Education + Training

The effectiveness of knowledge networks: An investigation of manufacturing SMEs : Table of Contents

Tim Hughes, Nicholas O'Regan, Martin A. Sims — Sat Nov 14 08:00:19 GMT 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – Although considerable attention in the extant literature has been devoted to knowledge acquisition and transfer within firms, there is a dearth of research on the effectiveness of outside sources of knowledge for technology-based small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Furthermore, the majority of empirical studies in this area focus on large firms while research on smaller firms is underdeveloped. The aim of this paper is to investigate the impact of the sources of knowledge on the performance of technology manufacturing firms and the implications for higher education institutions (HEIs) providing advice to this sector. Design/methodology/approach – Following interviews with managing directors of manufacturing firms, a number of sources of technical advice were identified. A survey of small and medium-sized UK electronic and engineering firms was then carried out to investigate the relationship between sources of knowledge and performance and also to establish whether there is a relationship between performance and the extent of the advice network. Findings – Significant correlations were found between company age, knowledge source remoteness and company performance. The more remote the source the less effective it is. The stronger the firm's network the more profitable it is likely to be. Practical implications – This has particular implications for universities involved in knowledge transfer, as these institutions are often relatively remote compared with other sources of advice within SME networks. Originality/value – The research adds to our understanding of the role of HEIs and other members of knowledge networks in relation to the achievement of competitive advantage by SMEs.

Knowledge exchange: capacity building in a small university : Table of Contents

Sally Fowler Davis — Sat Nov 14 08:00:19 GMT 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The aim of this paper is to examine an early articulation of some of the key factors in building capacity and the potential for knowledge exchange (KE) within a small, learning and teaching-oriented organization. Design/methodology/approach – An action research study is planned as a practical enquiry. In common with other action research, this study is being carried out in a single organization and is aiming to devise and plan changes in practice. Findings – A reorganization of the institution in line with policy is critical to ensure that the university insulates itself from the significant risk of knowledge isolation, The context, a relatively static workforce, a learning and teaching focus and the size of an organization may effect its ability to be responsive and knowledge productive in KE. Research limitations/implications – Early insights relate to a reorganization of systems to support KE and the context in which that change will take place. The paper seeks to propose a way to research organizational change in a university in the face of new policy and strategic drivers. Practical implications – A critical understanding of policy promoting KE is a sound underpinning to practice and strategic improvement in the area. The purpose and values underpinning enterprise initiatives can legitimate a university to reclaiming a pivotal social and commercial role in regional regeneration. Originality/value – KE supported by a small university requires “strategic capability”, as proposed by Harrison and Kessells. A workforce competent to deliver on three critical factors within the organization; economic performance, knowledge productivity and learning capability.

Assessing creativity: drawing from the experience of the UK's creative design educators : Table of Contents

Andy Penaluna, Kathryn Penaluna — Sat Nov 14 08:00:19 GMT 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The aim of this paper is to respond to the acknowledged dearth of academic discourse on assessment strategies for entrepreneurship education. Using established approaches from design education as its fulcrum, it proposes a generic framework for assessment of “creativity” in an entrepreneurial context. Design/methodology/approach – This primarily constructivist investigation is considered in the context of recent UK discussions, empirical evidence, literature reviews and government policies. It includes the UK's Quality Assurance Agency – Benchmark Statement for the UK's creative industries and maps the approaches onto entrepreneurship education. Findings – As assessment of ideas generation, innovation and opportunity recognition are, “Central to developing and learning entrepreneurial behaviours”. There are clear parallels between the pedagogic approaches from “design” disciplines and the learning outcomes advocated in generic curriculum development “for” entrepreneurship. Research limitations/implications – Business school approaches and their associated challenges dominate the entrepreneurship research agenda. Interdisciplinary research, in particular collaborations between the Business and the Creative disciplines, offers opportunities for constructive alignment. Practical implications – With no intention of “reinventing the wheel”, more adapting and refining it, the paper's primary intention is to offer a springboard of thought from which creative capacity in enterprise education might be enhanced and assessed. Originality/value – This paper contributes to the ongoing debate surrounding issues of assessment and offers insights into established approaches that have evolved beyond the traditional enterprise education environment, one where credit-bearing curricula have managed and assessed the creative process effectively.

The effectiveness of workshops as managerial learning opportunities : Table of Contents

Leo Billington, Robyn Neeson, Rowena Barrett — Sat Nov 14 08:00:19 GMT 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the effectiveness of workshops as a learning tool for small business owner-managers (SBO-Ms). It aims to concentrate on workshops delivered over 18 months from January 2007 to July 2008 as part of several publicly-funded small business development programmes in two Australian local government areas (LGAs). Design/methodology/approach – Effectiveness is measured in terms of meeting the overarching learning needs and expectations of participants in the context of the programme goals. The paper analyses data gathered from workshop participants either post-workshop, in later focus groups or through a questionnaire as well as additional feedback from participants and the organisers' reflections. The thematic analysis is organised through an analogy of “going shopping”, where the SBO-M shopper is buying “learning” when they attend a workshop. Findings – Understanding motivation to participate or the “what's in it for me” is important as SBO-Ms tend to be reluctant, resist or fail to engage with externally sponsored business support initiatives. Workshops were valued for the “space” they create to reflect on practice. For many SBO-Ms, content “comes alive” with discussion while networking helps reduce the isolation SBO-Ms can feel. Practical implications – The shopping analogy suggests workshops must cater for purposeful shoppers as well as browsers, while interaction with others in the workshop is critical to realising the value of workshops. Originality/value – Knowing whether, and how, workshops deliver learning can help to better target and refine these types of support initiatives to ensure they provide positive outcomes for individuals, organisations and economies.

Comparative review of UK-USA industry-university relationships : Table of Contents

Moira H. Decter — Sat Nov 14 08:00:19 GMT 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore significant historical changes, legislation and policy in the UK and USA from the 1960s to present day relating to university-industry relationships. Design/methodology/approach – The paper presents a review of papers, reports and policy documents from the UK and USA drawing comparisons of university-industry relations. Findings – The paper finds that many UK and USA universities were originally rooted in their communities with strong links to local industries. This culture has persisted and been strengthened through legislation in the USA but changes in UK policy have resulted in reduced industry links. Research limitations/implications – The paper draws on secondary sources. Future research will explore more directly effects of changes in UK universities on university-industry interactions. Practical implications – In recent years there has been an increasing UK government focus on university-industry links. The paper seeks to show that the success of technology transfer in the USA has deeper contextual sources, which may not be easily reproduced in the UK. The history and culture of UK universities presents a barrier to current knowledge transfer initiatives. Originality/value – Technology transfer in the UK and USA have been compared previously, but not set in the context of the history of the university sector. This has implications for current policy initiatives from UK government agencies seeking to develop university technology as a source of innovation for industry.

Research knowledge transfer through business-driven student assignment : Table of Contents

Corina Sas — Sat Nov 14 08:00:19 GMT 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a knowledge transfer method that capitalises on both research and teaching dimensions of academic work. It also aims to propose a framework for evaluating the impact of such a method on the involved stakeholders. Design/methodology/approach – The case study outlines and evaluates the six-stage process of addressing a business-driven problem through translating it into a research question addressable by students in their learning context. The stakeholders involved in this process are: an academic who is also the process coordinator; her students who are involved in a Master by Research programme; and a small size enterprise (SME). Findings – This approach to knowledge transfer offers clear benefits for all its stakeholders. It provides the company with research solutions that can be used to improve the profitability and increase the company competence base. The academic benefits from leading students' research and enabling a better teaching/learning process, while students benefit from learning by doing which involves applying research knowledge and skills in an industrial project. Apart form these benefits the paper also highlights the lessons learned and the understanding gained into how this approach can be successfully replicated. Research limitations/implications – The case study approach undertaken for this exploratory research cannot ensure the generalisation of the study findings. Originality/value – Traditionally, knowledge transfer has exploited the research component of academic work while neglecting the potential of its teaching component. By exploring the synergy between research and teaching, the proposed method not only enables research knowledge transfer, but it also leads to better quality of the teaching process.

Building regional capacity: lessons from Leadership South West : Table of Contents

Richard Bolden, Jackie Bagnall — Sat Nov 14 08:00:19 GMT 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present experiences and insights from an higher education-led initiative to build leadership capacity within the South West of England in order to the shed light onto the processes and mechanisms of regional capacity building. Design/methodology/approach – The approach was one of participative action research, whereby the authors were actively involved in the shaping and delivery of the initiative, responding to ongoing feedback and reflection. The account given within this paper is an autoethnographic case study that identifies the main phases and lessons learned from the initiative. Findings – The paper identifies a number of discrete phases within the initiative, some of the challenges and how they were confronted and concludes with a set of ten principles that may help support regional capacity building initiatives for management and leadership. Originality/value – Despite increasing emphasis on capacity building and a tendency to promote leadership as a lever for change, limited academic research has been conducted into either of these processes at a regional level. This paper seeks to contribute to both theory and practice in these areas by combining the insights of an academic and a practitioner involved in one such initiative and highlighting the underlying and emergent processes therewith.

Implementing service excellence in higher education : Table of Contents

Hina Khan, Harry Matlay — Sat Nov 14 08:00:19 GMT 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a critical analysis of the importance of service excellence in higher education. Design/methodology/approach – The research upon which this paper is based employed a phenomenological approach. This method was selected for its focus on respondent perceptions and experiences. Both structured and semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect relevant data on service excellence. The focus of the research study was on achieving and implementing service excellence in higher education. Findings are analysed and results are grounded in relevant theories and the principle of service excellence. Findings – Preliminary results suggest that implementing service excellence establishes a direct link between a workforce and successful competitive strategies. In order to compete efficiently and effectively in their niche market, higher education institutions need to implement service excellence to ensure both internal and external customer satisfaction. A strong institutional culture that values internal customers can help achieve a motivated workforce, loyalty, high performance, innovation and a distinctive institutional competitive advantage. Research limitations/implications – The qualitative data collected for this study reflect respondent perceptions and opinions. Individuals perceive and experience things differently. Although the service excellence approach is applicable to service organisations, its transferability to other sectors might affect its validity. Originality/value – The paper investigates how service excellence is achieved in industry and how it could be applied to promote competitive advantage in higher education.

Evolving knowledge integration and absorptive capacity perspectives upon university-industry interaction within a university : Table of Contents

John Sparrow, Krystyna Tarkowski, Nick Lancaster, Michele Mooney — Sat Nov 14 08:00:19 GMT 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to report upon an initiative within a case study UK university to facilitate service innovation in small firms. The paper aims to outline how explicit use of such concepts has the potential to enhance the effectiveness of this form of university-industry interaction. Design/methodology/approach – The paper considers how an evaluative inquiry approach could be used to assess the contribution of explicit consideration of knowledge integration and absorptive capacity in university-industry interaction. Findings – The paper reveals how the study has been constructed and how the planned use of personal reflective tools and structured group interactions may enhance the consideration and utilisation of the key concepts by the university and SME clients. Research limitations/implications – The paper brings a degree of theorising upon university-industry interaction that is largely absent in reported studies. It adds to the knowledge/cognitive perspective upon small business support. Practical implications – The value of evaluative inquiry and explicit use of knowledge concepts in assisting the evolution of interactions with small businesses are highlighted. Originality/value – The paper presents a compelling case for an innovative approach towards facilitating collaboration.

A process model of small business owner-managers' learning in peer networks : Table of Contents

Jing Zhang, Eleanor Hamilton — Sat Nov 14 08:00:19 GMT 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this study is to explore how owner-managers of small businesses can learn in peer networks to improve their management skills. It aims to offer a new way of understanding owner-managers' learning as part of a social process, by highlighting the complex, interactive relationship that exists between the owner-manager, his or her peers, and the wider environment. Design/methodology/approach – A peer learning environment was created for 67 owner-managers by providing a one-year management training programme, and interviewing participants in the entry-, mid- and post-stages of the programme. Drawing upon the cases of six sample participants, a theoretical framework for understanding how owner-managers learn in peer networks is proposed. Findings – First, this paper compares the value of peer networks and other types of networks such as families and customers/suppliers, and second, highlights the role of peer networks in facilitating critical reflection in the learning process. Theoretically, it provides a conceptual platform for further research in the learning of owner-managers as a social process. It concludes that higher education institutions (HEIs) can create an environment to support peer networks and to provoke reflective thinking, in so doing they can improve owner-managers’ management skills. Originality/value – This study will assist HEIs in shaping how, and what, is provided in terms of management education for small business.

Cross-university enterprise education collaboration as a community of practice : Table of Contents

Charlotte Carey, Kelly Smith, Lynn M. Martin — Sat Nov 14 08:00:19 GMT 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this study is to explore the views of partners as to the process and operation of TE3 in relation to community of practice (CoP) principles in order to identify success factors fundamental to continued active participation in and promotion of enterprise education. Design/methodology/approach – This study used a narrative methodology via semi-structured interviews. The aim was to capture both positive and negative perceptions of involvement from key partners within the project. A manual thematic approach was taken to analyse the data collected and through this common threads, trends and issues were identified. Findings – The findings of this paper focus on the nature, benefits and power of this unique cross-university collaboration, in facilitating and stimulating enterprising and entrepreneurial activity amongst students, graduates, and potentially, local small to medium-sized enterprises. Practical implications – These findings are set within the context of delivering some key policy-driven objectives, i.e. to support and create not only future entrepreneurs, but also enterprising groups and individuals, and to increase the use of technology-enhanced and blended learning throughout higher education. It will be of interest to individuals and educators working in those areas and to policymakers seeking new routes to develop an entrepreneurial culture. Originality/value – This is a unique project in terms of multiple university partners collaborating on third stream activity. The findings of this evaluation and its approach add to this otherwise scarce and under researched territory.

E-mentoring for small business: an examination of effectiveness : Table of Contents

Kim Rickard, Alex Rickard — Sat Nov 14 08:00:19 GMT 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – While information and communications technology provides new opportunities for supporting mentoring, there is a need to explore how effectively these potential benefits are being realised. This paper seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of a program in the small business context as a basis for proposing determinants of e-mentoring effectiveness. Design/methodology/approach – Using qualitative inquiry, this study aims to establish patterns in the characteristics of effective and ineffective e-mentoring partnerships using a model derived from information systems success field. Findings – The study establishes a basis for understanding how the potential benefits of structured e-mentoring are being realised in the small business context. Research limitations/implications – The study empirically establishes a range of determinants of effective e-mentoring in the small business context. Originality/value – The study provides a set of critical success factors and evaluation criteria for use by practitioners who are developing and evaluating the effectiveness of e-mentoring programs.