A hermeneutic study of pattern mining as a knowledge creation process : exploring multimedia design practices

In this paper, we discuss a special case of knowledge creation via pattern mining that was studied using a hermeneutic approach. The reported study explores the nature of knowledge creation by domain practitioners who do not communicate directly. The focus of this paper extends the traditional view of a knowledge creation process beyond organisational boundaries. The proposed knowledge creation framework explains the facilitated process of knowledge creation by its qualification, combination, socialisation, externalisation, internalisation and introspection, thus allowing the transformation of individual experience and knowledge into formalised shareable domain knowledge.

Guest editor's introduction : Sports entrepreneurship : towards a conceptualisation

Sport is an important economic and social driver of regional development around the world. Both organisations and individuals are involved in creating innovative ways of fostering regional development through entrepreneurial practices in sport. The aim of this paper is to develop a conceptualisation of sports entrepreneurship that focuses on the role of innovation and regional development in the sports context. Different sport entrepreneurship schools of thought are discussed with a focus on developing theory based on the venture creation process. Three key components of sports entrepreneurship (opportunity recognition, dynamic capabilities and entrepreneurial competence) are examined that lead to a focus on how sports entrepreneurial traits are innovative and encourage regional development. Entrepreneurial sport ventures are then stated which leads to the managerial and theoretical implications of the sports entrepreneurship construct being discussed.

Entrepreneurship : theory, process, practice

Covering foundations of entrepreneurship and new venture creation for the Asia-Pacific entrepreneur, this book combines a solid theoretical foundation with a practical step-by-step approach to the process of entrepreneurship.

Caprice versus standardization in venture capital decision making

This study examined the criteria used by venture capitalists to evaluate business plans in order to make investment decisions. A literature survey revealed two competing theories: 'espoused criteria' where evaluation decisions are based on what venture capitalists say are the decisive factors, versus the use of 'known attributes' that successful ventures actually possess. Brunswik's Lens Model from Social Judgment Theory guided an empirical investigation of several different evaluation methods based on information contained in 129 business plans submitted for venture capital over a three-year period. Data evaluation culminated in the comparison of the percentage of correct decisions ('hit rate') for each method. We found that decisions based on the known attributes of successful ventures have significantly better hit rates than decisions made using espoused criteria. Discussion centered on the goal of achieving consistency in the conduct of venture analysis. Process standardization can aid in the achievement of consistency. Future research will both deepen and broaden insights.

Knowledge creation in an application domain : a hermeneutic study

In this paper we discuss a special case of knowledge creation (pattern mining) that was studied using a hermeneutic circle. Hermeneutics assists the oscillation between tacit and explicit knowledge through the process of knowledge qualification, combination, socialization, externalization, internalization and introspection. Our investigation of the knowledge creation process lead to the enrichment of the knowledge creation framework proposed by Wickramasinghe and Lichtenstein, allowing us to reflect on activities and aspects of knowledge elicitation across an application domain and involving practitioners who do not communicate directly.

Government involvement in entrepreneurship and new business creation in Australia : a quantitative analysis of public perceptions and opinions

In order to determine the range of Australian perceptions on new venture creation at the end of the decade of the 1980s, and in particular attitudes towards government involvement in fostering entrepreneurship, a major quantitative study was conducted. The survey involved more than 1500 Australians in face-to-face interviews (300 in each mainland capital city) chosen on a random basis.

An analysis of the data provides an assessment of the Australian general public&s perceptions in three key areas: their understanding of the word 'entrepreneur' their rating of importance of new venture creation; their belief in government involvement in fostering new venture creation.

It is believed to be the first study attempting to quantify an entire nation&s perceptions in three areas vital to creators of national economic and industry policies.

Toward the standardization of venture capital investment evaluation : decision criteria for rating investee business plans

This study examined the criteria used by venture capitalists to evaluate business plans in order to make investment decisions. A literature survey revealed two competing theories: “espoused criteria” where evaluation decisions are based on what venture capitalists say are the decisive factors; versus the use of “known attributes” that successful ventures actually possess. Brunswik’s Lens Model from Social Judgment Theory guided an empirical investigation of several different evaluation methods based on information contained in 129 business plans submitted for venture capital over a 3 year period. Data evaluation culminated in the comparison of the percentage of correct decisions (“hit-rate”) for each method. We found that decisions based on the known attributes of successful ventures have significantly better hit-rates than decisions made using espoused criteria. Discussion centred on the goal of achieving consistency in the conduct of venture analysis. Process standardization can aid in the achievement of consistency. Future research will both deepen and broaden insights.

Using intranet technology to foster organizational knowledge creation

Many organizations have embraced intranets with the intent to harness the technology to support knowledge management initiatives. Despite the promise that intranet technology holds in this regard, many of the early research studies indicate rather disappointing results. In this paper we propose a model that organizations can use to conceptualize and reflect on their intranet applications with a view towards more fruitful results, specifically in terms of knowledge creation. We do so by drawing upon Nonaka’s well-known framework of knowledge creation and combining that with a taxonomy of five intranet use modes. For each of Nonaka’s four knowledge creating activities we associate and describe the corresponding primary intranet use mode that we argue can foster the knowledge creation process. We illustrate the arguments with findings from our own empirical intranet field studies and other documented intranet-related knowledge management research. We conclude with some implications of the model and we suggest avenues for further research.

Harnessing intranet technology for organisational knowledge creation

Many organisations have embraced intranets with the intent of harnessing the technology to support knowledge management initiatives. Despite the promise that intranet technology holds in this regard, many of the early research studies indicate rather disappointing results. In this paper we propose a model that organisations can use to conceptualise and reflect on their intranet applications with a view towards more fruitful results, specifically in terms of knowledge creation. We do so by drawing upon Nonaka's well-known framework of knowledge creation and combining that with a taxonomy of five intranet use modes. For each of Nonaka's four knowledge creating activities we associate and describe the corresponding primary intranet use mode that we argue can foster the knowledge creation process. We illustrate the arguments with findings from our own empirical intranet field studies and other documented intranet-related knowledge management research. We conclude with some implications of the model and we suggest avenues for further research.

Sport entrepreneurship : challenges and directions for future research

The aim of this paper is to structure the existing and emerging field of 'sport entrepreneurship' as well as to develop suggestions for future research. This paper examines the role of the sports entrepreneur and entrepreneurial process in new venture creation projects. This paper contributes to a general understanding of entrepreneurship in the sports context and suggests how further theoretical and empirical work on entrepreneurship needs to be conducted in the sports context. The major managerial and practical implications of sports entrepreneurship in this paper are to develop more entrepreneurial thinking in sports-related ventures. This paper is the first to focus on the future potential of sports entrepreneurship in creating entrepreneurial ventures, thereby providing a strong theoretical foundation for future research work.