Net entry behaviour in Greek manufacturing: consumer, intermediate and capital goods industries

This research explores the nature and causes of net entry of firms in three groups of Greek manufacturing industries–consumer, intermediate and capital goods. The research questions whether or not the determinants of net entry rates across sectors are different. Econometric analyses reveal that, indeed, there are significant differences in the determinants of net entry rates across industry groups, but also there is strong within-group correlation across sectors.     

Meta programme patterns in accounting educators at a UK business school

The purposes of this study are to compare the results of two alternative methods of eliciting meta programmes, the Motivation Profile Questionnaire (MPQ) and the Language and Behaviour (LAB) Profile semistructured interview, and to identify whether accounting educators exhibit any dominant meta programmes. An individual trained to use the LAB Profile interviewed a sample of 14 accounting educators who then completed the MPQ. The results of the MPQ and the LAB Profile identified three common patterns, indicating a good degree of correlation between the two methods. Identification of the key meta programmes of the accounting educators may have benefits in their teaching and is the precursor to a larger study of the meta programmes of accounting undergraduates, which can now be undertaken in a cost effective way using the MPQ.     

Production Contracts and Productivity in the U.S. Hog Sector

This article measures the impact of contracting on partial and total factor productivity and the production technology of U.S. hog operations. A sample selection model accounts for the fact that unobservable variables may be correlated with both the operators' decision to contract and farm productivity. Results indicate that the use of production contracts is associated with a substantial increase in factor productivity, and represents a technological improvement over independent production. Results also identify determinants of farmers' decisions to contract and other factors influencing farm productivity.     

Donors: how much do they give in a lifetime?

In a relational approach to fundraising, nonprofit-making organisations have the task of developing profitable relationships with their supporters. This approach requires the definition of ‘lifetime value’ in order to assess its performance. Yet the paradox of calculating a lifetime value is that the only accurate definition of any particular individual's value can be made once they are no longer a donor – when they have died or have stopped giving. At this point they may appear of no use. However, it is by understanding past donors that present donors can be understood in terms of their existing and potential ongoing value. This paper, building on recent debate and research within the sector,[Sargeant, A. and McKenzie, J. (1998) ‘An Investigation of Donor Lifetime Value’, Paper presented to ICFM Conference, University of Warwick.] refers to the practicalities of creating and using not one, but a variety of measures from information sources that exist within such organisations. The paper specifically explores the way measures can be created and used. It raises a number of the practical issues involved in terms of accounting definitions and information availability. Understanding and using the value measures of supporters are key to ensuring that this relationship is dealt with in the most effective way for the organisation. Copyright © 1999 Henry Stewart Publications     

An investigation into the effects of domestic cleaning on upholstery covering materials backcoated with fire retardants

Abstract: The purpose of this research was to investigate the effects of domestic cleaning on upholstery covering materials backcoated with fire retardants. The results are an indicator of the effectiveness of legislative controls for upholstery. A questionnaire and pilot study were used to devise standard treatment procedures reflecting popular domestic cleaning methods. Samples of material were subjected to each treatment procedure followed by testing to the match test in BS 5852:Pt 1: 1979, over filling material specified in Part 1 of Schedule 5 of the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988. To provide a standard, materials were also subjected to the water soak procedure in BS 5651: 1978, followed by testing to the match test. The results indicate that domestic cleaning methods affect backcoated fire retardants in such a way that current furniture legislation does not adequately provide for the level of durability required in practice. In addition, evidence was gained via a retail survey which suggests that consumers are not provided with sufficient aftercare information when purchasing new furniture.     

The UK air inclusive‐tour industry: a reassessment of the competitive positioning of the ‘independent’ sector

This paper investigates the increasing concentration in the UK air inclusive‐tour (AIT) market and the behaviour of the dominant companies (Thomson, Airtours, First Choice and Thomas Cook) operating in the sector. Arguments relating to the theoretical organisational structure of the industry are explored and regulatory investigations that have taken place are discussed. Research evidence as to the competitive position of independent tour operators in the overall UK AIT market is provided. The research indicates that a key area of difficulty for the independent sector relates to the provision of charter airline capacity although access to distribution channels and the ability to contract accommodation are viewed as further concerns. The paper concludes that regulatory authorities are faced with trying to ensure that diversity is maintained while at the same time ensuring any economies of scale derived from consolidation of the sector are passed on to consumers. In order to properly understand the true effects of industrial concentration the assembled package must be dissembled into its component parts and an increasingly a pan‐European perspective is necessary. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Management of the change process in hotel companies: An investigation at unit level

The management of change has become an organisational necessity in the 1990s and will continue to be a major factor in the management of hotel companies in the future. This article investigates and evaluates management of the change process at unit level in hotel firms. The data was gathered through in-depth semi-structured interviews with ten hotel managers in the UK. Lewin’s three-stage model was found to be of limited use in practice. A five-stage model of the change process emerges from the research findings. This model reflects a more practical view of the management of change as an on-going, continuous process. Finally, the limitations of the research are discussed and further research areas identified.     

Corporate governance and MNE strategies in emerging economies

We explore factors of convergence and divergence in corporate governance of emerging and developed market economies, focussing on the role of firm internationalisation. In particular, foreign investments by emerging economy firms led to upgrade of their governance capabilities. These firms also became advocates for home-country policy reforms that mandated the development of similar capabilities for local firms. We present a broad overview of the literature and propose an approach that considers the evolution of corporate governance, both at the national level and the firm level, with MNEs from both emerging market economies and developed economies as active actors in this process.     

The Discovery of Opportunities: Extending the Economic Theory of the Entrepreneur

Shane (2003) [A General Theory of Entrepreneurship: The Individual-Opportunity Nexus. Cheltenham: Edward Elgar] has shown convincingly that modern theories of entrepreneurship perform reasonably well in explaining the empirical results obtained in different areas of research upon the subject. His book also shows that the cognitive aspects of entrepreneurship in general—and opportunity recognition in particular—are important areas that warrant further research. This paper argues that the concept of opportunity is closely related to the concept of a project, as an opportunity is essentially a project that would prove beneficial if it were exploited. It is suggested that modelling individual search across potential projects, and the screening of projects by the use of symptoms, holds the key to the successful modelling of entrepreneurship in terms of opportunity.