Entrepreneurial orientation and innovation in family SMEs: Unveiling the (actual) impact of the Board of Directors

Drawing on stewardship and resource dependence theories, we examine how the board of directors (BoD) influences the link between entrepreneurial orientation (EO) and ambidextrous innovation in small and medium sized family firms (family SMEs). Our analysis of 230 Spanish family SMEs shows that family involvement in the BoD has a negative effect on their ability to turn EO into innovation. Moreover, we show that the BoD's strategic involvement in service and control tasks and the provision of knowledge and skills have positive effects, whereas the intensity of BoD activity has a surprisingly negative effect. These findings underscore that the effects of the BoD on the entrepreneurship-innovation link are more complex than previously thought, pointing to the important role of both BoD composition and BoD functioning for enabling innovation in family SMEs.     

The impact of horizontal and vertical FDI on host's country economic growth

In this paper, we contribute to the literature investigating the impact of FDI on host country economic growth by distinguishing between the growth effects of horizontal (market seeking) FDI and vertical (efficiency seeking) FDI. Using a new database, we estimate the growth effects of vertical and horizontal US MNE activity into 44 host countries over the period 1983–2003, also using traditional total FDI figures as a benchmark. Controlling for endogeneity and absorptive capacity effects, we find that horizontal and vertical FDI have positive and significant growth effects in developed countries. Moreover, our results indicate a superior growth effect of horizontal FDI over vertical FDI. In line with existing literature, we find no significant effects of horizontal or vertical FDI in developing countries.     

Indirect network effects and the impact of trade liberalization: A note

In this note, we examine how trade liberalization affects production structure in the presence of indirect network effects (hardware/software systems). For these purposes we construct a simple two-country model of trade with two incompatible hardware technologies. It is shown that, given that both types of hardware exist before trade liberalization, liberalization and increased intra-industry trade in software products may reduce the variety of hardware technology via intensified network effects. It is also shown that, contrary to the findings of previous studies on intra-industry trade, some consumers may become worse off as the result of trade.     

从“中国原材料出口限制案”看我国应当如何援用GATT1994第20条(g)款

在"原材料出口限制案"中,中国援用GATT1994第20条(g)款抗辩失败。原因有二:一是未能证明贸易限制措施与保护可用尽的自然资源有关;二是未能证明贸易限制措施与限制国内生产或消费一同实施。本文以该案为背景,通过对GATT时期和WTO时期涉及第20条(g)款案件的比较研究,系统梳理了第20条(g)款各项要件的发展脉络,并且透过专家组和上诉机构的审查过程,对每一项要件的举证论证策略加以总结,最终构建出GATT1994第20条(g)款援用方案。     

The impact of geographic diversification on export performance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)

Two alternative diversification strategies—the geographic diversification of export sales and key market concentration—are extensively discussed in management, strategy, entrepreneurship, and economics literature. However, no conclusive evidence currently exists as to how either of these strategies affects the performance of international sales. This paper contributes to a better understanding of geographic diversification as a key dimension of the internationalization process for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). In it, we analyze a comprehensive database of Polish exporters over a 3-year period to better understand the geographic diversification patterns of exporters. Based on this analysis, six propositions emerged from the export patterns examined and two viable strategies for exporting SMEs are identified: (1) concentrating on a single market and (2) a balanced approach aimed at targeting a small number of key markets, combined with a strategy of penetrating other markets. Implications for practice and future research are also discussed herein.     

Mapping the extended frontiers of escapism: binge-watching and hyperdiegetic exploration

ABSTRACT

Through a micro-ethnographic engagement with consumers’ binge-watching experiences of the web-TV series House of Cards, this videography explores what we consider to be the ‘extended frontiers’ of escapism. In contrast to passive/active classifications of escapism which risk reducing escapist fare to a textual resource which can be categorised discretely at the point of consumption, we consider ‘sustained encounters’ with escapist fare as appropriable textures characterised by ongoing and less immediately discernible processes. Drawing upon the concept of hyperdiegesis, we consider potentially ‘projective’ forms of narrative transportation in binge-watching; heterochronic breaks from normal patterns of time; and post-object behaviours. In doing so, we outline how forms of escapism traditionally considered passive may under certain conditions represent much richer and more complex enterprises than previously imagined.     

Consumer vulnerability and the transformative potential of Internet shopping: An exploratory case study

Abstract

Ten million individuals in the UK who suffer from long-term illness, impairments, or disability can be considered as vulnerable consumers (Office for Disability Issues, 2010 Office for Disability Issues (2010). General Demographics. http://www.officefordisability.gov.uk/disability-statistics-and-research/disability-facts-and-figures.php#gd (http://www.officefordisability.gov.uk/disability-statistics-and-research/disability-facts-and-figures.php#gd) (Accessed: 1 February 2011).  [Google Scholar]). Despite this, there are few studies on the use of the Internet for grocery shopping by the disabled and none which offers an understanding of the multiple facets of consumer vulnerability. The purpose of this study is to contextualise the use of the Internet for grocery shopping using an exploratory case to provide fresh insights into the ‘actual’ vulnerability of ‘Danni’ – a disabled housewife and mother. The consumer-focussed methods used here were combined multiple complementary approaches. The findings illustrate that whilst the use of the Internet reduces the impracticalities of shopping in-store, the normalcy afforded to Danni through shopping in-store (including her sense of self) was not met by the technological offerings. The paradoxes associated with using online provision and the strategies adopted to manage these by Danni demonstrate engagement/disengagement and assimilation/isolation. Policy implications and insights for retailers are provided.     

Buy and buy again: The impact of unique reference points on (re)purchase decisions

Behavioral finance has uncovered that investor engage emotionally when trading. We investigate how three psychological factors influence purchase and repurchase decisions: representativeness, the influence of prior gains, and reference points. Using trading data of 7200 UK investors we find that purchase decisions are influenced by representative heuristic and repurchase decisions are influenced by both representative heuristic and prior profitability. Further survival analysis showed that investors use the prior selling price as a unique reference point. Investors are more likely to repurchase a stock when trading above its reference point, but more likely to initiate the repurchase when trading below. Investors are influenced by previous experience and engage learning behavior when they seek to reinforce past success. As reference points are inferred but infrequently researched, this research adds to the literature and provides important and robust results for those engaging with financial planning clients.     

The impact of firm and environmental characteristics on international joint venture (IJV) marketing performance in Thailand

International joint ventures (IJVs) have become an important means of market entry for many firms, particularly those seeking entry into Asia (Lin & Germain, 1999). This study examines firm and environmental characteristics that impact the overall satisfaction with marketing performance and economic performance of IJVs in Thailand. The data for this study were collected via a mail survey of 1,047 Thai‐foreign IJVs in Thailand. The analysis indicated that IJV marketing performance was influenced by market characteristics, commitment, marketing orientation, and organizational control and that these variables differentially impact overall satisfaction with marketing performance and economic performance. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

The impact of manager's animosity and ethnocentrism on multinational enterprise (MNE) international entry‐mode decision

For MNEs, entry‐mode decision is undeniably critical. While the literature has identified several determinants of foreign entry‐mode choice, few have examined the impact of manager's animosity and ethnocentrism. This article is an attempt to fill this gap by examining the independent effect of manager animosity and ethnocentrism as well as the moderating effect of cultural intelligence on entry mode. Data were collected through surveys targeting upper‐level managers in the U.S., U.K., and Germany to examine how animosity and ethnocentrism would shape their decision to enter Iran, a host market largely perceived negatively in the West. Multivariate multiple regression was used to test the hypothesized effects and to capture the multidimensional aspect of entry modes. We found that, in general, manager's animosity and ethnocentrism do negatively affect the choice of an entry mode and that cultural intelligence has the potential to neutralize that negative effect.     

A study of the impact of Corporate Social Responsibility and price image on retailer personality and consumers' reactions (satisfaction,trust and loyalty to the retailer)

This study investigates the impact of a retailer's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policy and its price image on retailer personality, along with the impact of these two variables on the consequences of retailer personality: consumers' satisfaction, trust and loyalty toward the retailer (measured by their attitude and future behavioral intentions). Data were collected on a convenience sample of 352 consumers of a French grocery retailer. Using Partial Least Squares analysis (PLS), we show that perceived Corporate Social Responsibility and price image have a significant positive/negative influence on retailer personality traits (“agreeableness” and “conscientiousness”/“disingenuousness”) and that Corporate Social Responsibility has also a significant positive influence on the “sophistication” personality trait. For the consequences examined (satisfaction, trust and loyalty to the retailer), we show that Corporate Social Responsibility, price image and retailer personality have a direct or indirect impact on these dependent variables.     

数据包络分析（DEA）在县域乡镇人力资源配置评价中的应用—以密云县为例

人力资源是国民经济中极为重要的主体资源,它的配置好坏日益决定着县域经济能否持续健康的发展。利用数据包络分析（DEA）,以北京市密云县为例,进行各乡镇人力资源配置评价和分析,并对结果进行了讨论。     

旅游消费者满意/不满意(CS/D)因源的理性思考

旅游消费者满意/不满意(CS/D)是衡量旅游业经营业绩好坏的重要指标之一。进行旅游消费者CS/D因源的理论性思考为旅游经营者提高消费者满意度提供了一种强有力的工具。对旅游消费者CS/D的因源通过特定的旅游背景及一般旅游背景的过滤得以修正,并最终形成消费者即时的或延期的满意/不满意(CS/D)的评判。     

The impact of internal,external, and competitor factors on marketing strategy performance

ABSTRACT

Strategy formulation is commonly understood as the match between a firm’s internal resources and skills and its external environment. Marketing strategy performance is the function of a dynamic, interactive process incorporating internal firm resources, external environmental factors, and competitive actions. The study aims to assess the impact of competitor actions on marketing strategy performance. We develop a model that accommodates the effects of 29 variables (comprising internal marketing strategy variables, external environmental factors and competitors’ marketing mix variables) on business performance. We empirically test the model using simultaneous equation modelling of time-series data on UK car manufacturers collected from publically available resources and annual reports. The results show that external factors, in particular competitors’ marketing mix elements, have a greater influence on a company’s business performance than internal (marketing and non-marketing) strategy variables. Implications for marketing theory and management are discussed.     

高效液相色谱法和高效液相色谱-质谱/质谱法测定荔枝中对氯苯氧乙酸（钠）

建立了荔枝中对氯苯氧乙酸（钠）残留量的液相色谱和液相-串联质谱检测方法,采用碱性水提取,利用二氯甲烷液液萃取进行净化,用液相色谱方法在280 nm检测,检出限为0.02 mg/kg。在负离子模式下进行液质串联质谱检测,检出限为0.01 mg/kg。本方法的添加回收率在78.2%～106.7%,变异系数为2.0%～12.2%。回收率、检测限等技术参数均能满足相关检测要求。本方法应用于65个实验样品的检测,其中有两个样品为阳性,含量分别为0.032 mg/kg及0.026 mg/kg。     

How to achieve true integration: the impact of integrated marketing communication on the client/agency relationship

ABSTRACT

Reports from the advertising industry suggest that the pressure to create effective integrated campaigns across the ever-increasing mix of paid, owned and earned media is putting an enormous strain on client/agency relationships. This research identifies the main challenges that an Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC) approach places on this relationship and thereby advances the IMC literature by examining the practical challenges of implementation. Six key issues, developed from academic and industry sources, are presented to advertising experts, through a Delphi study, to stimulate debate and identify areas of agreement. The findings are brought together in a model which presents three main areas that need to be addressed, along with specific recommendations. These topics include the need for clients to provide stronger leadership in defining agency roles and responsibilities, more transparent remuneration systems to encourage teamwork across agencies as well as individual input and an increased emphasis on the strategic contribution from agencies.     

An examination of the usage and impact of upward influence tactics by workers in the hospitality sector of Taiwan: Expanding the framework of rao,schmidt, and murray (1995)

This study adds the political tendencies of subordinates and their organizational socialization as antecedents to the Rao, Schmidt, and Murray ( 1995 ) framework of the use of upward influence tactics. Supervisor trust in the subordinate was added as an outcome. Furthermore, using 278 subordinate‐supervisor dyads in the Taiwanese hotel industry, a full range of influence tactics were examined. Political tendencies and socialization were associated with subordinate use of influence tactics. However, assertiveness was the only tactic strongly and negatively associated with both performance rating and the level of trust the manager placed in the subordinate. Importantly, these negative effects were mediated by supervisor impressions of subordinate tenacity and disagreeableness. Copyright © 2010 ASAC. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The impact of pedestrian countdown signals on single and two vehicle motor vehicle collisions: a quasi-experimental study

The objective of this study was to examine the impact of pedestrian countdown signals (PCS) on the rate of motor vehicle collisions (MVCs) in Toronto, Canada. A quasi-experimental design was used to compare rates of single and two vehicle MVCs before and after installation of PCS in Toronto, Canada between January 2005 and December 2009. Collision incidence rates were compared using Poisson regression analyses with adjustment for relevant cofounders and reported as incidence rate ratios (IRR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Secondary analyses were performed on subsets of collisions by collision type and injury severity. A total of 94,175 MVCs occurred at or near 1965 intersections at which PCS were installed over the five-year study period. Overall, the MVC incidence rate increased 7.5% (IRR = 1.075; 95% CI: 1.042–1.109; p < 0.0001) after installation of PCS. The installation of PCS led to an increase in MVCs. PCS may have an unintended consequence of increasing the rate of MVCs.     

机载防撞系统干扰限制功能的设计与实现

针对机载防撞系统(TCAS)空对空通信时存在的同步混扰,采用飞机分布因子结合问询功率和问询速率的控制方法,建立了干扰限制的数学模型,给出了TCAS监视功能干扰限制的设计流程。按照DO-185B标准定义的高密度飞机分布环境,采用计算机仿真得到了TCAS干扰限制功能在高密度空域中统计性能,对不同监视区域中TCAS应答机的占用率与DO-185B的设计需求进行比较,验证了设计的干扰限制功能的有效性和实用性。仿真结果表明干扰限制算法能够满足高密度空域中TCAS监视功能的要求,在TCAS干扰限制功能的设计和性能评估方面具有实际应用价值。     

精馏分离技术及进展(续)

本文在参考大量文献的基础上，着重介绍了各种精馏方法及其工业应用、国内外发展状况，对萃取精馏和恒沸精馏方法进行比较，并对催化精馏技术的国内外研究进展做了详细介绍。