Business Management Issues Research Articles

The Evidence Base for Developing a Veterinary Business Management Curriculum

Objective: This paper sets out to highlight the ongoing need for integrated teaching of business skills in the veterinary curriculum.Background: In response to the changing environment of the veterinary profession, it is important to understand the future needs of veterinary practitioners. While changes to the veterinary curriculum have been made in recent years, they have been highly varied across schools and little evidence is available on how these have improved students’ non-technical skills, knowledge, aptitudes, and attitudes. Evidentiary value: This literature review of 23 papers provides a solid basis for the further development of knowledge on business management issues in veterinary curricula. The impact on practice from our findings is substantial. The role of clinicians in academia is recognised as a primary source of engaging students with business management through their day-to-day teaching. Furthermore, the role of first-opinion vets who take on placement students (known as extra mural studies or ‘EMS’ in the UK) cannot be underestimated as they play an essential role in ensuring that students perceive business skills with the same importance as clinical skills.Methods: This research draws on the findings of 23 papers that emerged as relevant from the structured literature search. The search yielded 124 papers but many were excluded because they focused on issues beyond the search strategy, did not report empirical findings so were based largely on discussion and conjecture, were not about the undergraduate veterinary curriculum, were not written in English or were not related to business teaching.Results: Employers of recent graduates highly value business skills, and often base their hiring decision on non-technical skills, rather than clinical skills. While changes to the veterinary curriculum have been made to include more non-technical training by individual veterinary schools, it is unclear how effective these programmes have been.Conclusion: Veterinarians have identified a need for greater inclusion of business skills in the veterinary curriculum, however successfully integrating business skills into the curriculum will mean that students learn business principles in non-traditional, non-lecture-style environments with materials inter-twining with clinical teaching. This will mean a significant shift from traditional classroom based delivery of business lectures to an integrated approach. This can only be achieved if business and clinical teaching staff work together in delivering business education to the next generation of veterinarians. That said, the evidence regarding the importance of business within the veterinary medical curriculum, coupled with increasing competition in the market for first-opinion veterinary services, means that changes in the approach to teaching business may be easier to achieve than ever before.Application: The results of this research are applicable to practicing veterinarians in both academic and private practice. It is clear that business management needs to be integrated throughout the veterinary curriculum and thus ‘owned’ by academics with both clinical and non-clinical roles. Veterinarians in private practice also have a critical role to play as these people are the gatekeepers to the real-world experience that placement students encounter.

Bahia Aventuras: ecotourism in Central America

Subject area The case includes issues in sustainable enterprises, marketing management, organizational development, organizational behavior, entrepreneurship, organizational leadership and small business management. Study level/applicability The Bahia Aventuras case may be used at both the undergraduate and graduate levels of study within most business school curricula (BSBA, MBA and MS). Potential courses may include building sustainable enterprises, marketing management, organizational development, organizational behavior, entrepreneurship, organizational leadership and small business management. Case overview Bahia Aventuras is an ecotourism company in Costa Rica. A local entrepreneur, Walter Brenes, started the company in 2007 to specialize in marine tours, including whale watching, bird viewing and snorkeling. However, the founder had no business training and confronts both internal and external challenges to achieve sustainable success, both financially and environmentally. Internally, there were few financial control systems in place and as a result Walter's ability to accurately account for revenues and expenses was limited. Bahia Aventuras and Walter also faced external challenges. Construction of a new highway was likely, and that could bring more competition, including hotel chains such as the Marriott and Sheraton. Government regulation cut both ways for the company. He was the classic small businessperson, who needed help in moving to the next stage of development for his small business. Thus, a small ecotourism business was caught in the middle of rapid economic development, a growing national infrastructure and increasing pressures to preserve and protect the coastal ecosystem and rainforest of south central Costa Rica. He was just trying to figure out how to “stay alive” as a business. The case has a tragic ending for the owners. Both Walter and his partner, along with one of their tour guides, died in a car accident. But family, friends and the community has kept Walter's vision alive, and Bahia Aventuras continues to day. Expected learning outcomes Upon completion of the Bahia Aventuras case, each participant will be able to: Describe the economic development and growth prospects of ecotourism within Costa Rica. Evaluate the socio-economic challenges which confront Costa Rica as a developing nation within the Central American region. Describe how Costa Rica's environmental regulations have affected the continued growth and development of ecotourism within the country. Describe the complex set of relationships that may exist between small business owners, their employees, regulatory agencies and the local community. Apply management skills and competencies to analyze and propose feasible solutions to organizational performance problems. Explain how the implementation of sustainable business practices may serve as a catalyst for the creation of shared value for organizational stakeholders as enabled through economic growth, attainment of social equity and preservation of the environment. Supplementary materials Teaching notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.

Understanding Innovation for Sustainable Business Management Capabilities and Competencies under Uncertainty

In recent years, many firms have come to understand that innovation is an important issue in sustainable business management, as it helps improve firm capabilities and competencies. Because of the fiercely competitive environment in the hotel industry, innovation has become a critical factor in the process of hotel differentiation, leading to sustainable business success. However, the literature has not thoroughly examined the role of innovation or the hierarchical structure of the capabilities and competencies in sustainable business management. This study adopts interval-valued triangular fuzzy numbers and grey relational analysis to provide a competitive priority ranking for the aspects and criteria that assist firms in decision-making. The study results indicate that innovation in technology capabilities and networking and social capabilities—in addition to competencies in systemic thinking—are the most important aspects of sustainable business management. In particular, this study indicates that to succeed in building a sustainable business in the hotel industry, firms should upgrade and integrate their business technologies, collaborate with actors inside and outside the firm, build trust as well as a shared vision that includes common agreement, and develop competencies in inventive thinking to support innovation and foster changes in strategy, structure, administrative procedures, and systems when necessary.

AHP를 이용한 장기 근속자들의 직무만족요소 비교 분석 - P사 혁신업무 담당자와 S사 생산업무 담당자 비교 사례연구 -

The importance of Human Resource Management is big issue in business management recently. However, employ's job satisfaction is appeared as low. In this study, surveys were conducted among those long-term employs. The importance of job satisfaction is prioritized by AHP analysis based on results of survey to compare to the results of previously studied research. And this study will contribute to improvement of job satisfaction by comparing the facts in two different groups of occupation.

A Strategic Environmental Management Model: Salt Lake Case

Strategic Environmental Management Plan (SEMP) is the most important tool used to determine how to protect, to use, to develop and to manage regions. SEMP is prepared for the identification of natural and cultural resources, identifying threats to those resources, and the long term protection of the region and it also provides development of strategies and implementation plans. Within SEMP is based on the current state of the region and it shows the most efficient and equitable way to be achieved in the future.The article aims to correctly analyse Salt Lake's unique environmental conditions and protect its biological endogenous and exogenous factors that may arise in the future. In this paper, it is also developed creative and innovative approaches to use and to protect existing stocks by establishing a major paradigm to carry these approaches into future. The model includes four dimensions. First the problems of Salt Lake is determined in consideration of four dimensions such as environment, agriculture and livestock, business world and management issues then a scale is developed according to results obtained from focus group meetings. Stakeholders of Salt Lake evaluate each component of the region –economic condition, biological, ecological and social values, protection of environment, and regional management issues -. Finally, a strategic environmental management model is developed special to Salt Lake.

ENTERPRISE SIZE IMPACT ON THE ERP SYSTEM IMPLEMENTATION

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems belong to the prevalent issues of contemporary business management. Many enterprises implement ERP systems to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of business processes. Thus, only a few research works have investigated the effects of the context factor enterprise size on ERP systems. The present article addresses this research gap and examines the impact of the context factor enterprise size on the ERP system implementation. The research results show a positive correlation between the context factor enterprise size and the ERP system implementation.

Corporate social responsibility as a source of competitive advantage: The mediating role of social capital and reputational capital

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has been an important issue in business management since decades. The study proposes a research model from a strategic management perspective. On the foundation of social identity theory and resource-based perspective in developing this argument, the article theorizes CSR as a resource-generating activity by creating support networks, relationships and management of perceptions in the form of social and reputational capital. This article develops propositions for strategic use of CSR activities by creating social and reputational capita that ultimately leads to profitability. Theoretical and practical implications of the proposed model have been discussed.

De pai para filho: a complexidade e os desafios da gestão das empresas familiares

For his contribution to the Brazilian economy, family businesses occupy a prominent position within the business. Many large companies in the country are, or have already been familiar in its essence, that number could be even higher if not for the complexities faced by these organizations during their generations. Thus, this paper addresses the issue of family business management in order to study the characteristics of management and governance, professional and organizational culture, pointing thus contributions to the huge network of family businesses in Brazil - the most common type of organization in the country. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate and analyze these theoretical main characteristics in family businesses small and medium-sized segmented in trade of the Vale do Sinos/RS. For this, the present study was based from various authors, such as Davis and Frezza (2005), Bornholdt (2005), Casillas, Vazquez and Diaz (2007) and Adams (2009). We used this exploratory work through multiple case study, by means of data collection done through unstructured interview. It was found that some changes occur not only in terms of professional appearance, but by way of management and business decision-making. Some of these processes are often performed more and more worked on some family business focus of this study, however, pointed out that all these aspects should be part of the organizational dynamics of family organizations object of this study.

Mutuality Ownership Form and Professional Sports

Mutuality is a longstanding successful model of ownership within European professional football. There was little understanding of mutuality as a form of ownership in British football until it emerged during the past decade, albeit, confined to lower leagues. It now merits further investigation. Focusing on Exeter City FC, operating as a nonprofit organization, this research examines the range of business and financial management issues facing the club. The main findings reveal that supporter ownership allowed a greater sense of “buy in” and inclusion of a wider cross-section of stakeholders. However, evidence shows limitations to mutuality in identifying alternative revenue streams, overly bureaucratic decision making, and ability to developing capabilities to compete. The case of Exeter City FC offers lessons for others considering mutuality as a form of ownership. This study contributes to understanding mutuality in this specific context and within the broader discussion of corporate governance issues in the nonprofit sector.

The Relevance of Corporate Social Responsibility for a Sustainable Human Resource Management: An Analysis of Organizational Attractiveness as a Determinant in Employees’ Selection of a (Potential) Employer

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has become a central issue of business management in recent years. This study aims to add to the literature by pointing out the relevance of CSR for a Sustainable Human Resource Management (HRM). In particular this research investigates job seekers’ perceptions of CSR. The paper focuses on the importance of CSR with in the process of selecting potential employers by analyzing the impact of four different CSR-dimensions upon organizational attractiveness. To address this issue, a policy-capturing study was conducted. Generally the paper provides evidence that each aspect of CSR has a specific effect on organizational attraction. Referring to Sustainable Management the study reveals that CSR seems to be an effective tool to attract potential employees. If organizations are willing to provide Sustainable HRM practices they can become an employer-of-choice.

Developing wisdom and moral duty in management

PurposeThe primary purpose of this paper is to demonstrate that the writings of Aristotle and Cicero can be used to as a conceptual tool to promote an understanding of wisdom, moral duty, and related subjects in respect to contemporary business management practice.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology comprised a critical reading and analysis of Aristotle's Nichomachean Ethics and Cicero's De Officiis (On Duties). The approach combines both historical and philosophical research. An earlier version of the paper was presented to a group of early/middle managers, and then to a group of more senior/experienced managers.FindingsBoth groups supported the idea that the article was appropriate for highlighting moral issues in contemporary business management practice.Research limitations/implicationsA limitation was dealing with the amount of material that Aristotle and Cicero produced. A secondary limitation was translating the original Greek and Latin (notwithstanding the Loeb Classical Library) into understandable everyday English.Practical implicationsDeveloping understanding of concepts, such as wisdom, moral duty, and related subjects should be included in MBA programs.Originality/valueThe paper has value because: it relates concepts and ideas conceived in Aristotle's and Cicero's time to contemporary management practice, and it illustrates that these ideas are still relevant and applicable in the modern business environment.

Tourism stakeholders’ perceptions of national park management in Norway

Local tourism firms represent an important stakeholder interest in national parks. The present study examines these stakeholders’ perceptions of management processes and their assessments of the resulting management plans and operations. This research is based on qualitative interviews with representatives of tourism businesses in two different national park settings in Norway – Rondane National Park and Jotunheimen National Park. The findings illustrate that despite their general support for the national park status, the local tourism stakeholders interviewed had experienced only minor involvement in the management planning process, and had had very little influence in the final management decisions. They believed that opportunities for business operations were lacking due to excessive management restrictions, and that managers lacked competence with regard to business management and tourism development issues. In addition, they thought that management authorities should more explicitly include sustainable tourism development in their visions and goals. Based on the findings, it is assumed that there is potential for local tourism operators to take greater responsibility in planning processes and management operations. It is concluded that measures should be taken to foster durable social links and trustworthy planning partnerships between responsible managers and local tourism stakeholders in the two national parks.

The changing landscape for Chinese small business: the case of “Bags of Luck”

Subject area Business management, entrepreneurship, strategic management and business environment. Study level/applicability Undergraduate and Masters level business and management programmes. Case overview This case features a small labour intensive Chinese company, Bags of Luck (BoL), located in the south-eastern Fujian province. BoL makes ladies fashion handbags, unisex fashion backpacks and trendy lightweight cases for laptop and netbook computers for export to the US market. BoL have done very well over the years as a small private enterprise focusing on low-tech manufacturing and have managed to stay afloat through the most difficult period of the recent world recession. Currently troubled by fast changing market trends, rising material and employment costs, continuing appreciation of the Chinese currency, severe labour shortage, declining production volume and profitability, dated machinery, passive and reactive nature of business model, ineffective management structure and a complete lack of strategic vision, BoL is in deep crisis with its fate now hanging on the balance. Expected learning outcomes The case provides encourages students to: research into a range of current business management issues; analyse the impact of environmental changes on the survival and growth of a business organisation; develop their strategic thinking informed by real life and real-time research and assess the impact of exchange rate changes on the Chinese economy and the sustainability of Chinese model of economic growth. Supplementary materials Teaching note.

Establishment of an effective product liability prevention plan by analyzing product liability cases

AbstractThe tightening of product liability (PL) law and the growth of consumer demand for product safety make PL a critical issue of business management. In this paper, we establish an effective PL prevention plan by analyzing representative PL cases in Korea, the United States, and Japan. We consider the type of product, the type of defect, the cause of defects, and the results of PL lawsuits. Most PL problems are due to manufacturing defects. Damage and defects are uniformly distributed over various types of products. The analysis results indicate that we should not be limited to issues of product safety. We should also consider a responsible PL prevention plan that can protect consumers from risk of damage. In preventing design defects, we should give special consideration to the technical and legal aspects of a design review so that we can improve the conventional prevention plans. Manufacturing defects should be prevented through a product safety review tailored to the product characteristics. Moreover, we endeavor to prevent instruction defects by analyzing the characteristics of the environment in which a product is used. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Modeling Corporate Citizenship and Its Relationship with Organizational Citizenship Behaviors

Citizenship, such as corporate citizenship and organizational citizenship, has been an important issue in business management for decades. This study proposes a research model from the perspectives of social identity and resource allocation, by examining the influence of corporate citizenship on organizational citizenship behaviors (OCBs). In the model, OCBs are positively influenced by perceived legal citizenship and perceived ethical citizenship, while negatively influenced by perceived discretionary citizenship. Empirical testing using a survey of personnel from 18 large firms confirms most of our hypothesized effects. Theoretical and managerial implications of our findings are discussed.

Gender in family business ownership and management: a six‐country analysis

PurposeWhile family firms constitute a highly important component of most countries' economies, and in many countries a sizable portion of these family businesses are owned and managed by women, there has been minimal study of gender issues in family business ownership and management. The purpose of this paper is to fill this gap.Design/methodology/approachThe research design was self‐reported survey research, which is the most commonly used methodology in family business research and for small business and entrepreneurship quantitative research.FindingsIn contrast to early (pre‐1980) gender comparisons in management and entrepreneurship, and in support of the majority of more recent studies, this investigation found no significant relationships between the gender of family business owner‐managers and ten management characteristic variables in a sample of 593 family businesses in six countries.Originality/valueThese findings add to the limited and currently inconclusive body of knowledge regarding gender issues specifically in family business, and more generally in entrepreneurship and management.

Social, Economic Impact of HIV/AIDS on Handicraft Micro-Enterprises in Botswana

One of the common Micro Enterprises (MEs) recognised in Botswana is the production and selling of handicrafts targeting tourism industry and in the process creating employment for Botswana. Tourism has been identified as an engine of economic growth and diversification in Botswana. However, challenges posed by Human Immune Virus and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) have affected all sectors of the economy including the handicrafts industry. There is a need therefore to investigate the Social economic impacts of HIV/AIDS on handicraft micro enterprises in Botswana. Using a structured questionnaire, the study collected data from a randomly selected sample 302 handicraft dealers. Application of analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to take into account the comparison of various responses. The study found out that the significant factors that affect the management of MEs included educational levels, income level, raw materials source, transport mode, sickness and nationality of handicraft dealers. The primary effect of HIV/AIDS included effects on productivity, time out of business, income levels, while secondary effects included qualities and quantities of raw materials/products including their transportation. The study recommends development of training packages to address handicraft sector on HIV/AIDS and on business management issues.

Fighting for survival? The financial management of football clubs outside the ‘top flight’ in England

There has been an increasing interest in the ‘business’ of professional football in recent years, with a number of refereed journal articles and edited and single-authored texts addressing the subject. However, almost all of this activity, which is largely UK based, has focused on the ‘elite’ end of the business: namely, the FA Premier League. This paper addresses the very different business and financial management issues faced by those professional clubs outside of the ‘top flight’ in England. It does this by examining the range of potential and actual management responses of clubs to financial pressures, prior to an analysis of a lead case study of Lincoln City FC, which has emerged relatively successfully from a period in administration, supplemented by perspectives from other clubs that have entered administration in the last ten years. In conclusion, the paper discusses some of the barriers facing clubs in adopting sustainable financial management strategies, and discusses the potentially central role that the Supporters Trust movement can play in ensuring financial prudence.

Impacts of leadership style on the development of small business: lessons from a Chinese family-controlled firm

Professionalised management style coupled with dynamic business strategies constitutes a fundamental feature of most successful businesses, especially small-scaled firms. Often the management style in family businesses exemplifies different characteristics compared with that of professionally managed public and private sector organisations. Paradoxically, literature rarely addresses the managerial style in the family business terrain. Understanding an organisation's managerial style and its impact on business development can provide insights on how small owner-managed firms optimise the art of management. This study portrays the entrepreneurial development of a Chinese family-controlled business, Hillwood Electrical Equipment Ltd. The primary purpose of the study is to describe different business scenarios under the two main managerial styles throughout the business's eight-year development. It is anticipated that this study will shed lights on critical issues of family business management, such as effectiveness of leadership, strategy design, and entrepreneurial venture. Tentative enterprise recommendations for Chinese family businesses' development are elicited.

Comité de crisis: actores, roles y trabajos

Crisis is one of the most salient issues in business communication management for two reasons. First, because whatever its causes any crisis affects the organization as a whole. The second reason is related to the idea of business communication itself and