowledge. If the value of this potential loss and the imitation capabilities of neighboring organizations are high, fear of imitation might overshadow the benefits of openness. In such situations, firms might voluntarily reduce their use of external sources, relative to knowledge available internally. Data pertaining to 4,623 European inventions and direct information about the use of knowledge sources confirm that firms reduce their use of external, relative to internal, knowledge when they conduct costly research projects in locations characterized by high levels of absorptive capacity in a specific technology. This study also reveals fear of imitation as a mediating factor of this behavior. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

PETS网上报名系统的设计与实现

针对PETS网上报名系统的设计背景和现状进行了分析,根据系统的需求分析和整体设计,确定了系统的主要功能和体系结构.在功能实现中,按照考生管理、考点管理和考官管理3部分,详细论述了功能的逻辑流程和算法,对包括考生报名及信息管理、考点和考官的管理和对数据的分析统计等功能进行了实现.最后对可能遇到的多人访问并发问题,提出了使...     

Accounting rates in the Caribbean: Finding a balance

This Comment examines the issue of telecommunications accounting rates in order to gain an understanding of the current relationship between the USA and the Caribbean nations. The initiative taken by the Federal Communications Commission on this issue will either increase the region's dependency status or protect US telecommunications carriers that handle Caribbean traffic. The present status of FCC accounting rate policy is restrained. This works in favor of Caribbean nations. If the USA and the nations of the Caribbean work together a more reasonable accounting rate will result for both.     

Measuring organizational knowledge: a conceptual and methodological framework

Knowledge is fundamental to strategic success. Limited progress has been made, however, in measuring organizational knowledge. We employ research on resource‐based theory and organizational epistemology to suggest a perceptual approach to measuring knowledge. We present a research protocol to identify a domain of organizational knowledge resources within industries. Using a sample of organizations from the hospital and textile industries, we interviewed CEOs to identify the feasible set of knowledge resources. We presented this set to managers at those organizations to measure their perceptions of the value‐added of each knowledge resource for their organizations. The results demonstrate that the importance of knowledge resources varies by industry and organization, and calls to question efforts to generate an inventory of generic knowledge resources that is applicable across industries. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Erratic strategic decisions: when and why managers are inconsistent in strategic decision making

While decision makers in organizations frequently make good decisions rooted in stable and consistent preferences, such consistency in outcomes is not always the case. In this study, we adopt a psychological perspective of judgment to investigate managers' erratic strategic decisions, which we define as a manager's inconsistent judgments that can shape the direction of the firm. In a study of 2,048 decisions made by 64 CEOs of technology firms, we examine how both metacognitive experience and perceptions of the external environment (hostility and dynamism) could affect the extent to which managers make erratic strategic decisions. The results indicate that managers with greater metacognitive experience make less erratic strategic decisions. The results also indicate that in hostile environments managers make more erratic strategic decisions. But contrary to our expectations, in dynamic environments managers make less erratic strategic decisions. Similarly, hostility and dynamism interact in their effect on erratic strategic decisions in that the positive relationship between environmental hostility and erratic strategic decisions will be less positive for managers experiencing high environmental dynamism than those experiencing low environmental dynamism. These results have important implications for strategic decision‐making research. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.