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To authenticate to the full-text of this article, please visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9310.2010.00619.x Byline: Maura McAdam (1), Rodney McAdam (2), Brendan Galbraith (3), Kristel Miller (2) Abstract: The increasing emphasis on academic entrepreneurship, technology transfer and research commercialisation within UK universities is predicated on basic research being developed by academics into commercial entities such as university spin-off companies or licensing arrangements. However, this process is fraught with challenges and risks, given the degree of uncertainty regarding future returns. In an attempt to minimise such risks, the Proof-of-Concept (PoC) process has been developed within University Science Park Incubators (USIs) to test the technological, business and market potential of embryonic technology. The key or the pivotal stakeholder within the PoC is the Principal Investigator (PI), who is usually the lead academic responsible for the embryonic technology. Within the current literature, there appears to be a lack of research pertaining to the role of the PI in the PoC process. Moreover, Absorptive Capacity (ACAP) has emerged within the literature as a theoretical framework or lens for exploring the development and application of new knowledge and technology, where the USI is the organisation considered in the current study. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to explore the role and influence of the PI in the PoC process within a USI setting using an ACAP perspective. The research involved a multiple case analysis of PoC applications within a UK university USI. The results demonstrate the role of the PI in developing practices and routines within the PoC process. These practices and processes were initially tacit and informal in nature but became more explicit and formal over time so that knowledge was retained within the USI after the PIs had completed the PoC process. Author Affiliation: (1)School of Management and Economics, Queen's University, Belfast, Belfast BT7 1NN, Northern Ireland.m.mcadam@qub.ac.uk (2)School of Marketing Entrepreneurship and Strategy, University of Ulster, Jordanstown Campus, Shore Road, Newtownabbey, Co. Antrim, BT37 OQB.r.mcadam@ulster.ac.uk;Miller-K@email.ulster.ac.uk (3)Department of Management, University of Ulster, Jordanstown Campus, Shore Road, Newtonabbey, Co. Antrim, BT37 OQB.b.galbraith@ulster.ac.uk

To authenticate to the full-text of this article, please visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9310.2008.00549.x Byline: Rodney McAdam (1), Maura McAdam (2), Valerie Brown (1) Abstract: Successful research commercialisation within the university domain is predicated upon basic research being developed into technology that will attract funding, ultimately resulting in entities such as University spin-out companies or licensing arrangements. This development process involves considerable risk and uncertainty and may require substantial resources to fund early stage operations while returns are uncertain. Hence there is a need to explore risk-minimisation approaches relating to proving the potential for development while concurrently allocating resources in an incremental manner. This paper focuses on the development of the Northern Ireland Proof of Concept (PoC) process within a University Science Park Incubator (USI) as a particular approach to addressing these challenges inherent in the United Kingdom University technology transfer. Furthermore, Absorptive Capacity has emerged in the literature as an appropriate theoretical framework or lens for exploring the development and application of new technology. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to explore the PoC process within a USI as a means for improving the commercialisation of University technology transfer using an Absorptive Capacity perspective. A multiple case analysis of PoC applications within a UK university is described. From the findings it emerges that Absorptive Capacity influencing factors such as levels of R&D investment, prior knowledge base and integration of stakeholder and technology planning all impact on PoC outcomes. In addition a number of process improvement areas for PoC are identified in relation to the influencing factors within the Absorptive Capacity framework. Author Affiliation: (1)School of Marketing Entrepreneurship and Strategy, University of Ulster, Jordanstown Campus, Shore Road, Newtownabbey Co., Antrim BT37 OQB, Northern Ireland, UK.r.mcadam@ulster.ac.uk (2)School of Management and Economics, Queen's University, Belfast, Belfast BT7 1NN, Northern Ireland, UK.m.mcadam@qub.ac.uk

University Science Park incubators (USIs) have emerged as a means by which Government, academia and business can develop high technology business firms (spin out HTBFs) from initial conception through to becoming established small firms, which are ready to move beyond the Science Park confines. Although there is considerable literature on how USIs can be improved and developed there is a paucity of studies, which explore how lifecycle development within HTBFs in USIs can affect how they use the unique resources and opportunities of the USI. Moreover, there is a focus on single point in time studies, which do not adequately investigate the longitudinal dynamics of HTBF lifecycle development within USIs. Therefore. the aim of this paper is to explore the longitudinal use of the unique resources of the USI by HTBFs at different lifecycle stages. The research methodology involved 18 HTBFs within two separate USIs. A series of longitudinal interviews and locus groups were conducted with HTBFs and USI staff over a 36-month period. NUD*IST software was used in developing the coding and analysis of transcripts. The results show that a HTBF's propensity to make effective use of the USI's resources and support increases as the lifecycle stage of the company increases and the small-firm searches for independence and autonomy. Therefore, further research is required to investigate the following two outstanding questions; firstly, which usage pattern is associated with the HTBF's ultimate success or failure in the marketplace? And secondly, are there any services missing from the observed array that the USI could provide to enhance the HTBF's degree of ultimate success? Keywords: University incubators; High technology firms; Lifecycle; Entrepreneurial growth

New Product Development (NPD) in the commercial aerospace industry focuses on producing products, which reduce operating and service costs, emissions and weights, while increasing operating performance parameters. There is an increasing use of Composite materials in aerospace NPD projects to achieve these goals due to the advantageous properties of increased strength and reduced weight. A key constraint in developing Composite capability in aerospace NPD is the development of appropriate diagnostic and manufacturing capability requiring new knowledge within aerospace organisations. The aim of this paper is to explore the acquisition, embedding and use of new knowledge from multiple sources in Composites NPD using a case analysis of a leading international aerospace prime, in particular, the study focuses on the need for new diagnostic testing capabilities and knowledge within the Composites NPD process as a source of competitive advantage. Data sources include multi-level semi structured interviews (n = 20) with internal and external stakeholders involved in the NPD process and focus groups (n = 5) comprised of the Composites NPD team members. The findings show that in addition to traditional internal and external knowledge sources, out of sector knowledge (in this case from Healthcare Diagnostics) can be used to inform specialist NPD technologies. Furthermore, it is essential that knowledge from multiple sources is effectively integrated within the NPD process using a designated knowledge portal. Keywords: New product development; Aerospace; Knowledge; Composites; Interviews: Focus groups

The development of knowledge management in the public sector, specifically the process of contract preparation to site implementation in public sector procurement agencies or road service consultancy, is discussed. The case study posited that need for lateral knowledge transfer and the diminishing use of traditional pyramidal approach to knowledge.

Knowledge management is significant for small firms. The impact of organizational size, on knowledge management, is examined.

The complex and dynamic behaviour associated with technology transfer business processes combined with the technological risk involved in the participating small firms, has led to a lack of business process definition and improvement in this area. Furthermore, the embryonic firms are highly individualistic with differing needs for assistance and development. There may also be a tendency to provide infrastructure and basic services with an avoidance of business process definition and hence, improvement. The aim of this paper is to investigate how potential business and management inputs can be used to define and to suggest improvements for two key technology transfer business processes, namely the technology licensing process and the business building process. A stratified pathway process mapping approach is used. This research approach includes semi-structured interviews with University Innovation Centre small firms, focus groups with Innovation Centre stakeholders and best practice benchmarking. The findings indicate that a modified processual approach can be adopted to define key business processes within technology transfer. Using this approach it is possible to show where business and management interventions can most effectively be deployed in each process. Keywords: Innovation; High technology small firms; Business processes; Innovation centres; University science parks

The Baldrige and Business Excellence models are compared by evaluating their respective effects on Total Quality Management (TQM) dynamics. The findings suggest that Baldrige model was a failure in modeling the strategic dynamics of TQM, thus revealing a need to develop dynamic representations and models of TQM to avoid oversimplification in theory and practice.

The consultation and communication and its relation in the business performance of family business based in the United Kingdom is analyzed. The study shows, family-owned businesses have very less consultation and communications and even when there is consultation present it do not make much economic benefit in the business.

The principles and practice used in the implementation and operation of Six Sigma are examined. Qualitative and quantitative research data are used for an investigation of Six Sigma implementation and deployment.

The increasing number of scandals has made corporates to realize their social responsibilities. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has a strong relationship with the basic principles of quality management and promotes ethical business practice.

The six stages of quality life cycle and the existing models such as the Malcolm Baldrige National are described. The use of quality life cycle to chart complex stages dynamics of quality and decision-making strategy are highlighted.

An evaluation of TQM (total quality management) techniques implementation as operational improvement or as strategic role methodologies in the United Kingdom's regional electric companies is presented.

ABSTRACT Continual development of the field of Knowledge Management (KM) has led to a number of issues being highlighted. For example, as KM has its origins in a number of [...]

The authors research the longitudinal alignment between business strategy and performance measures. Business improvement models are perceived as a necessary catalyst in the alignment process.

The purpose of this paper is to examine how UK companies in the textile sector obtain ideas for innovations. The trend towards the production of commodity textiles in low wage cost countries is forcing the closure of many UK textile companies. A number of these UK companies have moved away from commodity textiles, and now specialise in niche markets with highly technical products which are based on high performance synthetic fibres. The ability to develop innovative new products can be a source of competitive advantage for these companies and the generation of ideas for new products or 'creativity' is the first step in this innovation process. An exploratory survey is used to examine the profitability of different sources of new product ideas that are currently used by companies that consume high performance synthetic fibres. Based on the key literature themes, and the survey findings, an exploratory multiple case study approach is adopted involving eight organisations. The case findings reveal many discrepancies between actual and recommended practice in the support of creativity. Keywords: New ideas; Creativity practices; Textiles; Creativity; Innovation

Techniques of knowledge management can enrich the quality of Total Quality Management (TQM) values. Applying knowledge management constructs to each key TQM principle develops this system sufficiently to meet future challenges.

The authors evaluate various organizational change techniques, focusing on the business benefits of reorganization. Topics include a review of organizational change models, and influence of technology and the business market on organizational change.

Business process re-engineering models can be adapted for use by public sector institutions. These models include the targeting of success factors, such as culture, staff, communication and strategy, and drive the development of plans applicable to each. Most private sector models are based on the as-is/to-be framework, which is easily tailored for public sector applications., Introduction In response to a relentless pace of change, many in the public sector are looking to business improvement/transformation philosophies and approaches developed in the private sector to see if [...]

Subjective and less quantifiable measures can be used to develop effective quality management models. They account for situational factors such as stakeholder perception toward strategy modifications, initiative outcomes, staff changes and cross-functional effectiveness. These perceptions can be used as indicators for future managerial decisions and actions., Introduction This paper develops a change management evaluation model by achieving the following objectives: a critical review of the literature on change management evaluation; the establishment of an evaluative framework [...]

The article studies the function of Six Sigma performance measurement at both strategic and operational level in call centers using a two-phase or DMAIC methodology. Results reveal that development and application of Six Sigma performance measures lead to a more sustainable approach to business improvement.

A multiple case analysis is conducted for the development of a conceptual model, which helps in understanding the phenomenon of lead performance management and benchmarking. Several organizational context factors are shown to highly affect the impact of external mediators on the measurement of lead performance in an industry.

The study examines the relationship between quality management and corporate social responsibility (CSR) through six organizations that won business improvement awards. CSR approaches are found to be at its infancy, but quality management and existing business excellence tools can be used to improve CSR implementation.

An organizational performance improvement strategy that is based on organizational size and decision-making is discussed.

The article examines the significance of quality management strategies for organizational development.

The significance of benchmarking and total quality management strategies for organizational change is examined.

The organisational issues involved in implementing an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system to change management within a large global organisation are analyzed.

A study was conducted to develop a conceptual framework, which had general applicability, for innovation, adoption, and implementation. The study was based on a critique of the literature and made practical suggestions for improving innovation adoption, and the results of the study indicate that innovation should be considered as a multiple perspective phenomenon as distinct from an instrumentalist definition.

A research work is conducted to develop a six sigma methodology in a multilevel case using a statistical process control techique, as the demand for business and process improvement methods is increasing in private sector organizations.

A study analyzing the future of Total Quality Management (TQM) by determining its factors, their depth and scope, is presented.

The article uses organizational learning models to examine the positive impact of effective internal communications on change management and organizational effectiveness in electrical utilities of Northern Ireland.

There are various models, which are used and which are developed for the measurement of total quality management (TQM) in organizations. TQM is found to have a dynamic role in strategy formulation and a tactical role in strategy application and deployment.

The Grounded model is used to study the role of the strategic dynamics of Total Quality Management (TQM) within multiple case studies for evaluating the quality framework of organizations. This framework helps in analyzing and replacing the existing TQM model with a new improved TQM model.

Total quality management is sustained in the UK public sector to improve performance levels in public sector organizations. The business excellence model (BEM) and Investors in People (IiP) model are used to provide a suitable range of improvement mechanisms and performance measures, which are relevant to the public sector.

ABSTRACT Total productive maintenance (TPM) is a change management approach that has been shown to have considerable impact on the internal efficiency of manufacturing organizations, both in the West and [...]

The article raises a number of issues regarding business improvement in the public and private sectors. The article distinguishes between the organizational purposes of private and public enterprise, and reviews issues raised in recent business literature., Introduction A successful private sector organization knows its customers, its competitors and its markets, but what about public sector organizations? Over the last few years more and more public sector [...]