Jeffrey W. Alstete

On becoming an entrepreneur: an evolving typology

This paper examines the perceptions of prospective entrepreneurs in light of the possible influence of the post‐Internet boom awareness and the slowing growth of the economy on their attitudes toward founding a business. The study presents and analyzes the responses and ensuing discussion to questions posed to 54 individuals in three college entrepreneurship courses. Using a controlled Internet discussion board, an interactive dialogue developed among participants. According to the qualitative research findings, a majority of participants in the study perceive there is a slight decline in entrepreneurial activity after the widely publicized failure of new e‐businesses that were created in recent years, and the subsequent slowing of the economy. However, there are several reasons why individuals considering entrepreneurship would continue with their goal of founding a business, including greater control of their destiny, increased satisfaction, more money, and creating a legacy for their family and children. Recommendations are made for further qualitative and empirical research of prospective entrepreneurs in follow‐up to these findings.

Performance indicators in online distance learning courses: a study of management education

Examines student performance indicators in online distance learning courses offered on the Internet at a mid‐sized private college in the USA. A sample of 74 undergraduate and 147 graduate business students in ten courses were selected for statistical analysis of their grade performance and the relationship with various indicators. The research results include findings that gender and age are related differently for undergraduate and graduate students to performance in distance learning courses, and that undergraduate grades, age, work experience, and discussion board grades are significantly related to overall course performance. However, standardized test scores (SATs, GMATs) and organization position level are not related to the performance in distance learning courses. Makes recommendations for further qualitative and empirical research on distance learning student performance in online computer‐mediated courses and programs.

Aspects of entrepreneurial success

Purpose – Guidance from successful individuals can be valuable to prospective and nascent entrepreneurs, as well as writers and instructors in the field. This paper seeks to confirm contemporary entrepreneurship concepts, examine current perceptions, and expand the knowledge base by exploring established entrepreneurship perceptions through first‐hand accounts of successful small business owners.Design/methodology/approach – This qualitative research study summarizes and analyzes interviews with 149 established entrepreneurs and small business owners regarding their perceptions on the advantages and disadvantages of their endeavors, and on providing advice to prospective new venture creators.Findings – The research revealed that entrepreneurs enjoy the independence, freedom, job satisfaction, and money, but believe the long hours, stress, responsibility, risk, and lack of company benefits are drawbacks of entrepreneurial activity. The findings largely support previous research in the field, while clarifyi...

Measurement benchmarks or “real” benchmarking?

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the current perceptions of company employees regarding the use and understanding of the terms “benchmark” as in performance measurement and “benchmarking” as in measurement followed by identification of best practices for improvement.Design/methodology/approach – A brief review of the literature from various industries is summarized on this issue, and then related to the research question. A qualitative research study is used to examine the perceptions of 42 participants who were primarily full‐time employees at companies in the New York metropolitan area pursuing a part‐time graduate business degree.Findings – The hypothesis is supported by the literature and the research findings that there is indeed a misunderstanding between the commonly used terms relating to performance measurement benchmarks and true benchmarking where identification of process leaders is only the first step in a complete process that then identifies best practices to be adapted.Res...

Alternative uses of electronic learning systems for enhancing team performance

Web‐based education and training programs are becoming widely offered at education institutions and companies today. The new electronic learning, or e‐learning, systems employed by these programs may also be used by work teams at organizations for facilitating creative energy in a virtual context to increase team performance. Various features such as discussion boards, virtual classrooms, digital drop boxes, task lists, calendars, and other features of the e‐learning systems can help teams work and communicate more efficiently. Explores potential features and strategies for team leaders and members to innovatively enhance team management and increase performance using e‐learning systems as a support tool.

Inside advice on educating managers for preventing employee theft

Purpose – Employee theft is a large problem for firms of all sizes, particularly small businesses where profit margins are often slim. The purpose of this paper is to examine the perceptions of current and previous employees regarding their advice for detecting and preventing employee theft.Design/methodology/approach – The study presents and analyzes the responses and ensuing discussion to questions posed to 79 individuals in three college‐level entrepreneurship courses. Using a controlled internet discussion board, an interactive dialogue developed among the study participants. The relationship of these findings to the existing literature on employee theft and how these findings support and expand the scholarship base is examined.Findings – According to the qualitative research findings, a majority of participants in the study recommend implementation or increase usage of video surveillance, and better control systems and record keeping. Other recommendations include better hiring, using a “ringer” on s...

Association‐sponsored benchmarking programs

Association‐sponsored benchmarking programs are developed, organized, and implemented by a professional association of member institutions. Methods used often include survey‐type data collection instruments or traditional benchmarking strategies with site visits. These types of programs can be effective tools for identifying and adapting best practices at relatively low cost for association members while generating revenue for the association. However, association benchmarking programs must be carefully planned, properly promoted, implemented in timely manner, and effectively reported to members in order to be successful.

An assessment of knowledge growth stages in organizations

This paper examines the stages of knowledge growth in 50 companies through a qualitative research study that asked employees to identify where their organization ranks along Bohns eight-stage scale ranging from complete ignorance to complete knowledge. Participants were also asked to identify their competitors ranking and the ideal stage of knowledge to which their company should strive. The results found that companies today rank on the Bohn scale between stage three (the measure stage) where knowledge is typically written and stage four (control of the mean) where knowledge is written and embodied in hardware. Respondents also stated that their companies were perceived as usually slightly ahead of their competitors, but not nearly at the ideal level that they believe their organizations should achieve. Recommendations are made for further qualitative and empirical research regarding the stages of knowledge growth at organizations, and how organizations can support movement toward complete knowledge.

Strategy Choices of Potential Entrepreneurs

The author examined the written business plans of 380 students who completed courses in entrepreneurship and small business management over an 11-year period. An analysis categorized the plans into five generic competitive strategy types, and the results found that 58% chose a traditional, focused differentiation approach. A large portion (28%) used broad differentiation and a small number chose other generic strategies. When considering related literature on high failure rates of small businesses, the findings of this study suggest that potential entrepreneurs should be more informed about alternatives and consider combination strategies or flexible innovative approaches in new business endeavors.

Structuring Innovation in the Knowledge Management Platform: Perceptions and Practices

This qualitative research study examined perceptions and current practices of structuring innovation in the knowledge management platform by questioning employees of companies in the greater New York metropolitan area. The 69 participants involved were enrolled in graduate-level distance learning courses offered by a fully-accredited higher education institution. Many participants in the study agreed with the premise of this paper that innovation policies can and should be structured into knowledge management systems. However, it was stated by a minority in the study group that officially setting up the innovation polices with the KM system is not truly feasible, although it is a worthy goal. Nevertheless, the concepts of innovation and knowledge are closely related, and within organisations today it is a tremendous missed opportunity if knowledge management systems are not developed and structured from the start with innovation in mind as a continual outcome.