Business Commons^™

Economic Audit Of South Dublin County 2004, Phil Mulvaney, Nigel Donnelly

Other Resources

The main objective of this report is to provide an audit of the assets of South Dublin County with a view to assisting South Dublin County Development Board in the preparation of an economic strategy for the county. The recommendation to undertake such an audit was outlined as a key priority in South Dublin: A Place for People - An Integrated Strategy for the Economic, Social and Cultural Development of South Dublin County 2002-2012, a report of the South Dublin County Development Board.

The report is divided into seven main parts. Part 1 provides a contextual overview of the county, …

E-Procurement In The Aviation Industry: Value Creation Potential Of B2b Emarketplaces, Claudia-Maria Wagner, Bernd Huber, Edward Sweeney, Austin Smyth

Articles

In academic literature, only limited research has been undertaken in exploring the value creation of B2B (Business-to-Business) e-Marketplace models in the aviation industry. The aim of this publication is a theoretical analysis to explore whether or not B2B e-Marketplaces can make a contribution to the achievement of competitive advantage in procurement in the aviation industry. The research focuses on the potential of B2B e-Marketplaces in terms of improving an airline’s competitiveness in its procurement value chain and discusses empirical results from a survey among international e-Marketplace / portal operators

Ecology, Morality And Synergism, Thomas Power

Articles

This short essay looks at the views of unorthodox members of three professions. Richard Douthwaite an anti-growth economist, James Lovelock a "mythical" scientist, and Yoneji Masuda, a Japanese guru of the Information Technology age. All three assume a re-orientation of human thinking. Douthwaite's "moral society", Lovelock's "ecological society" and Masuda's "synergistic society" have little basis in reality, despite their intrinsic appeal. Despite the "high knowledge consumption" of an information age, predicted by Masuda, history teaches us that knowledge has always been used by man to gain power and not to better the lot of mankind. There is no reason to …

Making Sense Of The Data On Ireland's Inward Fdi, Clare O'Mahony, Frank Barry

Articles

Ireland, in employment terms, is the most FDI-intensive economy in the EU. International comparisons of trends and levels of FDI intensity are usually based on balance-of-payments data however, and the international data series on Ireland’s inward FDI tell hugely conflicting stories. Such series are published by the IMF, UNCTAD, OECD and Eurostat (with data generally provided either by the CSO or the IDA), while data on US FDI in Ireland are published by the US Bureau of Economic Analysis. The present paper documents these conflicting stories and searches for any underlying consistency through analysis of the items that the various …

The Commodification Of Music Theorising Musicians, Alan Bradshaw

Doctoral

This thesis considers the dialectical relationship between music and commerce and asks the question why are some musicians uneasy with the commodification of their music? The question is considered from the vantage points of professional musicians and their experiences in dealing with the commodification process. In exploring this dialectic, the thesis is organised around the interactionist orientation and a framework designed by Holt (2004) in which the research design and question emerges from a conversation between grand and mid-range theory. To this effect a post-Marxist grand theory conversation between several writers who have considered the commodification of culture is presented. …

The Implementation And Diffusion Of Inter-Organisational Systems (Iso) Amongst Retailers And Suppliers In The Irish Grocery Industry, Colm Rooney

Masters

The purpose of this study is to review and empirically examine the literature on the implementation, use and diffusion of Inter-Organisational Systems (IOS) between retailers and suppliers. The study is set in the Irish grocery industry, which brings a significant contextual dimension to the study. Following a research paradigm known as ‘Pragmatism’, the researcher used both quantitative (survey) and qualitative (interviews) data collection methods in an effort to answer the three primary objectives set out. This mixed-method approach is encouraged by Pragmatists, as each data set can be triangulated; ensuring more conclusive and robust findings. The objectives set about examining …

Consumer Web-Search Behaviour In The Irish Airline Industry, Bernie Lydon

Masters

Web usability is highlighted as a key factor likely to affect web search and subsequent buying behaviour. In fact it has been claimed ‘usability is a prerequisite for e-commerce success’ (Nielsen et al 2001). The main elements of usability may be categorised as primarily personal and stimulus factors. The main personal factors are constructs such as consumer attitudes towards searching, subjective norms, behavioural intentions to revisit web sites and likelihood of carrying out ecommerce purchases. The main stimulus factors are encapsulated in web design, which incorporates elements such as web content, web structure and web accessibility. These personal and stimulus …

The Determinants Of Charitable Donations In The Republic Of Ireland, James Carroll

Masters

This thesis explores the variable that affect the probability of donating and the variables that affect the size of donation by Irish households. The datasets employed are the Irish Household Budget Surveys, 1994/1995 and 1999/2000, which are analysed using a tobit model and a double-hurdle model with an inverse hyperbolic sine transformation. Between 1994 and 2000, Ireland witnessed a remarkable and well-documented economic boom. This thesis provides insight into how the determinants of charitable donations change in an economy such as the Republic of Ireland’s, which has undergone such rapid economic and cultural changes. To date there has been no …

An Exploration Of The Internationalisation Process Of Irish Indigenous Software Smes, Kathy Keeney

Masters

From meagre beginnings in the 1970s, the Irish software industry has emerged as one of the most interesting, exciting and successful Irish internationally traded service industries. Some thirty years later, the industry is still characterised by high levels of international trade activity, through niche market orientation and innovative and flexible management. Through an exploration of the internationalisation process in the context of Irish indigenous software firms, this thesis seeks to understand how this process of international expansion occurs, the barriers encountered throughout the process, future challenges for the industry and the use of strategic partnership activities as a facilitator in …

What Is An Entrepreneurial Team?, Thomas Cooney

Articles

It is arguable that despite the romantic notion of the entrepreneur as a lone hero, the reality is that successful entrepreneurs either built teams about them or were part of a team throughout. For example, when one considers the success of Apple Computers, the name of Steven Jobs immediately springs to mind.

The Systematic Evaluation Of A Strategic Management Program In An Irish Institute Of Technology, Deirdre Lillis

Conference papers

Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) worldwide are investing significant resources in strategic planning and self-evaluation programs to improve institutional performance and to meet external stakeholder demands. Little empirical evidence exists however which demonstrates that these programs are effective in leading to improvements in institutional performance, let alone shed light on the reasons why. This paper reports on the systematic evaluation of the effectiveness of a Strategic Management program in an Irish HEI over a five year period in leading to improvements in institutional performance.

E-Procurement Structures In Purchasing Consortia: Towards A Conceptual Framework, Bernd Ludwig Huber

Doctoral

In the literature there has been little empirical research investigation into purchasing consortium issues focusing on a detailed analysis of information and communication technology (ICT) based procurement strategies. While some anecdotal accounts of such advances in supply chain management can be found, there is a need to relate the term electronic purchasing consortia (EPC) to academic literature, thus empowering clearer theoretical analysis. EPC enable purchasing organisations to varying degrees, to electronically conduct tasks that are necessary for the management of demand aggregation of two or more legal entities, provide efficient ICT-based communication infrastructures and rely more on electronic communication than …

An Examination For The Marketing Strategy Of The World Rally Championship, Sean O'Connor

Masters

In 2000, International Sportsworld Communicators Ltd. (ISC) acquired a ten year exclusive commercial rights agreement for the World Rally Championships. Previously the sport attracted a low level of media exposure. ISC planned to market the WRC with the intention of gaining a top five position as a global sports television brand. The main aim of the present study is to examine the marketing strategy of the WRC by ISC. In particular, this study focuses on the strategies taken to increase the Pan European TV coverage for the WRC. ISC identified television as the priority channel for building audience and the …

Land Values As A Source Of Local Government Finance, Tom Dunne

Books/Book Chapters

Funding local government has been a permanent feature of debates about public policy in Ireland and Many feel that the balance of power between local and central government is weighted too much in

This paper suggests that the concept of economic rent, on which the justification for property taxes rests and its relevance to the property market in a modern, economically successful and urbanised Ireland, needs to be vented, discussed and debated.

The proposition is that if a greater understanding was created about the economic characteristics of landed property both value capture and local property taxes would achieve greater public …

Designing And Implementing A Blended Learning Approach To Executive Scm Education: A Case Study From Ireland, John Mee, Edward Sweeney

Conference papers

The National Institute for Transport and Logistics (NITL) is Ireland’s centre of excellence for supply chain management (SCM). As part of its mission to promote the development of supply chain expertise in Irish business, it designs and delivers executive modular learning programmes. In 2004, as part of a drive to create more flexible learning opportunities for course participants, NITL designed and implemented an eLearning programme, which involved converting traditionally tutored modules to online modules. This paper describes the rationale behind this initiative and the significance of technology as an enabling tool for executive education, as well as detailing the design …

Is Access An Issue Affecting Irish Competitiveness?, Edward Sweeney, Randal Faulkner

Practitioner Journals

No abstract provided.

An Investigation Into The Absence Of Disabled People From Commercial Advertising And Its Impact On The Disabling Experience, Mary-Ann O'Donovan

Masters

Much research has been conducted into the effects of advertising on various minority groups – women, gay people, black people, unemployed youths. However, research regarding the relationship of mainstream advertising and disable people is sparse. Disable people are one of the largest minority groups in the world and yet, they are almost invisible within advertising and consumer research, and within advertising itself. It is this lack of representation in commercial advertising that interests the researcher. Disabled people have historically been excluded from many facets of society- education, employment, leisure – with advertising viewed as one more mechanism to further this …

Towards A Conceptual Framework Of Electronic Purchasing Consortia, Bernd Huber, Edward Sweeney, Austin Smyth

Conference papers

In supply chain management literature, there has been little empirical research on consortium
purchasing focusing on a detailed analysis of information and communication (ICT) based
procurement strategies. Based on the exploration of academic literature and two surveys among
purchasing organisations as well as e-Marketplaces / procurement service providers (PSPs) in the
automotive and electronics industry sectors, the research methodology assesses the overall
statement: ‘Effective participation in electronic purchasing consortia (EPC) has the potential to
enhance competitive advantage. Implementation requires a clear and detailed understanding of the
major process structures and drivers, based upon the technology-organisation-environment
framework’. Key factors and structures …

From 3lsp (Third Party Logistics Service Provider) To 4lsp (Fourth Party Logistics Service Provider). A Case Study From Ireland, John Mee, Edward Sweeney

Conference papers

Increased competition, geographically expanded marketplaces, technology replication and an
ever discerning consumer base, are reasons why companies need to regularly reappraise
their competencies in terms of activities and functions they perform themselves. Where viable
alternatives exist, companies should consider outsourcing of non-core activities and functions.
Within SCM (Supply Chain Management) it could be preferable if a “one stop shop” existed
for companies seeking to outsource functions identified as non-core. “Traditionally” structured
LSP’s who have concentrated their service offer around providing warehousing and transport
activities are potentially at a crossroads – clients and potential clients requiring “new” services
which could increase …

The Role Of Supply Chain Management In Irish Enterprise Strategy Development: A Three-Dimensional Approach, Ciaran Finn, Edward Sweeney

Conference papers

The Irish economy has grown strongly in recent years. This, combined with other factors in the
international trading environment, has sharpened the focus on the need for innovative strategies at a
national level which can contribute positively from an enterprise strategy development perspective. As
traditional manufacturing activity has migrated to lower labour cost economies questions have been
raised concerning the role of supply chain management (SCM) in the evolving Irish business
environment. This paper describes some of the main drivers in terms of both SCM and the changing economic and business environment. It goes on to propose a three-dimensional approach …

Towards E-Procurement Structures In Pooled Sourcing Strategies, Bernd Huber, Edward Sweeney, Austin Smyth

Conference papers

No abstract provided.

B2b E-Marketplace In The Procurement Supply Chain Of Airlines: A Strategic Direction For The Future?, Claudia-Maria Wagner, Austin Smyth, Edward Sweeney

Conference papers

With the airline industry experiencing a global economic downturn, B2B e-Business is
becoming more and more the focus of airlines’ strategies. More recently, airlines have studied
intensively the potential of joint-procurement possibilities and have taken measures in creating
consortia-led B2B e-Marketplaces as mediators for aggregating demand and to facilitate transactions.
In academic literature, limited academic research has been undertaken in exploring the value creation of B2B e-Marketplace models in the aviation industry. The aim is to conduct a theoretical analysis to explore whether or not e-Marketplaces have the potential to add value to procurement in the aviation industry. The research …

The Financial Dimension Of Supply Chain Management, Edward Sweeney

Practitioner Journals

No abstract provided.

Supply Chain Learning In The 3pl Industry: Lessons From An Irish Case, Pietro Evangelista, Alfonso Morvillo, Renato Passaro, Edward Sweeney

Conference papers

The logistics service market is currently going through a fundamental transition. Globalisation of industrial and trade activities, mergers, acquisitions and alliances and the increasing role of ICT are rapidly transforming the 3PL industry and demanding new strategic perspectives of companies in the industry. Becoming closer to customers and continuously adapting products and services, represent potentially successful approaches to the development of competitive edge – by understanding changing market dynamics allows 3PLs to develop innovation in the services offered and leads to improved profitability. To this end knowledge resources and learning processes increasingly represent key elements within the evolving framework of …

Wto/Ifitt Research Paper – E-Metric Evaluation, Patrick Horan

Conference papers

This discussion paper evaluates electronic channel-choice strategies and outcomes amongst hotel SMEs and discusses the initial steps associated with constructing a methodology to generate a set of metrics for evaluating the DMS electronic channel.

Using A Systems Approach In Logistics Design And Planning, Edward Sweeney

Conference papers

The international economic and business environment continues to develop at a rapid rate. Increasing interactions between economies, particularly between Europe and Asia, has raised many important issues regarding transport infrastructure, logistics and broader supply chain management. The potential exists to further stimulate trade provided that these issues are addressed in a logical and systematic manner.

However, if this potential is to be realised in practice there is a need to re-evaluate current supply chain configurations. A mismatch currently exists between the technological capability and the supply chain or logistical reality. This mismatch has sharpened the focus on the need for …

Experiential Consumption And Sport Sponsorship: A Phenomenological Investigation, Gavin Mcallister

Masters

This study examined the experiences of individuals engaged in sports consumption of a favoured team or sport, and further examines if this consumption experience is in any way affected by the presence of commercial sponsorships. While studies of experiential consumption have been carried out before, this is the first study to examine the possible impact sponsorship has from an experiential consumption perspective. Sponsorship is a broadly managerial activity from a marketing perspective. Sports consumption has been shown to be a predominantly experiential activity (Holt, 1995), yet marketers attempt to target sports supporters through regular marketing channels. But a better understanding …

A New Hub In The Aviation Industry: Towards An Integration Of B2b E-Marketplaces In The Airline Industry, Claudia-Maria Wagner, Edward Sweeney, Austin Smyth

Conference papers

In academic literature, limited academic research has been undertaken in exploring the value creation of B2B e-Marketplace models in the aviation industry. The aim is to conduct a theoretical analysis to explore whether or not e-Marketplaces have the potential to add value to procurement in the aviation industry. The research focuses on the potential of B2B e-Marketplaces in terms of improving an airline’s competitiveness in its procurement value chain. The theoretical framework adopted supports the identification of barriers to success and critical success factors.

Electronic Purchasing Consortia: A Procurement Direction For The Future?, Bernd Huber, Edward Sweeney, Austin Smyth

Conference papers

In literature, there has been little empirical research investigation on purchasing consortium
issues focusing on a detailed analysis of ICT-based procurement strategies. Based on the exploration of academic literature and a survey on e-Marketplaces / procurement service providers (PSPs) in the automotive and electronics industry sectors, an overall statement is proposed: Effective participation in electronic purchasing consortia can have the potential to enhance competitive advantage. Implementation therefore requires a clear and detailed understanding of the major process structures and drivers at the e-Marketplace / PSP level of analysis.

Lean And Agile Supply Chains: Jargon Or Action?, Edward Sweeney

Practitioner Journals

No abstract provided.