Journal of Technology Management in China

Barriers for technology transfer: the case of a country in transition : Table of Contents

Andrzej H. Jasinski — Sun May 24 14:15:05 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The main purpose of his paper is to identify key barriers for technology transfer (TT) in a transitional economy. Poland is presented as a case study, with an emphasis on domestic TT. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is based on the author's empirical studies, using a few research methods, like: a postal questionnaire, the Delphi method, online questionnaire and a statistical data analysis. Findings – In the period under analysis, no significant improvement occurred in the field of TT processes in Poland. The poor state of TT is due to the presence of numerous obstacles/barriers. According to empirical research, the most disturbing barriers facing the enterprise sector are: R&D institutions not fully open or prepared to cooperate with firms; inefficient systems supporting corporate innovation and R&D activities; obstacles hindering firms in acquiring outside financial resources; a lack of own financial resources; and a lack of innovative culture and mentality among employees. The lack of relevant communication between the science sector and industry is at the core of all difficulties in TT processes. On the basis of this, recommendations are formulated for all main actors on the innovation scene. At least some of the recommendations can be relevant for other countries in transition like, e.g. China. Originality/value – This study is a comprehensive examination and analysis of TT processes in the country, with main stress put on existing barriers for the transfer of technologies and recommendations on how to remove the barriers.

Customer knowledge management in international project: a case study : Table of Contents

Jian Peng, Allan Lawrence, Tony Koo — Sun May 24 14:15:05 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – This paper aims to examine how customer knowledge management (CKM) be implemented in international projects between the UK and China in practice, with a focus on the marketing process application, i.e. how analytical CKM systems are used to support customer knowledge (CK) acquisition. Design/methodology/approach – The case study practice of CKM application is based upon examining qualitative results reported from a two-year study of CKM applications in an UK education service provider. An evaluation of CKM analytical functions provided by the international marketing team from the UK and its China counterparts in international joint education projects. A conceptual model of an analytical CKM system for CKM in this UK-China environment is developed from the findings and literature review. Findings – UK-China related CKM research is relatively new. Current CKM researches are dominated by Western cases and theories. China related international joint projects in this case study suggest that cultural factors play important roles in successful marketing. Meanwhile, CKM provides key factors in the implementation system. Practical implications – The findings shed light on the potential areas in which organisations can practically use CKM in international joint projects. The application of analytical CKM was investigated to build up a CKM model in practice. The paper also provides guidance for the service industry as how an analytical CKM system needs to be developed to support marketing process. Originality/value – The latest findings on CKM application in this UK-China case study are reported. An innovative analytical CKM model is proposed for marketing process, i.e. environmental influences, value specification, solution development and customer development. Key factors, such as knowledge about, for and from customer in CKM are examined.

Landscapes and watersheds? China and the current economic context : Table of Contents

John Wilson — Sun May 24 14:15:05 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – This paper aims to review the international economic and political context within which China is developing its technology management strategy and its economy. The context represents a time of fundamentally significant change in and between the countries of East and West. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is a conceptual one, which considers the changes in the prevailing politico-economic consensus including changes in the West, between East and West and within China. Findings – In the context of the current political and economic landscape, the paper suggests there are perhaps three watersheds emerging which will define the present era and the foreseeable future and within which China's technology management strategy and economic development needs to be considered. Originality/value – Given all the recent developments in international markets and the historic scale of the intervention of governments in the West, the paper is a timely and original analysis of the ending of the neo-liberal consensus which has prevailed for the last 30 years and the significance of current developments, not least for China.

The evolution of the Chinese online gaming industry : Table of Contents

Nir Kshetri — Sun May 24 14:15:05 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – This paper seeks to examine the growth of the Chinese online gaming industry and disentangle the mechanisms behind the emergence of unique online gaming culture in China. Design/methodology/approach – This is a review paper that provides a detailed and state-of-the-art overview of the development of the Chinese online gaming Industry. Findings – The findings indicate that online gaming is a remarkable example of an industry that is rapidly growing due to innovative business models of Chinese companies. Chinese companies are also working with the government to improve formal institutions to promote the growth of online gaming. Furthermore, we also found that Chinese online gaming industry resembles other technology industries in the country such as those related to handset and PC. Although Chinese companies were traditionally weak in creating new technologies, they have demonstrated success in some modern technologies in recent years. In the early stage of the growth, foreign players dominated the Chinese gaming industry. In recent years, this industry is characterized by the dominance of domestic players in the ecosystem catering to the full value chain of the industry. Research limitations/implications – A lack of primary data and empirical documentation and a lack of in-depth treatment of some of the key issues are major limitations here. Practical implications – The paper examines the implications of China's rapidly growing online gaming industry for high-technology businesses all over the world. The findings of this paper would help understand the opportunities for foreign multinational companies to enter the Chinese technology market or to intensify their operations in the country as well as the risks associated with China's unique institutions. Originality/value – This paper's greatest value stems from the fact that it analyzes demand conditions, industry structure and transfer and export conditions from the standpoint of the Chinese online gaming industry and market.

Exploring the impact of brand image on customer loyalty and commitment in China : Table of Contents

Ike-Elechi Ogba, Zhenzhen Tan — Sun May 24 14:15:05 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – Whereas there is a growing recognition of the relevance of brand image to the success of market offering and organisation, as indications suggests that a good brand image can enhance customer experience and satisfaction for long-term commitment. Evidences suggest limited study on the impact of brand image on key marketing and organisational components, including the impact of brand image on customer loyalty and commitment. The purpose of this study is, therefore, to examine how brand image can influence customer loyalty as well as impact on customer commitment to market offering within Chinese mobile phone market. Design/methodology/approach – A quantitative approach was employed, using 26-item, 7-point Likert scaled questionnaire administered to 250 participants with 40 percent usable response rate. Data was analysed using exploratory factor analysis, Cronbach a internal consistency, ANOVA and correlation analysis for scale suitability, usability, reliability and test of association. Findings – The outcome from the study was the reduction of 26-25 scale items and high reliability of scale items at 0.942as for further studies. Further behavioural analyses show that brand image have positive impact on customer expression of loyalty and commitment to market offering. Originality/value – The outcome from this study concludes that brand image can positively influence customers' loyalty to a market offering and possibly boost customer commitment. The study identifies the degree of the relevant of brand image and its impact on organisations and their market offerings. The study suggests that good brand image should positively impact on customers' loyalty, which at long run should also influence customer perceived quality, enables satisfaction and should also influence to a greater degree the extent to which customers are willing to express commitment to such offering for sustainable profit. The limitations of the study are also explored in terms of the generalisation of the study, with the implications of the study further identified.

Matching organizational justice with employment modes: Strategic human resource management perspective : Table of Contents

Ling Zhang, Ting Nie, Yongtai Luo — Sun May 24 14:15:05 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – With the development of China's economy, more and more Chinese researchers in HR field try to explore suitable policies and practices from China's realities. Researchers have spent considerable efforts to identify means of using human resource management practices to effectively utilize human capital. At the same time, it has been well recognized that organizational justice plays a critical role in effective management of employees' attitude and behaviors. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate a framework for matching organizational justice and employment mode. Design/methodology/approach – Quantitative research method is used in this study. Base on literature review of organizational justice, HR architecture social exchange and so on. The study tries to find out the relations between organizational justice and employment mode. Findings – The study integrates these two seemingly disparate streams of research, and put forwards a framework for matching organizational justice and employment mode. Different groups of employees are managed differently and may require different organizational justice styles, and organizational justice styles should be consistent with the underlying objectives and psychological contracts underlying different employment modes. Originality/value – The study tries to make organizational justice strategies match with employment modes and it is an attempt to use organizational justice to manage different employee groups from contingent and deploying perspective.