Training evaluation: perspectives and evidence from Canada

This article examines the issue of training evaluation in Can‐ada; the difference between what academics have suggested should be done, and what practitioners are actually doing. This article first presents the academic perspective of training evaluation. Then, through a survey, determines how Canadian organisations are evaluating their training programmes, at both the management and non‐management level. The practitioner perspective is presented as a supporting rationale for the survey results. The article provides insight as to how a dialogue between practitioners and academics could lead to more effective and meaningful research and practice.     

How childhood ADHD-like symptoms predict selection into entrepreneurship and implications on entrepreneurial performance

This study advances research on mental health and entrepreneurship through the examination of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)-like symptoms, associated with hyperactivity/impulsivity and inattention. We examine the impact of these symptoms at age 10 on entrepreneurial performance as an adult. We find that while ADHD-like symptoms in childhood may have a positive impact on entrepreneurial selection, they negatively impact on survival and performance, with a variant effect by each symptom, predominantly among males. We find that high levels of inattention predict business failure and lower take-home income, while high levels of hyperactivity/impulsivity contribute to overall negative earnings' growth.     

Outcome-based contracts as new business model: The role of partnership and value-driven relational assets

This paper investigates the new business model of outcome-based contracts where the firm is tasked to achieve outcomes of equipment as a service contract instead of the traditional maintenance, repair and overhaul activities (e.g., power-by-the-hour® engine service contract). Through a qualitative study of two outcome-based contracts between BAE Systems, MBDA and the UK Ministry of Defence, we derive three value drivers of information, material and people transformation. Mapping it with transaction cost literature we propose five relational assets based on the value drivers; three value-driven alignments and two partnership inputs. We then study the relationships between the relational assets and contract performance through a quantitative survey by applying the partial least square (PLS) method. Our study shows that behavioral and information alignments are important to achieve outcomes. However, material and equipment alignment (i.e., joint supply chain) does not have a significant effect on contract performance. In addition, perceived control and empowerment mediated the relationship between partnership inputs and value-driven alignments. Our study provides a more integrated view of how various theoretical management domains overlap in the understanding of business models, and contribute to the understanding of value drivers and partnership factors in achieving performance in outcome-based contracts.     

Renewable Energy Policies and Technological Innovation: Evidence Based on Patent Counts

This paper examines the effect of environmental policies on technological innovation in the specific case of renewable energy. The analysis is conducted using patent data on a panel of 25 countries over the period 1978–2003. We find that public policy plays a significant role in determining patent applications. Different types of policy instruments are effective for different renewable energy sources. Broad-based policies, such as tradable energy certificates, are more likely to induce innovation on technologies that are close to competitive with fossil fuels. More targeted subsidies, such as feed-in tariffs, are needed to induce innovation on more costly energy technologies, such as solar power.     

Reviews

UNITARY AUTHORITIES.

Coopers & Lybrand Deloitte, 1992: Partnership in Prosperity: local government's role in economic development. Association of County Councils: The review of local government — Paper No 6 (February).

THE NISSAN ENIGMA.

Garrahan, P. and Stewart, P. 1992: The Nissan Enigma: Flexibility at Work in a Local Economy. London: Mansell, £35.00 cloth, £12.99 paper.

THE INTELLIGENT REGION.

Cooke, P. and Morgan, K. 1991: The Intelligent Region: Industrial and Institutional Innovation in Emilia-Romagna. Cardiff: Regional Industrial Research, Report 7, PO Box 906, Cardiff CF1 3YN.

STRENGTHENING BRITAIN'S TECHNOLOGICAL PERFORMANCE.

Brunskill, 1.1992: Making It: A Federal approach to industrial policy. London: Institute for Public Policy Research, £10.00 paper.

INVISIBLE MINORITIES.

Wrench, J., Brar, H. and Martin, P. 1991: Invisible Minorities: The employment experiences and needs of black and ethnic communities in Harlow. University of Warwick: Centre for research in Ethnic Relations. Available from Harlow District Council.

RURAL RESTRUCTURING.

Gilg, A.W. (ed), 1992: Restructuring the Countryside: Environmental Policy and Practice, Aldershot: Ashgate Publishing Ltd, £32.50 cloth.