Proceedings of the ... International Management Conference, Feb 18, 2022
The internationalization process of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) has been discussed ... more The internationalization process of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) has been discussed in many recent studies and has triggered the attention of various professionals, international and even global organizations and authorities. Emphasis was laid on the vast array of strategies, models, forms of internationalization and their impacts on SMEs' competitive (sustainable) advantage, profitability, development and performance on foreign markets. Giving credit to the topical research in this field, the present exploratory study seeks to examine the correlations between four main factors, namely SMEs' strategic collaborators (from international business networks), intermediaries (as organizational links to the target stakeholders), the profitability resulted from international operations and the development on different foreign markets. To this end, a questionnaire-based survey was carried out with over 100 European SMEs from an industrial field. Evidence was brought that there are significant positive correlations between strategic collaborators and SMEs international profitability and development on foreign markets, whereas the use of intermediaries only correlates with the profits derived from international operations.
PurposeThe present study aims to tackle SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) managers' a... more PurposeThe present study aims to tackle SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) managers' awareness of coopetition benefits underpinning the process of knowledge sharing with a view to achieve innovative performance. The scrutiny of coopetition is placed within the context of SMEs strategic networks, which foster a fertile ground for competitive knowledge sharing and direct collaboration among members.Design/methodology/approachIn total, 102 top managers and business owners of European steel SMEs were questioned regarding various issues related to coopetition, knowledge, collaboration and innovative performance strategies. The collected data were analyzed via the technique of partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM).FindingsThe obtained values confirm that intense competition in the field stimulates SMEs to become aware of the benefits of coopetition. This awareness directly influences the innovative performance of the SMEs, as well as their interest in competitive knowledge sharing and their willingness to engage in direct collaboration. Direct collaboration catalyzes more intense competitive knowledge sharing at the inter-unit level whereas both direct collaboration and competitive knowledge sharing lead to better innovative performance in the case of the studied steel SMEs.Research limitations/implicationsA key theoretical contribution resides in revealing the influence of manifold factors in the overall equation of innovative performance, integrating competition, coopetition and knowledge sharing as antecedents.Originality/valueThe research advances a phenomenological view on SMEs networks in their strategy to leverage competitive knowledge and enhance system-driven innovation.
Knowledge management and organizational learning, Nov 16, 2017
Since the beginning of industrialization, the pipeline business model has dominated world economi... more Since the beginning of industrialization, the pipeline business model has dominated world economies: products were created by a producer, be it a person or a company, then customers were informed that they could buy those products, and the cycle closed with the proper selling of those goods to customers. In recent years, this linear mode of doing business has started to be replaced by platforms. While platforms are not a new way of doing business—fairs are the classic platform prototype—the use of ITC in creating, managing, and accessing platforms stimulated the appearance of a different approach to this business model, providing benefits for all of the economic actors participating in the digital economy. This chapter presents some of the particularities of digital platform business models and argues in favor of their benefits by referring to a number of worldwide famous businesses, in fields from education to transportation and commerce, constructed according to these models.
Proceedings of the ... International Management Conference, Mar 6, 2023
The present paper aims to explore the relationship among two main constructs, namely the degree o... more The present paper aims to explore the relationship among two main constructs, namely the degree of internationalization and the managerial global mindset, a three-dimension factor covering the Global Social Capital, Global Intellectual Capital and Global Psychological Capital. The analysis in performed in the contextual framework of CEE countries, namely Romania, starting from the premise that this region has explicit idiosyncracies and is worth investigating. In its current form, the empirical undertaking is intended as a preliminary study, with an exploratory nature, the questionnaire-based survey relying on a small sample of 30 managers of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Romania. The findings point to the fact that only one out of the three dimensions of the managerial global mindset, that is, the Global Psychological Capital, has a significant influence on the degree of internationalization of the studied SMEs.
Internet changed dramatically the commercial music industry landscape: digitalization is the new ... more Internet changed dramatically the commercial music industry landscape: digitalization is the new standard, and the specific business models are in constant evolution. Thus, the industry has evolved from the traditional model of the big music labels to the much criticised peer-to-peer music file trading and, today, to the legitimate online downloading model (Vaccaro, Cohn, 2004). This last one is also changing, as there is a constant trend not to download music anymore, but to listen it directly through social media such as the older MySpace or the actual very popular YouTube, Facebook, and other similar national or regional networks (Mjos, 2011). With the social media opportunities, as never before, international success is possible for artists from small commercial music markets, such the ones of the emerging countries, who become rapidly well-known. The aim of this paper is to analyse the international success of Romanian "popcorn" wave musicians, a constant presence in the last years' international commercial music charts, through social media-Facebook and YouTube. Our research is developed on the social media perceived image of two representative artists of the "popcorn" wave, Inna and Alexandra Stan.
Today's generation is described to be born for entrepreneurship but with the development of the o... more Today's generation is described to be born for entrepreneurship but with the development of the online medium, new meaning to entrepreneurship is brought. The youngest generation also referred to as "digitally native" is inclined to use technology and the Internet in every aspect of their life, including their professional one. Following this line of thought, this paper's aim is to discover whether the Gen Y is, indeed, oriented towards entrepreneurship and whether they are more inclined to start an online business. Thus, by conducting a quantitative study among young students we are focusing on discovering the Gen Y's reasons for starting their own businesses, the obstacles they fear they might face, and the financial resources they consider and also reveal the qualities they believe they should possess in order to become successful entrepreneurs.
The next step of the digital transformation is to adopt artificial intelligence (AI), even if the... more The next step of the digital transformation is to adopt artificial intelligence (AI), even if the technology itself is still evolving. Nevertheless, discussions on AI pros and cons are vivid: managers are in the frontline of the decision-making on the best ways for such transitions. If corporations are already familiar with AI, at least partially for some processes, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) face a double pressure: their inequal degree of digital maturity, as well as the everyday constraints on how to increase competitiveness. CEE SMEs, in particular, find themselves in a complex framework, and the adoption of AI, even if challenging, could be one of the solutions to advance in terms of efficiency. Nevertheless, risks in such an approach must be carefully considered. Based on a semi-structured literature review, this opinion paper discusses the main risks that managers of SMEs in the CEE region should understand regarding AI and the consequent challenges of adopting it in business. Final considerations and future research discussions conclude the paper.
Management Dynamics in the Knowledge Economy Journal, Sep 3, 2013
As the ICT develops, universities have to learn how to reshape their communication practices and ... more As the ICT develops, universities have to learn how to reshape their communication practices and views on learning environments. Today's students, members of the Y Generation, are digitally natives who wish to, desire and might bene t from the use of Social Network Sites (SNS) communication with their teachers and College administrative sta. e main objective of this paper is to present a manner of using Facebook for faculties in order to better communicate with students. us our research is based upon previous examples from academic literature and upon a pilot study conducted online, using a self-administrated questionnaire applied on students from the College of Communication and Public Relations at the National School of Political Science and Public Administration in Bucharest. Based on their answers, this article proposes some recommendations for using Facebook for university sta and professors.
International journal of academic research, Aug 1, 2013
Nowadays, in the light of pervasively developing new media and recalcitrant consumers, the declin... more Nowadays, in the light of pervasively developing new media and recalcitrant consumers, the decline of traditional advertising is seen as inevitable, thus marketers are constrained to find new ways of promoting their products. Conventional advertising efforts are becoming especially obsolete with regard to young consumers, members of Generation Y. They are digitally natives, born and raised with technology – therefore they find it easier to filter information and are less passive as media consumers than older generations. In fact, consumers pertaining to Generation Y need to be approached in a completely different manner by marketing professionals: communication messages need to acknowledge their power as savvy consumers and to employ a ”pull” advertising strategy rather than a traditional “push” one. We argue that product placement in music videos can be used as such, thus developing as a cost-effective and consumer-oriented marketing technique.
Research background: As companies evolve over time, so do their goals. In the past, the main goal... more Research background: As companies evolve over time, so do their goals. In the past, the main goals of companies were profit and goals (as market share), are no longer relevant or effective. These goals are outdated, and companies have replaced them with goals that are consistent with the current changing times of competition. Worldwide, most large companies are using, or planning to use, a new approach called value-based management that focuses on value creation. Therefore, the main goal of companies using a value-based management approach is value creation. Purpose: This study aims to validate the existence of a statistically significant relationship between the economic value added (EVA) indicator, which represents the successful implementation of the value creation process in companies, and selected value generators. Method: For this study, information about 14,313 companies operating in the Visegrad Four countries were collected from their respective financial statements. The research period was 2019-2020. Twenty value generators were selected for this study. The hypotheses were tested using the correlation coefficient. The strength of the relationship between the observed variables is described by using the Pearson correlation coefficient. Findings and value added: A trivial or small dependence was observed between the EVA indicator and non-current assets, current financial assets, and income tax. A moderate dependence was observed between the EVA indicator and stocks, receivables, interest expenses, and other liabilities. A large dependence was observed between the EVA indicator and bank loans, profit and loss (P/L) statement, and the cost of capital. The survey results can be a useful tool for businesses in their efforts to focus on a suitable value generator in the process of value-based management implementation, focusing on the process of value creation.
The generational differences among leaders have progressively captured the attention of both rese... more The generational differences among leaders have progressively captured the attention of both researchers and practitioners interested in their dynamics within the work environment. Many analyses in this respect have been focused on the differences between Millennials (Generation Y) and Generation X members from a personality-centric perspective, the great majority of the examinations revolving around Western research samples. By acknowledging the current state and assuming the calls for further investigations advanced by various researchers, this conceptual and empirical undertaking aims to provide an exploratory outlook on generational differences among Romanian leaders, by employing worldwide reputed research instruments such as the Hogan Personality Inventory (HPI), Hogan Development Survey (HDS) and Motives, Values, Preferences Inventory (MVPI). A sample of over 700 subjects was considered in the running of the statistical analyses, thus allowing to draw pertinent conclusions apposite to the envisaged population. Even though statistically significant findings were retrieved on few scales pertaining to the three applied instruments, one key insight advanced by the present endeavor resides in the extension of the scope of the existing literature dedicated to the generational differences from a leadership perspective via the integration of an Eastern European landscape which adds to the evidence in the field and opens up new research challenges for complementary scrutiny.
Proceedings of the ... International Management Conference, Feb 18, 2022
The internationalization process of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) has been discussed ... more The internationalization process of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) has been discussed in many recent studies and has triggered the attention of various professionals, international and even global organizations and authorities. Emphasis was laid on the vast array of strategies, models, forms of internationalization and their impacts on SMEs' competitive (sustainable) advantage, profitability, development and performance on foreign markets. Giving credit to the topical research in this field, the present exploratory study seeks to examine the correlations between four main factors, namely SMEs' strategic collaborators (from international business networks), intermediaries (as organizational links to the target stakeholders), the profitability resulted from international operations and the development on different foreign markets. To this end, a questionnaire-based survey was carried out with over 100 European SMEs from an industrial field. Evidence was brought that there are significant positive correlations between strategic collaborators and SMEs international profitability and development on foreign markets, whereas the use of intermediaries only correlates with the profits derived from international operations.
PurposeThe present study aims to tackle SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) managers' a... more PurposeThe present study aims to tackle SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) managers' awareness of coopetition benefits underpinning the process of knowledge sharing with a view to achieve innovative performance. The scrutiny of coopetition is placed within the context of SMEs strategic networks, which foster a fertile ground for competitive knowledge sharing and direct collaboration among members.Design/methodology/approachIn total, 102 top managers and business owners of European steel SMEs were questioned regarding various issues related to coopetition, knowledge, collaboration and innovative performance strategies. The collected data were analyzed via the technique of partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM).FindingsThe obtained values confirm that intense competition in the field stimulates SMEs to become aware of the benefits of coopetition. This awareness directly influences the innovative performance of the SMEs, as well as their interest in competitive knowledge sharing and their willingness to engage in direct collaboration. Direct collaboration catalyzes more intense competitive knowledge sharing at the inter-unit level whereas both direct collaboration and competitive knowledge sharing lead to better innovative performance in the case of the studied steel SMEs.Research limitations/implicationsA key theoretical contribution resides in revealing the influence of manifold factors in the overall equation of innovative performance, integrating competition, coopetition and knowledge sharing as antecedents.Originality/valueThe research advances a phenomenological view on SMEs networks in their strategy to leverage competitive knowledge and enhance system-driven innovation.
Knowledge management and organizational learning, Nov 16, 2017
Since the beginning of industrialization, the pipeline business model has dominated world economi... more Since the beginning of industrialization, the pipeline business model has dominated world economies: products were created by a producer, be it a person or a company, then customers were informed that they could buy those products, and the cycle closed with the proper selling of those goods to customers. In recent years, this linear mode of doing business has started to be replaced by platforms. While platforms are not a new way of doing business—fairs are the classic platform prototype—the use of ITC in creating, managing, and accessing platforms stimulated the appearance of a different approach to this business model, providing benefits for all of the economic actors participating in the digital economy. This chapter presents some of the particularities of digital platform business models and argues in favor of their benefits by referring to a number of worldwide famous businesses, in fields from education to transportation and commerce, constructed according to these models.
Proceedings of the ... International Management Conference, Mar 6, 2023
The present paper aims to explore the relationship among two main constructs, namely the degree o... more The present paper aims to explore the relationship among two main constructs, namely the degree of internationalization and the managerial global mindset, a three-dimension factor covering the Global Social Capital, Global Intellectual Capital and Global Psychological Capital. The analysis in performed in the contextual framework of CEE countries, namely Romania, starting from the premise that this region has explicit idiosyncracies and is worth investigating. In its current form, the empirical undertaking is intended as a preliminary study, with an exploratory nature, the questionnaire-based survey relying on a small sample of 30 managers of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Romania. The findings point to the fact that only one out of the three dimensions of the managerial global mindset, that is, the Global Psychological Capital, has a significant influence on the degree of internationalization of the studied SMEs.
Internet changed dramatically the commercial music industry landscape: digitalization is the new ... more Internet changed dramatically the commercial music industry landscape: digitalization is the new standard, and the specific business models are in constant evolution. Thus, the industry has evolved from the traditional model of the big music labels to the much criticised peer-to-peer music file trading and, today, to the legitimate online downloading model (Vaccaro, Cohn, 2004). This last one is also changing, as there is a constant trend not to download music anymore, but to listen it directly through social media such as the older MySpace or the actual very popular YouTube, Facebook, and other similar national or regional networks (Mjos, 2011). With the social media opportunities, as never before, international success is possible for artists from small commercial music markets, such the ones of the emerging countries, who become rapidly well-known. The aim of this paper is to analyse the international success of Romanian "popcorn" wave musicians, a constant presence in the last years' international commercial music charts, through social media-Facebook and YouTube. Our research is developed on the social media perceived image of two representative artists of the "popcorn" wave, Inna and Alexandra Stan.
Today's generation is described to be born for entrepreneurship but with the development of the o... more Today's generation is described to be born for entrepreneurship but with the development of the online medium, new meaning to entrepreneurship is brought. The youngest generation also referred to as "digitally native" is inclined to use technology and the Internet in every aspect of their life, including their professional one. Following this line of thought, this paper's aim is to discover whether the Gen Y is, indeed, oriented towards entrepreneurship and whether they are more inclined to start an online business. Thus, by conducting a quantitative study among young students we are focusing on discovering the Gen Y's reasons for starting their own businesses, the obstacles they fear they might face, and the financial resources they consider and also reveal the qualities they believe they should possess in order to become successful entrepreneurs.
The next step of the digital transformation is to adopt artificial intelligence (AI), even if the... more The next step of the digital transformation is to adopt artificial intelligence (AI), even if the technology itself is still evolving. Nevertheless, discussions on AI pros and cons are vivid: managers are in the frontline of the decision-making on the best ways for such transitions. If corporations are already familiar with AI, at least partially for some processes, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) face a double pressure: their inequal degree of digital maturity, as well as the everyday constraints on how to increase competitiveness. CEE SMEs, in particular, find themselves in a complex framework, and the adoption of AI, even if challenging, could be one of the solutions to advance in terms of efficiency. Nevertheless, risks in such an approach must be carefully considered. Based on a semi-structured literature review, this opinion paper discusses the main risks that managers of SMEs in the CEE region should understand regarding AI and the consequent challenges of adopting it in business. Final considerations and future research discussions conclude the paper.
Management Dynamics in the Knowledge Economy Journal, Sep 3, 2013
As the ICT develops, universities have to learn how to reshape their communication practices and ... more As the ICT develops, universities have to learn how to reshape their communication practices and views on learning environments. Today's students, members of the Y Generation, are digitally natives who wish to, desire and might bene t from the use of Social Network Sites (SNS) communication with their teachers and College administrative sta. e main objective of this paper is to present a manner of using Facebook for faculties in order to better communicate with students. us our research is based upon previous examples from academic literature and upon a pilot study conducted online, using a self-administrated questionnaire applied on students from the College of Communication and Public Relations at the National School of Political Science and Public Administration in Bucharest. Based on their answers, this article proposes some recommendations for using Facebook for university sta and professors.
International journal of academic research, Aug 1, 2013
Nowadays, in the light of pervasively developing new media and recalcitrant consumers, the declin... more Nowadays, in the light of pervasively developing new media and recalcitrant consumers, the decline of traditional advertising is seen as inevitable, thus marketers are constrained to find new ways of promoting their products. Conventional advertising efforts are becoming especially obsolete with regard to young consumers, members of Generation Y. They are digitally natives, born and raised with technology – therefore they find it easier to filter information and are less passive as media consumers than older generations. In fact, consumers pertaining to Generation Y need to be approached in a completely different manner by marketing professionals: communication messages need to acknowledge their power as savvy consumers and to employ a ”pull” advertising strategy rather than a traditional “push” one. We argue that product placement in music videos can be used as such, thus developing as a cost-effective and consumer-oriented marketing technique.
Research background: As companies evolve over time, so do their goals. In the past, the main goal... more Research background: As companies evolve over time, so do their goals. In the past, the main goals of companies were profit and goals (as market share), are no longer relevant or effective. These goals are outdated, and companies have replaced them with goals that are consistent with the current changing times of competition. Worldwide, most large companies are using, or planning to use, a new approach called value-based management that focuses on value creation. Therefore, the main goal of companies using a value-based management approach is value creation. Purpose: This study aims to validate the existence of a statistically significant relationship between the economic value added (EVA) indicator, which represents the successful implementation of the value creation process in companies, and selected value generators. Method: For this study, information about 14,313 companies operating in the Visegrad Four countries were collected from their respective financial statements. The research period was 2019-2020. Twenty value generators were selected for this study. The hypotheses were tested using the correlation coefficient. The strength of the relationship between the observed variables is described by using the Pearson correlation coefficient. Findings and value added: A trivial or small dependence was observed between the EVA indicator and non-current assets, current financial assets, and income tax. A moderate dependence was observed between the EVA indicator and stocks, receivables, interest expenses, and other liabilities. A large dependence was observed between the EVA indicator and bank loans, profit and loss (P/L) statement, and the cost of capital. The survey results can be a useful tool for businesses in their efforts to focus on a suitable value generator in the process of value-based management implementation, focusing on the process of value creation.
The generational differences among leaders have progressively captured the attention of both rese... more The generational differences among leaders have progressively captured the attention of both researchers and practitioners interested in their dynamics within the work environment. Many analyses in this respect have been focused on the differences between Millennials (Generation Y) and Generation X members from a personality-centric perspective, the great majority of the examinations revolving around Western research samples. By acknowledging the current state and assuming the calls for further investigations advanced by various researchers, this conceptual and empirical undertaking aims to provide an exploratory outlook on generational differences among Romanian leaders, by employing worldwide reputed research instruments such as the Hogan Personality Inventory (HPI), Hogan Development Survey (HDS) and Motives, Values, Preferences Inventory (MVPI). A sample of over 700 subjects was considered in the running of the statistical analyses, thus allowing to draw pertinent conclusions apposite to the envisaged population. Even though statistically significant findings were retrieved on few scales pertaining to the three applied instruments, one key insight advanced by the present endeavor resides in the extension of the scope of the existing literature dedicated to the generational differences from a leadership perspective via the integration of an Eastern European landscape which adds to the evidence in the field and opens up new research challenges for complementary scrutiny.
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Papers by Andreea Mitan