Morbidity in 201 patients with small sized meningioma treated by microsurgery

The management of patients with small, often asymptomatic meningiomas is controversial and includes observation, microsurgery (MS) and stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). The purpose of this retrospective study was to analyze the morbidity and the extent of removal after MS for small (< or =3 cm) intracranial meningiomas and compare these results to those of SRS reported in the literature.

Power system stability of a small sized isolated network supplied by a combined wind-pumped storage generation system: a case study in the Canary Islands

Massive integration of renewable energy sources in electrical power systems of remote islands is a subject of current interest. The increasing cost of fossil fuels, transport costs to isolated sites and environmental concerns constitute a serious drawback to the use of conventional fossil fuel plants. In a weak electrical grid, as it is typical on an island, if a large amount of conventional generation is substituted by renewable energy sources, power system safety and stability can be compromised, in the case of large grid disturbances. In this work, a model for transient stability analysis of an isolated electrical grid exclusively fed from a combination of renewable energy sources has been studied. This new generation model will be installed in El Hierro Island, in Spain. Additionally, an operation strategy to coordinate the generation units (wind, hydro) is also established. Attention is given to the assessment of inertial energy and reactive current to guarantee power system stability against large disturbances. The effectiveness of the proposed strategy is shown by means of simulation results.

Using QFD for e-business planning and analysis in a micro-sized enterprise

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to show how QFD can be used as part of a structured planning and analysis framework for micro-sized enterprises to build-up their e-business capabilities. Design/methodology/approach - This case study has been produced using a new framework which integrates the balanced scorecard, value chain and quality function deployment techniques into an integrated framework known as the E-Business Planning and Analysis Framework (E-PAF). It has been produced using an action research approach. Findings - A new framework with a supporting case study is provided. This case study has demonstrated that the framework can be applied successfully to micro-sized enterprises (those with less than ten employees) to successfully plan new strategic and technical developments. This will enhance the online service that the company is able to provide. Research limitations/implications - This paper presents a single case study. The technical recommendations are currently being implemented. Originality/value - Such analytical techniques are most commonly associated with large organisations, and are not specifically associated with e-business planning. This paper provides a new framework that will be of general applicability to other similarly sized enterprises that are looking to improve e-business capabilities. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited.

Formalizált rugalmasság – a kettős képesség kialakulása egy középvállalatban (Formalized adaptability: the development of ambidexterity in a medium-sized enterprise)

Az empirikus kutatás azokra a kérdésekre keresi a választ, hogy a hazai innovatív, növekedésorientált kis- és középvállalkozásokat milyen tényezők támogatják és segítik abban, hogy egyszerre legyenek képesek kiválóan teljesíteni jelenlegi piacaikon, miközben radikális innovációikon keresztül biztosítják a szervezet hosszú távú növekedési pályáját. A kutatás kvalitatív, feltáró, egyéni interjúkra épülő esettanulmányos módszertan keretein belül 14 vezetői interjúra, helyszíni megfigyelésre és széles körű dokumentumelemzésre épül. Az eredmények alapján a kettős képességű szervezetek teljesítményét egy hat, egymással összefüggésben lévő elemből álló modell határozza meg, melynek részei a felsővezetői decentralizáció, menedzsmentkontroll, vezetői szerepek és identitás, feladat- és hatáskörök, motivációs rendszer és a menedzsmenttudás színvonala. _______ The empirical research seeks the answer to the question what kind of factors support and help the innovative, growth-oriented Hungarian SMEs to both have the ability to operate at an excellent level in their current markets and to ensure the long-term growth path of the organization through radical innovations. The research applies qualitative, interview-based methodology. The dataset consists of 14 interviews with managers from different organizational level of the examined company, on-site observation and document-analysis. The main contribution of the article is a model that includes the influential structural and contextual factors of organizational ambidexterity, which are decentralization, management controlling, leader roles and identity, functions and authorities, motivation system and level of management knowledge.

Monitoring system for small sized photovoltaic power plants

This paper presents a monitoring system devoted to small sized photovoltaic (PV) power plants. The system is characterized by: a high level of integration; a low cost, when compared to the cost of the PV system to be monitored; and an easy installation in the majority of the PV plants with installed power of some kW. The system is able to collect, store, process and display electrical and meteorological parameters that are crucial when monitoring PV facilities. The identification of failures in the PV system and the elaboration of performance analysis of such facilities are other important characteristics of the developed system. The access to the information about the monitored facilities is achieved by using a web application, which was developed with a focus on the mobile devices. In addition, there is the possibility of an integration between the developed monitoring system and the central supervision system of Martifer Solar (a company focused on the development, operation and maintenance of PV systems).

eLEARNING

eLearning through its flexibility and facility of access is seen as a major enabler of lifelong learning (LLL), as a catalyst of change and a chance for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to improve their business and to integrate into European market. But so far eLearning in the context of vocational educational training mainly has been adopted by large enterprises, while only little activity can be observed in SMEs. The question arises what the chances and challenges for SMEs are and what are the experience with its usage. In this paper after a presentation of key issues in eLearning chances and challenges of eLearning for SMEs are discussed and experiences are exemplified by three EU-funded eLearning projects. The focus lies on the ongoing project ARIEL - Analysing and Reporting the Implementation of Electronic Learning in Europe – coordinated by the Institut Arbeit und Technik (IAT).

eLEARNING - EINE CHANCE FÜR KLEINE UND MITTLERE UNTERNEHMEN

eLearning wird durch seine Flexibilität und Zugänglichkeit als bedeutendes Instrument für die Implementierung lebenslangen Lernens (LLL) angesehen. Es kann für kleine und mittelgroße Unternehmen (KMU) einen Katalysator des Wandels sein und bietet damit die Chance zur Verbesserung der wirtschaftlichen Leistungsfähigkeit. Darüber hinaus kann eLearning dazu dienen, die Integration von KMU in den europäischen Markt zu fördern. Bis jetzt wird eLearning im Rahmen der beruflichen Aus- und Weiterbildung jedoch nahezu ausschließlich in Großunternehmen genutzt, während es in KMU allenfalls eine marginale Rolle spielt. Im ersten Kapitel dieses Artikels wird auf den Perspektivenwechsel in der beruflichen Aus- und Weiterbildung eingegangen. Im Anschluss daran werden die zentralen Elemente von eLearning vorgestellt (Kap. 2). Die mit eLearning verbundenen Chancen und Herausforderungen für KMU diskutiert (Kap. 3). Abschließend wird auf Erfahrungen mit eLearning in der Praxis am Beispiel von drei EU-finanzierten Projekten eingegangen. Das Hauptaugenmerk liegt dabei auf dem laufenden Projekt ARIEL -Analysing and Reporting the Implementation of Electronic Learning in Europe -, das vom Institut Arbeit und Technik, Gelsenkirchen, (IAT) koordiniert wird.

Policies for small and medium-sized enterprises in Chile

Includes bibliography

Accountability in government programmes to promote small and medium-sized enterprises

Includes bibliography

Internationalization of small and medium sized UK manufacturing enterprises:technology and knowledge transfer perspective

This dissertation examines internationalisation of small and medium sized enterprises. There has been a journey to achieve this. The research has started as an action research as Teaching Company Scheme Associate. This has been done in two research cycles, which investigated factors for successful internationalisation of a small and medium sized UK manufacturing enterprise. This has revealed that successful internationalisation requires good technology and knowledge transfer to the new operations. The action research is followed by a survey that has been conducted within UK manufacturing companies. The data collected was analysed under three models: entry mode selection, role of factory and level of internationalisation. The first two models explain two major aspects of internationalisation decision. The last is showing what makes successful internationalising small and medium sized companies. These models provided several important results. The small and medium sized enterprise internationalisation is harder to achieve because most of these organisations do not have experience in technology and knowledge transfer. The success of internationalisation depends on the success of the transfer. This is achieved through employee ownership of the new knowledge. There are many factors affecting this result such as the network relationships such as trust, control and commitment and cognitive distance between two organisations. The last is a product of the difference between prior knowledge and the required level of knowledge. The entry mode and role of factory are decided through these factors while the level of internationalisation can only be explained by absorptive capacity of the recipient organisation and the technology transfer ability of the host organisation.

Small and medium-sized enterprises and regional economic growth in Brazil

This paper examines the relationship between the small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) sector and economic growth for an annual panel of Brazilian states for the period 1985–2004. We investigate the importance of the relative size of the SME sector measured by the share of SME employment in total formal employment and the level of human capital in SMEs measured by the average years of schooling of SME employees. The empirical results indicate that the relative importance of SMEs is negatively correlated with economic growth, a result that is consistent with previous studies examining developing countries. In addition, our results show that the human capital embodied in SMEs may be more important for economic growth than the relative size of the SME sector.

Who needs it? An exploratory investigation into the reaction of small and medium enterprises to mobile data technologies

The technological environment in which contemporary small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operate can only be described as dynamic. The seemingly exponential nature of technological change, characterised by perceived increases in the benefits associated with various technologies, shortening product life cycles and changing standards, provides for the small and medium-sized enterprise a complex and challenging operational context. The development of infrastructures capable of supporting the Wireless Application Protocol (WAP)and associated 'wireless' applications represents the latest generation of technological innovation with potential appeal to SMEs and end-users alike. The primary aim of this research was to understand the mobile data technology needs of SMEs in a regional setting. The research was especially concerned with perceived needs across three market segments; non-adopters of new technology, partial-adopters of new technology and full-adopters of new technology. Working with an industry partner, focus groups were conducted with each of these segments with the discussions focused on the use of the latest WP products and services. Some of the results are presented in this paper.

Micro, small and medium enterprise in insolvency: An international perspective

UNCITRAL Working Group I is presently developing a legal framework dealing with the entire lifecycle of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. The central focus of this work is to guide MSMEs in developing countries out of the grey economy and into the regulated, tax-paying space where these business will also have greater access to legitimate finance. Insolvency is an important, perhaps inevitable aspect of the life cycle of these enterprises. The question that is yet to be considered is a simplified insolvency regime for MSMEs. While the Working Group I is focused on the development of a model for developing economies, MSMEs in robust, highly developed economies also face particular challenges when faced with a solvency crisis. The present one-fits-all approach to insolvency requires a rethink.