Brychan Thomas

Use of the Internet and SME Characteristics to Expand Scale and Geographic Scope of Sales: The Case of the United Kingdom

The potential of the Internet to both geographically expand customer bases and provide a source of sales growth has led to a rapid embracement of the Internet by a majority of small businesses in the United Kingdom. However, many studies suggest that much of this adoption takes the form of simple Web sites representing little more than an electronic brochure. Although theories and models have been proposed suggesting adoption and development of e-commerce takes a staged process, with firms moving to more complex e-commerce processes after first mastering simpler forms of Web site, studies have found mixed evidence with regard to this. This paper investigates the level of Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Web site adoption and functionality and how this relates to growth aspirations, specifically the geographical expansion of customer bases. One potential explanation for this slow uptake of true e-commerce is a lack of employees with basic and advanced IT skills. The possibility that Information Technology (IT) skills shortages could explain the gap between the Internet’s potential and the extent of involvement by a vast majority of UK SMEs is explored. Discussion within the paper is complemented with analysis of data from a large survey of SMEs.

A critical analysis of the implementation of social networking as an e-recruitment tool within a security enterprise

Abstract Many enterprises are operating in complex and competitive environments, and changes in the internal and external environment have prompted them to engage in better ways of doing business. In order to respond to these changes, and survive in today’s volatile business environment, enterprises need to change their strategies. Human Resource departments are under pressure to keep operating costs low whilst also ensuring they are attracting, recruiting, and retaining talent within the enterprise. To achieve this, an increasing number of enterprises have adopted social networking into their recruitment strategy. This research aims to critically analyze the implementation of social networking as an e-recruitment tool within a Security Enterprise. The research key objective is to examine the importance of attracting Generation Y through the use of social networking sites and also to develop an understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of using social networking as an e-recruitment tool. The research also looks at contemporary examples of enterprises that have implemented social networking into their recruitment strategy. A further objective of the research is to gain an understanding of the attitudes and perceptions of the use of social networking as an e-recruitment tool. To achieve this, the research has taken a mixed-methods approach whilst focusing on an interpretivist stance. Data was gathered through an interview with the HR Manager at the Security Enterprise and a questionnaire was distributed to 22 employees within the enterprise and 84 respondents on social networking sites. The overall attitudes and perceptions of respondents showed that social networking can be effectively used as an e-recruitment tool as long as a traditional recruitment method is also used.

The potential of trading activity income to fund third sector organisations operating in deprived areas

In the United Kingdom, as in other countries, Third Sector Organisations have been drawn towards income sources associated with trading activities, but many remain reliant on grant funding to support such activities. Using a multivariate analysis approach and data from the National Survey of Charities and Social Enterprises, it is found that trading activities are used relatively commonly in deprived areas. These organisations are also more likely to attempt to access public sector funds. This suggests policy-makers need to consider the impact of funding cuts on Third Sector Organisations in the most deprived areas as Third Sector Organisations are unlikely to achieve their objectives without continuing support.

Pushing the Right Buttons?: A Critical Exploration into the Effects of Social Media as an Innovative E-Entrepreneurship Method of Recruitment for Enterprises

This paper explores effects and issues associated with Social Media and Recruitment and whether it is effective as an innovative e-entrepreneurship method of attracting appropriate employees for enterprises from a multi stakeholder perspective. Human Resources Management professionals have been using different methods of Social Media in their recruitment strategies with varying degrees of success. By examining social media and its effect this can support the development of a more effective Human Resources Recruitment strategy. Additionally increased communication channels might enable the development of a more positive internal enterprise culture. The research was conducted using both primary and secondary data. Professionals, recruiters and employees have been questioned on their views of Social Media from a personal and a professional perspective through a variety of methods including focus groups and questionnaires. This paper provides a framework that can be used by enterprises in order to create their own Social Media recruitment cycle. Pushing the Right Buttons? A Critical Exploration into the Effects of Social Media as an Innovative E-Entrepreneurship Method of Recruitment for Enterprises

Innovation, Social Capital, and Regional Policy: The Case of the Communities First Programme in Wales

Abstract This paper analyses how and why different forms of social capital are associated with different forms of innovation within the Communities First programme in Wales. Quantitative analysis shows that the Communities First programme partnerships analysed in this research are supportive of building both bonding and bridging social capital. Different types of bonding social capital appear to be positively related with two of the three types of innovative activity; it is bridging social capital which is statistically more strongly related to innovation outcomes, with some types of bonding social capital actually negatively related to hidden innovation. Whilst social capital building should not be considered a panacea for increasing levels of innovative activity within policies such as the Communities First programme. The qualitative analysis reveals multiple ways in which the Communities First programme partnerships evaluated are actively encouraging the simultaneous formation of bonding and bridging social capital, with evidence of hidden innovation and in particular social innovation being simultaneously formed. It can be stated, therefore, that regional policy aiming to develop non-traditional forms of innovation should more closely and explicitly reflect the relevance of building and maintaining particular types of bonding and especially bridging social capital.

Teleworking and a Green Computing Environment: A Conceptual Model

This paper considers strategic green issues of teleworking in terms of the environment, transport, location, office space and resource use for modern organisations and business sectors and formulates a conceptual model of the processes involved. Teleworking technologies are variously implemented for green computing initiatives and many advantages include lower greenhouse gas emissions related to travel, greater worker satisfaction and, as a result of lower overhead office costs, increased profit margins. The paper initially investigates the appropriateness of a working definition of teleworking with regard to green computing and explores the benefits, and barriers, of teleworking in a green computing environment. Theoretical frameworks and models of teleworking are considered and a conceptual model of the contribution of teleworking to green computing is formulated. The application of the model is considered in terms of teleworking concepts, the organisational environment and driving forces. It is the intention of the paper to identify, and articulate, those teleworking concepts that will be useful to academicians, scientists, business entrepreneurs, practitioners, managers and policy makers, and to indicate future directions for research scholars and students with similar interests.

Internet Adoption and International Marketing in the Jordanian Banking Sector

The research aims are to explore the extent of the banking sectors adoption of Internet applications in Jordan for marketing products and to identify the impact of such adoption on developing international markets. This study also aims to determine the major obstacles restraining banks marketing their products internationally through the Internet and to make recommendations conducive to an effective and optimal implementation of Internet applications for marketing bank products locally and internationally. The main research problem is the absence of a clear and comprehensive understanding of the banking sectors adoption of the Internet in Jordan to market products and services and the impact of such adoption on marketing products. It has been found that the main obstacle facing the Jordanian banking sectors adoption of the Internet for marketing its services internationally is the lack of legislation with regard to the regulation and control of e-transactions.