Understanding knowledge transfer in M&As: An integration of resource orchestration and social capital theories and evidence from UK acquiring firms

Whileknowledge transfer is one of the key components in determining Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) success, the current M&A literature has produced inconsistent findings regarding its antecedents and consequences. To address this research gap, this study explores the roles of functional integration and shared goals in facilitating knowledge transfer, which will in turn determine M&A success. To provide a more nuanced understanding of knowledge transfer, this study examines bilateral knowledge flows (e.g., knowledge transfer to a target firm from the UK acquiring firm and knowledge transfer from a target firm to the UK acquiring firm). Our research framework is built upon two different theoretical perspectives, namely resource orchestration and social capital theories. Our propositions were tested empirically across a sample of 131 UK cross-border M&A firms. Our results reveal that the affirmative roles of functional integration and shared goals in increasing knowledge transfer both to and from a target firm are confirmed and that knowledge transfer to the target firm is deemed decisive for M&A success. Based on the findings, we discuss theoretical and practical implications, followed by limitations and future study consideration.     

合同能源管理项目关键成功因素研究进展

目前对合同能源管理项目关键成功因素的研究主要集中于关键绩效指标与关键成功因素、关键成功因素的识别与分类、关键成功因素的分析方法以及数据收集方法4个方面,并取得了一定的研究成果。但在关键成功因素的选择、关键成功因素的变化规律、关键成功因素的分析方法等方面存在不同程度缺陷,影响了研究结果的实用性。后续研究可以从面向过程的视角,选择结构方程模型、数据包络分析等方法研究合同能管理项目不同阶段的关键成功因素变化规律及其相互关系。     

Transformational versus transactional leadership styles and project success: A meta-analytic review

Despite the fact that the reliance on project teams and project-based organizations has significantly increased over the past decades, previous meta-analyses paid no attention to the examination of leadership styles in the context of projects. The purpose of this study was to meta-analytically synthesize and investigate the contradictory evidence on the effects of transformational leadership and transactional leadership on project success. The study also examined several project-level and country-level moderators in such effects. The study used 64 effect sizes from 41 primary studies on projects to examine the proposed relationships. The findings suggested that transformational leadership had a stronger effect on project success than transactional leadership. The results further indicated that project-level factors (i.e., project size and project type) moderated the relationships of leadership styles with project success. Moreover, the country-level factors (i.e., power distance, collectivism, and economic status of the country) also moderated some of the relationships. Theoretical and practical implications are provided in the end.     

The impact of Multiple Mini Interviews on the attrition and academic outcomes of midwifery students

BackgroundAdmission to the Bachelor of Midwifery (BMid) in Australia has traditionally been based on academic ranking. The BMid is a high demand course offered to a limited number of students and therefore choosing applicants who complete the degree is important. Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs) are used to assess non-cognitive skills and select students into healthcare degrees. One university in Australia has introduced MMIs as part of the application process for the BMid.AimCompare attrition rates and Grade Point Average (GPA) scores between students admitted into the BMid using both academic ranking and MMIs, to those admitted on academic ranking alone.MethodsA basic convergent mixed methods design, using an explanatory unidirectional framework to integrate data. Attrition rates, GPA, and multiple mini interview scores (2013–2019), were linked and compared for before and after the use of MMI’s. Focus groups with students, interviewers, and hospital-based educators, explored stakeholder experiences. Open-ended questions from an applicant survey were added to the qualitative data set, which was analysed thematically.FindingsStudents who enrolled via the MMI’s had significantly lower attrition rates than those enrolled before MMI’s were introduced. GPA scores were significantly higher for students who enrolled via the MMI’s. Integration of data found MMI’s identified students passionate to undertake midwifery, and that success at the interviews increased students’ confidence to successfully complete their studies.ConclusionMMI’s as part of the entry process into the BMid enabled identification of applicants more likely to remain in the course and succeed in their studies.     

发展民营银行需慎行

民营银行在我国已不是一个新的话题,针对民营企业融资困难,国有银行存在的弊端以及我国整个银行业的状况,许多学者提出在我国大力发展民营银行,许多民营企业家也积极宣扬建立民营银行。民营银行确有其自身的优势,有值得国有银行借鉴的地方,但是我们还要冷静去分析大力发展民营银行是否有必要,是否符合我国当前的实际状况。笔者认为,目前在我国发展民营银行还需慎行。     

加快民办高等教育发展推进我省高等教育大众化进程

加快民办高等教育发展,是推进我省高等教育大众化进程的重要途径。本文在大量调研的基础上对我省民办高等教育做了基本估计,对发展瓶颈进行了深入分析,并对如何加快我省民办高等教育发展提出了建设性的对策与建议。