Abstract

Abstract
The speed of internationalization of firms has attracted considerable research in the last few decades. However, with regard to a particular type of firm, university spin-offs (USOs), this line of research is still incipient. A majority of the studies on USOs highlights their main features but does not focus on internationalization. Based on the responses from 111 Portuguese USOs, of which 78 are exporters, econometric estimations indicate that: (1) the internationalization speed of USOs is critically dependent on support from technology transfer offices; (2) in line with the “learning advantages of newness” perspective, younger Portuguese USOs reveal higher levels of entrepreneurial spirit and entrepreneurial capabilities, being in a better position to internationalize earlier than older USOs; (3) USOs that operate in microelectronics/robotics internationalize faster and earlier than USOs operating in ICT/software/digital media; and (4) in contrast with the literature on born globals/international new ventures, greater involvement in R&D activities slows down the early internationalization process of USOs. © 2014, Springer Science+Business Media New York.

Abstract

Abstract
Academia has been criticized for being in an "ivory tower", somewhat distant from what is going on in the practical world. How should we measure the return of investment in education worldwide? One such measure could be the satisfaction and preparedness felt by students when making the transition from classroom to the practical world of entrepreneurial and corporate business. Herein we analyse how three companies have been approaching internationalization, in order to increase the comprehension of what is going on in the real world, and to then tie it to curricula in higher education institutions on the subject. There is seen to be a necessity to perhaps also include lower-level material in internationalization curricula, as graduate students will tend to be involved in lower-level front-and back-office activities in organizations seeking to internationalize; but perhaps more important is specific sales training, for commercial contacts [1], but also to prepare for partnerships with universities and to promote mobility within the network. Effective collaboration with a number of entities, up-and down-stream, is a growing requirement in organizations. Finally, our research confirms other findings with regards to firms in Portugal following a gradual internationalization process.

Abstract

Abstract
This article presents a critical review of lean assessment in manufacturing and service settings as a base for development of a lean assessment framework for healthcare organizations, aiming to help them throughout a long journey. Having as starting point lean projects’ failures in four public hospitals, the authors discover the lack of monitoring (among other reasons) as the main issue. This article proposes a monitoring instrument for preventing returns to the comfort zone and guiding the lean journey. The healthcare lean assessment (HLA) can be used as an “as is” diagnosis tool, assessing whether each process should be improved, disrupted, or eliminated and also as an ongoing implementation assessment, providing control measures and correction actions. Although the framework proposed requires empirical testing in further research for universal application, it can help healthcare organizations by providing a transformation roadmap and monitoring instrument and also contributes to the growing stream of academic research in this area. © IIE, INCOSE.