The process of founding new enterprises and making them grow and prosper is a far more convoluted undertaking than it was just a few decades ago. This book explores the complexity faced by today s entrepreneurs. Institutional boundaries, evolutionary perspectives and the intricacies of management are the central themes in this study of entrepreneurs and SMEs in a world marked by major transitions. While mainstream research enhances our understanding of the dynamics of the entrepreneurial process, this book progresses the research yet further. It examines another fundamental role of research in entrepreneurship: our understanding of future organizational and managerial forms evolving from the globalization process. Issues addressed include: growth patterns among enterprises initiated by science-and-technology-based entrepreneurs the actions and motives driving radical entrepreneurs the role of experience versus formal education in entrepreneurship the role of endogenous growth processes managerial complexity in new knowledge-based enterprises the role of collaboration for innovation in new business ventures. The contributors aim to further encourage dialogue and reflections triggered by the growing emphasis on entrepreneurship in policy agendas and business communities all over Europe. As such, this book will prove stimulating reading for researchers, students, academics, consultants and advisers involved in entrepreneurship, business and management.

An authoritative collection of leading critical and contemporary writings published in the field of technology and organizations. The set spans a 50-year time period taking the reader from the first and most influential papers from the early 1950s through to some recent publications which address contemporary and emerging debates in the field at the dawn of the 21st century. Each of the 4 volumes has a particular focus upon this area of research and scholarship: the early debates; theories, paradigms and concepts; critical empirical studies; and emerging themes and future debates. The editors provide an introduction to, and overview of, the themes, debates, perspectives, theories and paradigms which characterize this area of organization studies, and set out a "route map" to help guide the reader through the four volumes.

In strategic management and organizational theory, organizational effectiveness denotes the broadest domain of business performance. "What is the optimal structural configuration for organizational ambidexterity and to what extent is it contingent upon firm type?" To answer this research question, this study employs a two-step approach. In the first step, Sebastian Kortmann determines a structural configuration that generally supports organizational ambidexterity. Then, in a second step, he draws upon structural contingency theory and investigates to what extent this optimal structural configuration is dependent on firm type. ​

Why are some military organizations more adept than others at reinventing themselves? Why do some efforts succeed rapidly while others only gather momentum over time or become sidetracked or even subverted? This book explicates the conditions under which military organizations have both succeeded and failed at institutionalizing new ideas and forms of warfare. Through comparative analysis of some classic cases - US naval aviation during the interwar period; German and British armour development during the same period; and the US Army's experience with counter-insurgency during the Vietnam War - the authors offer a novel explanation for change rooted in managerial strategies for aligning service incentives and norms. With contemporary policy makers scrambling to digest the lessons of recent wars in Kosovo, Afghanistan and Iraq, as well as to meet the unfolding challenges of the new revolution in military affairs (RMA), understanding the sources and impediments to transformation has become critical.

This book forms the Proceedings of the International Conference organised by the Commission of European Communities. The first part covers earthquakes, volcanoes, storms, floods, landslides and wildfires. The second part deals with key themes in civil protection: risk communication, planning, organisation and crisis management. A detailed Rapporteur-General's report is also included. Future developments regarding information sources and research and development conclude the book.

In the context of a united Europe the influence of business knowledge has become increasingly relevant, as managers, employees and organisations have to learn new practices and techniques in response to new knowledge and institutions. This book addresses the way in which administrative knowledge is produced, diffused and consumed in Europe by academics, management gurus, publishing houses, consultants and practitioners. It also looks at its impact on European business systems and management practices.

The SAGE Handbook of Complexity and Management is the first substantive scholarly work to provide a map of the state of art research in the growing field emerging at the intersection of complexity science and management studies. Edited and written by internationally respected scholars from management and related disciplines, the Handbook will be the definitive reference source for understanding the implications of complexity science for management research and practice. Part One: Foundations introduces complexity science and its implications for the foundations of scientific knowledge, including management knowledge. Part Two: Applications presents the numerous ways in which complexity science models and tools, as well as complexity thinking, are being applied to management and organizational phenomena and the insights gained as a result. Part Three: Interfaces highlights how complexity science is transforming various non-management fields and, in so doing, creating exciting interfaces for bridging between management and related disciplines.

Modern technology and innovation are vital to the success of all companies, be they hi-tech firms or companies seemingly unaffected by technology and innovation; whether established firms or business start-ups. This book focuses on understanding technology as a corporate resource, covering product development, design of systems and the managerial aspects of new and high technology. Topics investigated include: the internal organization of high technology firms the management of technology in society managing innovation dilemmas and strategies. The wide-ranging experience of the teachers and experts contributing to this book has resulted in an integrated, multi-disciplinary, textbook that provides an introductory overview to managing technology and innovation in the twenty-first century. This text is essential reading for students of business and engineering concerned with technology and innovation management.