An Empirical Study of the Relationship between Entrepreneurial Curiosity and Innovativeness
Žiga Peljko, Mitja Jeraj, Gheorghe Săvoiu, Miha Marič
Differences Between National Cultures Matter – Case of Slovenian-Korean Working Environment
Matej Tušar, Anja Žnidaršič, Gozdana Miglič
Understanding the structural complexity of induced travel demand in decision-making: a system dynamics approach
Juan S. Angarita-Zapata
School of Systems Engineering and Informatics, Universidad Industrial de Santander, SIMON Research Group, 680002, Carrera 27 #9, Bucaramanga, Santander, Colombia
Jorge A. Parra-Valencia
School of Systems Engineering, Universidad Autónoma de Bucaramanga, Systems Thinking Research Group, Avenida 42 #48-11, Bucaramanga, Colombia
Hugo H. Andrade-Sosa
School of Systems Engineering and Informatics, Universidad Industrial de Santander, SIMON Research Group, 680002, Carrera 27 #9, Bucaramanga, Santander, Colombia
Abstract
Background/Purpose: Induced travel demand (ITD) is a phenomenon where road construction increases vehicles’ kilometers traveled. It has been approached with econometric models that use elasticities as measure to estimate how much travel demand can be induced by new roads. However, there is a lack of “white-box” models with causal hypotheses that explain the structural complexity underlying this phenomenon. We propose a system dynamics model based on a feedback mechanism to explain structurally ITD. Methodology: A system dynamics methodology was selected to model and simulate ITD. First, a causal loop diagram is proposed to describe the ITD structure in terms of feedback loops. Then a stock-flows diagram is formulated to allow computer simulation. Finally, simulations are run to show the quantitative temporal evolution of the model built. Results: The simulation results show how new roads in the short term induce more kilometers traveled by vehicles already in use; meanwhile, in the medium-term, new traffic is generated. These new car drivers appear when better flow conditions coming from new roads increase attractiveness of car use. More cars added to vehicles already in use produce new traffic congestion, and high travel speeds provided by roads built are absorbed by ITD effects. Conclusion: We concluded that approaching ITD with a systemic perspective allows for identifying leverage points that contribute to design comprehensive policies aimed to cope with ITD. In this sense, the model supports decision-making processes in urban contexts wherein it is still necessary for road construction to guarantee connectivity, such as the case of developing countries.
A primary human critical success factors model for the ERP system implementation
Aleksander Jenko
Sapphir d.o.o., Rožna dolina, Cesta I/15, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
Matjaž Roblek
University of Maribor, Faculty of Organizational Sciences, Kidričeva cesta 55a, SI-4000 Kranj, Slovenia
Abstract
Background/Purpose: Many researchers have investigated various Critical success factors (CSFs) and the different causes of ERP implementation project failures. Despite a detailed literature preview, we were unable to find an appropriate research with a comprehensive overview of the true causes behind CSFs, observed from a human factors perspective. The objective of this research was therefore to develop and evaluate the Primary human factors (PHFs) model and to confirm the significant impact of PHFs on traditional CSFs and on the project success. Design/Methodology/Approach: The comprehensive PHFs research model was developed and examined in empirical quantitative research with the use of available literature and the application of the Root cause analysis. A survey was conducted in various Slovenian organisations in different branches that had previously implemented the ERP system SAP. The model was verified on a sample of 21 experts from 18 organisations. Results: The results show that the PHFs have a significant positive impact on the ERP implementation project success, but only the Competence and Team composition factors are significant linear predictors in an adapted regression model and contribute significantly in predicting project success. These results therefore confirm both proposed hypotheses and the adapted regression model. Conclusion: This study improves the understanding of PHFs and confirms that they have a significant impact on traditional CSFs and the ERP implementation project success. The proposed PHFs model offers project managers and other stakeholders an effective risk assessment of CSFs and is leading the way to human oriented model of ERP implementations.
Business Model Innovation: Insights from a Multiple Case Study of Slovenian SMEs
Marjeta Marolt
University of Maribor, Faculty of Organizational Sciences, Kidričeva cesta 55a, 4000 Kranj, Slovenia
Gregor Lenart
University of Maribor, Faculty of Organizational Sciences, Kidričeva cesta 55a, 4000 Kranj, Slovenia
Damjan Maletič
University of Maribor, Faculty of Organizational Sciences, Kidričeva cesta 55a, 4000 Kranj, Slovenia
Mirjana Kljajić Borštnar
University of Maribor, Faculty of Organizational Sciences, Kidričeva cesta 55a, 4000 Kranj, Slovenia
Andreja Pucihar
University of Maribor, Faculty of Organizational Sciences, Kidričeva cesta 55a, 4000 Kranj, Slovenia
Abstract
Background/Purpose: Business model innovation (BMI) has become increasingly important, especially in the fast changing business environment. While large enterprises approach these changes systematically, small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) are left to their own resourcefulness. For the purpose of developing dedicated methods and tools to support different SMEs in addressing these challenges, we have conducted a multiple case study to gain insights into factors that drive SMEs to innovate their BM, how they approach BMI and what changes they made to their BM. Design/Methodology/Approach: First the framework of analysis was developed based on BMI research frameworks identified in literature review. Then the multiple case studies were conducted following the case study protocol developed by Envision project. Results: Based on the proposed framework the results of four Slovene SME cases revealed differences between enterprises regarding the drivers behind BMI and changes in usage of the different BMI elements. Conclusion: Overall, the results suggest all four SMEs, coming from different sectors, are facing BMI challenges without systematically addressing it and without using any dedicated BM ontologies or tools.
An Empirical Study of the Relationship between Entrepreneurial Curiosity and Innovativeness
Žiga Peljko
KD Group d.d., Ljubljana, Slovenia
Mitja Jeraj
GEA College, Faculty of Entrepreneurship, Ljubljana, Slovenia
Gheorghe Săvoiu
University of Pitesti, Faculty of Economic Sciences, Romania
Miha Marič
University of Maribor, Faculty of Organizational Sciences, Slovenia
Abstract
Background/Purpose: Despite scholarly interest in understanding the role of different determinants on entrepreneurs and their behavior, little is known about the relationship between entrepreneurial curiosity and innovativeness. This research explores the relationship between entrepreneurial curiosity, which motivates entrepreneurs to gather information about their business and innovativeness that motivate entrepreneurs to incorporate innovations into entrepreneurial processes. Design/Methodology/Approach: Participants in this study were entrepreneurs from Slovenia and USA. By using structural equation modelling, we linked the two constructs of entrepreneurial curiosity and innovativeness to test the influence. Results: Results indicate that entrepreneurial curiosity positively influences innovativeness. The results of this study indicate that at the frame of entrepreneurship psychology entrepreneurial curiosity is important for innovativeness. Conclusion: This paper links the two studied constructs and presents a valuable contribution for entrepreneurship theory; therefore, the results could be used for a further scientific research as also for practical implications.
Differences Between National Cultures Matter – Case of Slovenian-Korean Working Environment
Matej Tušar
Kolektor Group, Vojkova ulica 10, 5280 Idrija Slovenia
Anja Žnidaršič
University of Maribor, Faculty of Organizational Sciences, 4000 Kranj, Kidričeva 55a, Slovenia
Gozdana Miglič
University of Maribor, Faculty of Organizational Sciences, 4000 Kranj, Kidričeva 55a, Slovenia
Abstract
Background/Purpose: Global business today usually requires organizations to be present locally in countries where their customers are. To do this successfully, good cooperation with local people is needed. Therefore, this paper focuses on the integration of cultures in the business world. The insights from this study are expected to benefit Slovenian expatriates to foreign companies in South Korea, as well as national culture researchers. The main goals of this research include a comparison of Hofstede’s IBM survey results with the researched working environment, and identifying the benefits of merging two national cultures for the working environment. Methods: A questionnaire was distributed to purposive samples within the researched working environments and the collected data analysed used SPSS, where the hypotheses were tested using a chi-square test and t-test for independent samples. Results: The results revealed significant differences between the two national cultures in the working environment, e.g.: fear of expressing disagreement towards superiors, commitment to work, preference of challenges, tendency to avoid conflicts and innovations – all differed according to nationality. Conclusion: Working together with people from different cultures requires a certain amount of adaptation (learning about another culture, expecting situations that are not usual). If this adaptation is successful, then cooperation between the different cultures can also be successful, leading to a potential output that is even better than cooperation between people from the same culture.
