Business and Management

Business and Enterprise research seminars

Business and Enterprise seminars take place on the following Thursdays from 12.30pm-2pm in Jubilee G30, unless otherwise specified.

21 May 
Two Faces of Complexity: Organizational Complexity, Internal Inefficiencies and Innovation Performance
Maya Cara (University of Sussex)

Maya Cara paper [DOCX 173.59KB]

Abstract

In a complex organization, parts interact in non-linear ways creating outcomes that are hard to predict. Many studies have examined the positive consequences that arise from non-linear interactions between agents in a system, such as innovation and collaboration. However, it is also possible that such interactions have negative consequences, because the costs of coordination compound in a way that makes highly-complex organizations hard to manage. In this paper we consider these two faces of complexity at the same time, arguing that organizational complexity facilitates emergent order in the form of innovation outputs, and also disorder in the form of internal inefficiencies, which in turn dampens the organization’s innovation outputs. Using a new database that combines internal survey findings for 211 large firms with objective measures of their innovation outputs, we find strong empirical support for our arguments. Our empirical findings are a useful complement to the largely modelling-oriented literature on organizational complexity that has emerged over the last fifteen years.

Bio

Maya Cara joined the University of Sussex in March 2015 as Lecturer in Strategy at the Department of Business and Management.

She earned her Ph.D. in Strategy and Entrepreneurship in December 2014 from London Business School. She also holds an MBA from University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Prior to joining academia she worked as supply chain manager for Schnedier Electric (France) and plant manager for Siemens (US, Germany).

 

Past seminars

Spring Term 2015
21 January
 Holier than thou? A natural field experiment on social information in charitable giving
Marta Maras (Bocconi University) 

Please note: This seminar will take place on Wednesday 21 January and will be in G30.

Abstract

We study a six-year fundraising campaign by a Catholic parish to build a new church. Every Sunday, the priest announced donations, names, and addresses of donors, with surprise changes in the presentation of this social information. This unique data allows tests of hypotheses on how social information affects giving. We examine “fitting in” (neighbourhood effects, norm conformance) and “standing out” (social-image, information signalling, conspicuous giving). Early in the campaign, we observe significant fitting-in. Over six years, however, the dominant effect of social information is to encourage standing-out. Moreover, information affects how social comparisons are formed, sometimes with unintended consequences.

Bio


Marta Maras is currently an Assistant Professor of Management at the Department of Management and Technology at Bocconi University. Her primary research interests include strategic decision making, pro-social behaviour, altruism, behavioural and experimental economics. She holds a doctoral degree in Management from Pompeu Fabra University. By conducting laboratory, field and natural experiments, she explores factors in the environment of individuals that make them more prone to certain biases, act irrationally or in contrast, act more pro-socially and generously. Recently, she has focused on the strategic decision making and peer effects in various charitable organizations and pay-what-you-want settings.

5 March
Understanding the concept of brand forgiveness
Nikolette Siamagka (Kings College) 

Abstract

The concept of forgiveness has been in the centre of research within the psychology domain for a number of years. In marketing, consumer forgiveness has been conceptualised mainly within the context of services and relevant studies have focused mostly on ‘organisational violations’. This is however highly problematic, as consumers often tend to evaluate and build relationships at the brand level rather than the firm level. This study addresses this gap by exploring the concept of forgiveness in the context of consumer brand relationships.

Bio

Dr Nikoletta-Theofania Siamagka is a Lecturer in Marketing at King’s College London. Nikoletta’s research interests lie in the areas of international consumer behaviour, consumer emotions and e-marketing. Her research has appeared in various academic journals, such as the European Journal of Marketing, Industrial Marketing Management, and Journal of Travel Research.

17 March
Reflecting on internationalisation experience: The missing link in the development of leaders' cognitive capabilities 
Lucrezia Casulli (Strathclyde University)

Abstract

The internationalisation of firms can be viewed as the behavioural manifestation of firm leaders cognitive capabilities. The emerging literature on cognitive capabilities in internationalisation sheds light on how firms develop systematic rules of thumb leading to formalized, firm level processes to promote the transference of expertise from one context to a novel one, ultimately leading to strategic decision making.
In this paper, we argue that the development of such cognitive capabilities is a process that starts at the level of the individual. The firm leader develops internationalisation related strategic reasoning over time and with experience.
We purposefully select leaders of internationalising firms that differ in terms of their depth and breath of experiences and elicit their reflections on externally verified internationalisation events. Our intent is to distil different reflection processes at play for different depths and breaths of experience, so we interrogate the data accordingly.
In our findings and discussion sections we outline each of the 4 emerging reflection processes and discuss the implications of those in relation to the development of the cognitive capabilities of the firm leader in firm internationalisation.

26 March
The Team Unbound: Rethinking Teams in today’s global work environment
Luigi De Luca (Cardiff Business School)

Abstract

Team-based organizational design has become a structural imperative. However, this convention presupposes effective customer orientation at the team level. Using the Input-Mediator-Output framework, this study develops and tests a theoretical model of the dissipative processes through which leaders leverage their customer orientation to enhance team performance and satisfaction.The study's results have significant theoretical and managerial implications.

Bio

Dr Luigi M. De Luca is Reader in Marketing and Senior Research Coordinator of the Marketing & Strategy Section, Cardiff Business Schools. He is also Deputy Director of Research for Cardiff Business School. Luigi holds a Master in Marketing & Innovation Management and a Ph.D. in Business Administration & Management from Bocconi University (Italy). Luigi joined Cardiff Business School in 2009, and his previous work experiences include Aston Business School (UK), Bocconi University (Italy), Hong Kong City University (HK) and CEIBS (China). Luigi has taught undergraduate, master, doctoral and executive courses in marketing and innovation in UK and abroad. His key research interests are marketing strategy, product innovation, market knowledge processes, and the interface between marketing and other departments in the firm. Luigi’s research is published in the Journal of Marketing, Journal of Product Innovation Management, Research Policy, Industrial Marketing Management, and Journal of Personal Selling and Sales Management. He is an active member of the American Marketing Association (AMA) and the European Marketing Academy (EMAC). Since joining Cardiff Business School Luigi has served for five years as track-chair for Innovation and New Product Development at EMAC’s annual conference and has been Editorial Board Member of Journal of Product Innovation Management, Industrial Marketing Management and Journal of Global Scholars of Marketing Science

Autumn term 2014
9 October
Technological distance and the structure of MNC subunit knowledge sourcing
Prof John Cantwell (Rutgers Business School)

Abstract

The foreign subunits of multinational corporations (MNCs) have an important role to play in the search for relevant knowledge which is technologically distant from the traditional core domains of the firm.

When MNC subunits create new knowledge that relies upon novel combinations of technologically more distant and core knowledge, this affects their relative reliance on internal and external sources of knowledge across geographic space. Focusing on the pharmaceutical industry in Germany, we find that as technological distance rises, firms rely more on both internal and external sources of knowledge accumulation. However, international internal sources are used for a more intensive cross-border exploitation of knowledge within a field, while local external sources are used more for the exploration of new knowledge combinations across distinct and more distant fields.

Moreover, as international integration efforts rise, subunits rely more on intra-firm knowledge sources, but when international integration is combined with local responsiveness efforts, knowledge accumulation relies more on inter-organizational sources. These findings suggest that when subunits play a more creative role in knowledge generation within their corporate group, international knowledge exchanges in MNCs are enhanced (not reduced) and complement external sources.

Bio

John Cantwell is Distinguished Professor of International Business at Rutgers University, New Jersey, USA. He was previously Professor of International Economics at the University of Reading in the UK, until 2002. His research is focused especially on technological innovation and multinational corporations. His earliest work helped to launch a new literature on multinational companies and international networks for technology creation, beyond merely international technology transfer. Altogether, Professor Cantwell has published thirteen books, over 70 articles in refereed academic journals, and over 80 chapters in edited collections. His published research spans the fields of International Business and Management, Economics, Economic History, Economic Geography, and Innovation Studies. He is the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of International Business Studies from 2011-16. He is an elected Fellow of the Academy of International Business (AIB), since 2005, and a Founding Fellow of the European International Business Academy (EIBA), since 2001.

30 October
Does natural resource abundance deter non-resource FDI? Evidence from the United States
Dr Jing-Lin Duanmu (Surrey Business School)

Abstract

Using inward FDI data from 1977 to 2007 into forty eight states in the United States, I analyse two causal mechanises through which natural resource abundance influences non-resource FDI in manufacturing and service sector. I find that (1) natural resource production significantly reduces manufacturing FDI but increases service FDI through its inflationary impact on labour cost; (2) capital intensity mitigates the negative impact of inflated wage on manufacturing FDI, and enhances its positive effect on service FDI; (3) natural resource attracts manufacturing FDI through its tax reduction function, but its impact on service FDI is not significant.

Bio

Jing-Lin Duanmu is a Senior Lecturer at Surrey Business School. She obtained her PhD degree at the University of Bath, UK. Currently, she conducts research on location determinants foreign direct investment from emerging markets, cultural aspects of international trade, the impact of multinational banks on host country, and corruption. She welcomes potential collaborations with scholars in International Business, Organizational Behaviour, and Finance areas.

20 November
Why and how are retailers influencing sustrainability behaviours of households?
Prof William Young (University of Leeds)

Abstract

Brand companies are increasingly shifting their Corporate Sustainability focus onto changing the sustainability behaviour of their customers in their homes. This is a response to the results of environmental analysis of their products (through life cycle assessment) that shows the use phase of products and services can contribute to a large proportion of the environmental resource use and emissions. This presentation will report on a research project helping Asda to influence the reduction of food waste of its 18 million customers. Behaviour change inventions have been designed and implemented along with monitoring of any change in household behaviour. The theory, methods, impact and ethics of this project will be discussed.

Bio

William Young is Professor of Sustainability and Business and Co-Director of the Sustainability Research Institute at the University of Leeds. His research focuses is on developing methods and tools for pro-environmental behaviour change for organisations and consumers. Current projects include a Knowledge Transfer Partnership with Asda and Co-Investigator for the ESRC Consumer Data Research Centre. William helps run the Corporate Responsibility Research Conference and organise part of the ‘Leeds Curriculum’ that gives students the opportunity of studying from 110 sustainability modules and work on campus sustainability projects.

Summer term 2014
DateSpeakerSeminar title

7 May

 Professor Mikki Hebl (Rice University, Houston, Texas, USA)

Subtle but serious discrimination

14 May

 Professor David Bardolet (Bocconi University, Milan, Italy)

Please note that this seminar will take place from 1pm-2pm in Jubilee 118 rather than the usual time and venue

Resource allocation, dynamic capabilities and strategy
27 May Marina Biniari (Aalto University, Helsinki, Finland)

 

Please note that this seminar will take place from 1pm-2pm in Jubilee 117 rather than the usual time and venue.

The configuration of corporate venturing logic through a resource dependence institutional lens
4 June Yong Yang (Sussex)

How does the labour quality in overseas affiliates affect the productivity of parent companies? A global value chain perspective
Spring term 2014
DateSpeakerSeminar Title
9 April

Grazia D. Santangelo, University of Catania (co-authored with Larissa Rabbiosi, Copenhagen Business School)

When in Rome, do as the Romans do, but cum judicio: Dealing with corruption after entry
2 April

Prof Giambattista Dagnino (University of Catania)

Please note: this seminar will take place in Jubilee 117 at 3pm rather than the usual venue and time

Keep Fit to Fit: An Analysis of the Microfoundations of Strategic Alliance Evolution Capabilities
26 March Prof Steven McGuire (Prifysgol Aberystwyth University)

Multilateral Agreements and Global Governance of International Trade and Financial Regimes

19 March

 Bart Clarysse (Imperial College London)

Understanding the Process of New Venture Evolution in Nascent Markets

5 March

 Professor Joachim Stoeber (University of Kent)

Perfectionism at work: Does it pay?

26 February

 Yong Yang (University of Sussex)

Please note that this seminar will begin at 12pm rather than the usual time 

How does the labour quality in overseas affiliates affect the productivity of parent companies? A global value chain perspective

5 February 

 Professor Paul Sparrow (Lancaster University)

Please note that this seminar will take place in Jubilee 144 rather than the usual venue 

Strategic talent management; the outlines of a new bridge mechanism
Autumn term 2013
DateSpeakerSeminar Title
11 December Ruth Yeoman, University of Oxford

Please note that this seminar will begin at 3pm rather than the usual time 

Meaningful work and workplace democracy: a philosophy of work and a politics of meaningfulness
4 December Marion Garaus, University of Vienna

Consumers' reactions to confusing store environments.
26 November Bernardo Bátiz-Lazo, Bangor University

Please note that this seminar will take place in Jubilee G31 between 1-2pm

Origins of Cashless Payments: Direct to Account Payments, Cash Machines and Online Technology in the UK and Sweden
13 November Rebecca Liu, University of Sussex

Absorptive Capacity and Dynamic Capabilities:  A Best Practice study from a market knowledge-based view
6 November Chia-Jung Tsay, University College London

The impact of visual cues on the judgement of performance 
30 October Phillip Nell, Copenhagen Business School

Please note that this seminar will take place in Jubilee G31 rather than the usual venue

Strictly Limited Choice or Agency?Institutional Duality, Legitimacy, and Subsidiaries’ Political Strategies.

16 October

 Joaquin Alegre, University of Valencia

Joint seminar with SPRU; Please note that this seminar will begin at 1pm and take place in Jubilee G22 rather than the usual time and venue

Entrepreneurial orientation, Innovative Capabilities and Export Performance
Summer term 2013

 

DateSpeakerSeminar TitleDiscussant
12 June Monica Masucci
Sussex

Please note that this is ajoint seminar with SPRU

Uncovering the determinants of initiative survival in corporate venture units: a multistage selection perspective

 David Storey
22 May Franco Fiordelisi
University of Rome III

Pricing operational risk in commercial banking

 Roman Matousek
15 May Laura Frigotto
University of Trento

Please note that this seminar will take place in Jubilee G31 rather than the usual venue

A view from the height: The contribution of Nobel laureate Paul Lauterbur to the evolution of MRI research area

 Piera Morlacchi
8 May Piera Morlacchi
Sussex

This is a joint seminar with SPRU

From ‘built to grow’ to ‘built to sell’: The evolution of new venture creation in the US pacemaker field (1949-2012)


 -
Spring term 2013
DateSpeakerSeminar TitleDiscussant
30 January Shova Thapa Karki 
University of Sussex

Please note that this seminar will take place in Arts A103 rather than the usual venue

Good intention – ‘bad’ behaviour: Investigating attitudes, intentions and illegal resource extraction at Bardia National Park, Nepal

 Michelle Luke
6 February David StoreyandAlex Coad
University of Sussex

Julian Frankish
Barclays

Is enterprise a route out of deprivation?

 -
13 February Prof Bill Ziemba
Sauder School of Business,University of British Columbia

When to sell Apple and the NASDAQ? Trading bubbles with a stochastic disorder model

 Carol Alexander
27 February  Antonio Majocchi 
University of Pavia

Please note that this seminar will take place in Arts A103 rather than the usual venue

Are family firms more internationally involved than non-family firms? The case of Italy

 Norifumi Kawai
13 March  Alfred Yawson
University of Adelaide Business School

Extraordinary acquirers

 -
20 March  Vikrant Shirodhkar
University of Sussex

MNE-subsidiaries’ approaches to non-market strategy in emerging economies

 -
10 April Giovanni Valentini
Bocconi University

Joint seminar with SPRU; please note that this seminar will take place in Jubilee G22 rather than the normal venue

What is open innovation, really? 

 -
17 April Mike Osborne
University of Sussex

Please note that this seminar starts at the earlier than usual time of 12.30pm

Is APR a Robust Measure of the Cost of Consumer Credit?

 -
Autumn term 2012
DateSpeakerSeminar TitleDiscussant

12 December

 Efthymios G Tsionas 
Athens University of Economics and Business

Revisiting herding behaviour: likelihood evidence

 Emmanuel Mamatzakis

5 December

 Mirela Xheneti 
University of Sussex

Please note: this seminar will begin at 12.30pm

Strategizing the border location: a bricolage perspective on informal entrepreneurial activities

 David Storey
21 November  Kevin Grant and Martin Meyer 
University of Sussex

Addicted to IT: lessons for responsible management

 None
14 November  Glenn Morgan 
Cardiff Business School

Into the greater Asian economic expansion: competition and cooperation between the Korean and Japanese electronics industries

 Ödül Bozkurt
31 October  Surendranath Jory 
University of Sussex

A comparison of bidders of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) with bidders of non-SOEs: Deal Structure Decisions and Wealth Effects

 Bruce Hearn
3 October Kostas Nikolopoulos
Bangor Business School

Please note: this seminar will take place in Fulton Building room 203

The relative performance of methods for forecasting Special Events: predicting the success of Policy Implementation

 None
Summer term 2012
DateSpeakerSeminar Title
20 June Barbara Larson
University of Sussex

The strategic participation decisions of social movement organizations 
Please note: This is a joint seminar with SPRU and will take place in the social space of the Freeman Centre from 1.00pm-2.00pm
13 June Bruce Hearn
University of Sussex

Time varying liquidity effects in Japanese and Pacific Basin equity markets: An industrial sector analysis 
Please note: this BaM seminar will take place in Shawcross Building room AS02 (rather than in Friston) from 1.15-2.15pm
6 June Maria Savona
University of Sussex

Public R&D strategic interactions across EU-15 countries: A spatial econometric analysis.
Please note: This is a joint seminar with SPRU and will take place in the social space of the Freeman Centre from 1.00pm-2.00pm
30 May Caetano Penna
University of Sussex

The co-evolution of societal problems, innovation and incumbent industries: Ups and downs in the issue lifecycle trajectory of American auto-safety (1900-2000)
Please note: This is a joint seminar with SPRU and will take place in the social space of the Freeman Centre from 1.00pm-2.00pm
23 May Professor Ulf Andersson
Copenhagen Business School 

Balancing the Trade-Off between Learning Prospects and Spillover Risks: MNC Subsidiaries’ Vertical Linkage Patterns in Developed Countries (Joint seminar with SPRU) 
Please note: This is a joint seminar with SPRU and will take place in the social space of the Freeman Centre from 1.00pm-2.00pm
16 May No seminar

-
9 May Werner Holzl
Austrian Institute of Economics Research (WIFO) 

Innovation Barriers across Firms and Countries 
Please note: This is a joint seminar with SPRU and will take place in the social space of the Freeman Centre from 1.00pm-2.00pm
2 May George Saridakis
Loughborough University 

The relationship between self-employment and unempployment in the long run: a panel cointegration approach 
Please note: This is a joint seminar with SPRU and will take place in the social space of the Freeman Centre from 1.00pm-2.00pm
25 April Emmanuel Mamatzakis
University of Sussex 

What do market expectations reveal about the euro area sovereign debt crisis? 
Please note: This is a joint seminar with SPRU and will take place in the social space of the Freeman Centre from 1.00pm-2.00pm

18 April

Iftikhar Hussain 
University of Sussex 

Subjective Performance Evaluation in the Public Sector: Evidence From School Inspect