Download the 2nd ed. (PDF) - Grenoble Ecole de Management

2nd
2013
edition
Alumni Profi les and Theses
DBA
DOCTORAL
KNOWLEDGE
FACTORY
DBA Alumni and their Research
20 TH ANNIVERSARY
The DBA at Grenoble Ecole de Management
1

20 TH ANNIVERSARY
The DBA at Grenoble Ecole de Management

2nd
2013
edition
DBA
DOCTORAL
KNOWLEDGE
FACTORY
DBA Alumni and their Research

Doctoral Knowledge Factory – 2013 edition
2nd
2013
edition
2

DOCTORAL
KNOWLEDGE
FACTORY
CONTENTS
Grenoble Ecole de Management 4
The Doctoral School 6
The DBA Experience 15
Introductions by Deans and Directors 16
Testimonials from DBA Graduates and Supervisors 24
Inside the DBA 29
The Concept of the Knowledge Factory
Where to Find Graduates and Their Work 35
DBA Graduates Around the World 36
List of DBA Theses (by field of research) 38
DBA Alumni Profiles and Theses 45
DBA Alumni Profiles (by alphabetical order)
Publications and Other Intellectual
Contributions of DBA Graduates 212
Publications:
Books 214
Book Chapters 216
Academic Journal Articles 221
Professional Journal Articles 236
Conference Proceedings 239
Other Intellectual Contributions:
Conferences without Proceedings 246
Working Papers / Other (case studies, reports, etc.) 254

Doctoral Knowledge Factory – 2013 edition
Grenoble
Ecole de
Management
4

Established in 1984 by Grenoble’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry,
Grenoble Ecole de Management is one of the best management schools in
France and in Europe (within the French top 6 and the European top 20). Each
year, approximately 6,600 students and executives complete one of the 50 national
and international programs from the undergraduate to the doctoral level
on offer at Grenoble Ecole de Management. The School counts more than
18.000 alumni and 7.000 business professionals taking part in its development.
One Institution - Three Accreditations
Accredited EQUIS, AACSB and AMBA, a member of the Conférence des
Grandes Ecoles, and repeatedly ranked in international and national publications,
Grenoble Ecole de Management is one of only a few business schools
worldwide to hold the triple accreditation crown – a confirmation of the
quality of its many activities.
Expertise in Management of Technology and Innovation
Based in Grenoble, an innovation city, Grenoble Ecole de Management has
developed exceptional expertise in Management of Technology and Innovation.
Thanks to this unique specificity, the School is a founding member
of the world-class innovation campus GIANT (Grenoble Innovation for
Advanced New Technologies) alongside CEA, CNRS, ESRF, EMBL, ILL,
Grenoble Institute of Technology and Université Joseph Fourier.
International Excellence in Research
Grenoble Ecole de Management’s publications shed light on the different aspects
of Management of Technology and Innovation, the strategic positioning of the
School. It numbers eight institutes and research centers and 330 doctoral students.
The International Touch of GEM
Grenoble Ecole de Management trains students in ten global off-site campuses
in China, Georgia, Lebanon, Morocco, Russia, Singapore, Switzerland,
the United Arab Emirates, the UK, the USA. It has 159 partner institutions
and 2.500 international students.
One Institution - Four Schools
Grenoble Ecole de Management brings together four schools:
- The Doctoral School, which delivers the doctoral programs;
- Ecole Supérieure de Commerce (ESC Grenoble), the French Grande Ecole
school of Management;
- Grenoble Graduate School of Business (GGSB), the international school
which delivers programs in English;
- Ecole de Management des Systèmes d’information (EMSI), an Information
Systems Management school.
5

Doctoral Knowledge Factory – 2013 edition
The Doctoral School
On July 1 st 2006, Grenoble Ecole de Management inaugurated
its own doctoral school, an administrative structure in charge of
developing and managing the doctoral programs.
Since 1993, Grenoble Ecole de Management has concentrated on DBA programs.
Accredited by AMBA (Association of Masters in Business Administration)
and fully recognized by AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate
Schools of Business) and EQUIS (European Quality Improvement System
of the European Foundation for Management Development), the Grenoble
Ecole de Management DBA is organized in five countries: France, the United
States of America, Switzerland, Lebanon and China. A Joint DBA degree is
also offered in the United Kingdom. A DBA program shall open in India in
2013 as well as a joint degree with Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna in Pisa, Italy.
Between 2010 and 2012, the Doctoral School decided to close its programs in
Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi.
In September 2009, after delivering a DBA program for over 15 years, Grenoble
Ecole de Management opened a PhD in Business Administration in
Grenoble.
6

Presentation of Grenoble Ecole de Management and the Doctoral School
The DBA
The DBA program at Grenoble Ecole de Management offers senior managers,
independent consultants and senior academics an opportunity to leverage their
careers and/or to make a transition into the highest levels of academia.
This four-year part-time program is designed to ensure that students carry
out long-term research projects that are highly relevant to management
practice and based on up-to-date scientific knowledge. Their research will
make academically-recognized intellectual contributions in the fields of
technology, innovation and organizational change, thus providing private
and public organizations with doctoral work that address their practical
and policy needs.
Grenoble Ecole de Management offers two types of DBA degrees:
• One single degree awarded by Grenoble Ecole de Management and delivered
in different locations (China, France, Lebanon, Switzerland, USA);
• The “Joint DBA degree” between Grenoble Ecole de Management and
Newcastle University Business School, one of the UK’s top twenty researchled
universities.
The PhD
The PhD program at Grenoble Ecole de Management aims at educating scholars
who will become faculty members in leading international business schools or
universities. It is a four-year full-time program, designed to ensure that students
are involved very early on in research and develop a solid publication record
during their PhD studies. Formal training is complemented by regular research
seminars, in which leading experts from GEM and other universities present
and discuss their latest research results.
Partner Institutions
of the Doctoral School (2013):
• School of Economics and Management, Tongji University (Shanghai, China);
• Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen Business School (Guangzhou, China);
• Scuola Superiore Sant’ Anna (Pisa, Italia);
• Institute of Management Technology (Ghaziabad, India);
• Lebanese Canadian University (Aïntoura – Kesrouan near Beirut, Lebanon);
• Webster University (Geneva, Switzerland);
• Newcastle University Business School (UK);
• California State University (Northridge, USA).
7

Doctoral Knowledge Factory – 2013 edition
The Doctoral School Team
Headed by Dr. Mark Smith, Director, and Dr. Jean-Jacques Chanaron, Scientific
Director, the Doctoral School team is composed of academic and administrative staff
working in close collaboration to manage the DBA and PhD programs.
Academic Staff
Mark Smith
Director of the Doctoral School,
Professor of Human Resource Management
Mark Smith is Director of the Doctoral School and Professor
at Grenoble Ecole de Management. He previously worked
at Manchester Business School and has carried out research
work for a number of European and National institutions.
He is a member of the coordinating team for the European
Network of Experts on Gender Equality (ENEGE), a similar
role he undertook for the European Commission’s Expert
Group on Gender and Employment (2008-2011). He is also
a member of the editorial board of Work, Employment &
Society. His interests focus on labour market outcomes of
individuals and organisations including working conditions,
working-time, and work-life integration. He has authored
or co-authored over forty books, book chapters and
journal articles. His most recent books include Business
Ethics - A critical approach: integrating ethics across the
business world (with Patrick O’Sullivan and Mark Esposito,
published by Routledge in 2012) and Gender and the European
Labour Market (with Francesca Bettio and Janneke
Plantenga, also published by Routledge in 2013).
Jean-Jacques Chanaron
Associate Dean and Scientific Director of the Doctoral
School, Director of AQ Bridge program and Senior
Professor of Management and Behavior
Dr. Jean-Jacques Chanaron is currently Research Professor
with the French National Centre for Scientific Research
(CNRS) and the Associate Dean & Scientific Director of the
Doctoral School at Grenoble Ecole de Management.
Jean-Jacques has published extensively via books, articles
in peer-reviewed journals and conference papers in Industrial
Economics, Economics of Innovation and Technology
Management since 1973 when he received his PhD
at the University of Grenoble. He receives a HDR (Habilitation)
in Economics in 1994. In 1993, he founded the
DBA at Grenoble Ecole de Management. In April 2004, he
was granted the IAMOT (International Association for
the Management of Technology) award for research excellence
in Technology and Innovation Management in
Washington D.C.
8

Presentation of Grenoble Ecole de Management and the Doctoral School
Dimitris Assimakopoulos
Director of the Joint DBA with Newcastle University,
Senior Professor of Information Systems and
Technology Management
Dr. Dimitris Assimakopoulos is Professor of Information
Systems & Technology Management, Founder and
Director of the LINC Lab, and Director of the Joint DBA
Program at Grenoble Ecole de Management. He holds
an HDR in Economics from the University of Grenoble
and a PhD from the University of Sheffield, England.
Dimitris has also been a Visiting Scholar in Sociology
at Stanford University, California. The broad area
of his research is social and organizational informatics
with particular emphasis on the emergence of new technological
communities across organizational and national
boundaries, and informal collaboration networks
fostering innovation in IT.
He has been invited to present his research in specialist
meetings organized by the European Commission, the European
Science Foundation, the UK Economic and Social
Research Council, the French National Centre for Scientific
Research (CNRS), and the US National Science Foundation.
Corinne Faure
Director of the PhD program,
Senior Professor of Marketing
Dr. Corinne Faure, an ESSEC graduate, PhD in Marketing
from the University of Florida, joined Grenoble
Ecole de Management as a Marketing Professor in September
2011. Her international career has previously
taken her to France (HEC and ESSEC Business School),
Germany (European Business School and Goethe University
Frankfurt), and the USA (Virginia Tech). Her
research interests are in the area of new product development,
energy consumption, green marketing, and research
methods.
Her work has been published in the International Journal
of Research in Marketing, the Journal of Product Innovation
Management, and Recherche et Applications en
Marketing. She serves as a reviewer for numerous international
journals and conferences.
9

Doctoral Knowledge Factory – 2013 edition
Jie Yan
Director of the DBA programs in China,
Professor of Management and Technology
Dr. Jie Yan is Associate Professor and Director of DBA
Program China at Grenoble Ecole de Management. His
research focuses on innovation management, entrepreneurship
and strategic application of information
technology. He has published articles in R&D management,
International Journal of Technology Management
and International Journal of Information Technology
Management. He has taught a variety of courses
on management information systems and quantitative
research methods at undergraduate and graduate levels.
He is the Associate Director of LINC Lab at GEM
and Visiting Researcher at China Institute of Science
and Technology Policy, Tsinghua University, China.
He received his Bachelor degree in Mechanical Engineering
and Master degree in Management Science
from Tsinghua University, China, and Ph.D. degree in
Management from Hull University, England.
Michel Polski
Director of the DBA programs in France,
Professor of Marketing
Dr. Michel Polski is professor of Marketing at Grenoble
Ecole de Management. After graduating from the Business
School of Nantes (France), he studied at the Ohio
State University (Columbus, OH). He worked in the retail
industry in the marketing and merchandising department
of Carrefour. He defended his PhD in Business Administration
at the University of Strasbourg (France) in 1999 on
the topic “Temporal Structure of Industries, a comparative
study of Retailing and Aeronautics”. He supervises
several DBA students and teaches marketing and qualitative
methodology in various partner institutions abroad,
especially in China and in Arabic-speaking countries.
10

Presentation of Grenoble Ecole de Management and the Doctoral School
Valérie Sabatier
Director of the DBA programs in Switzerland
and the USA, Professor of Strategy
Dr. Valérie Sabatier is Professor of Strategy and the Director
of the Grenoble Ecole de Management DBA Program
in the USA and Switzerland. Her research interests are in
the area of corporate strategy and industries’ evolutions.
In particular, she works on business model portfolios
and strategic disruptions. She publishes in international
peer-reviewed journals including Long Range Planning
and Technological Forecasting and Social Change; she
has twice received awards from the Drug Information Association.
She obtained an MSc in Biochemistry and an
MSc in Management Sciences. She completed a PhD in
corporate strategy on technological discontinuities and
business models where she analyzed the transformation
mechanisms in the pharmaceutical industry.
Laurent Tournois
Director of the DBA programs in Lebanon, UAE and
Saudi Arabia, Professor of Marketing
Dr. Laurent Tournois DBA Program Director and Marketing
Professor at Grenoble Ecole de Management,
France. During his PhD studies, he worked with Dr. Michel
Montebello (IAE, Aix-en-Provence) on Customer
Value Creation Strategies. His research interests are in
the field of creating customer value through offensive and
defensive management, proactive cannibalization processes
and proliferation/differentiation strategies mainly
in mature markets. He previously worked as a European
Brand Manager at L’Oréal. In addition, he has consulted
for a variety of companies at board level, including Reed
Exhibitions, Arcelor-Mittal, Paris Chamber of Commerce,
L’Oréal France CPD Division, etc. with a focus on improving
competitiveness of branded-product portfolios. He
recently published an article in the peer-reviewed Journal
of Business Strategy.
11

Doctoral Knowledge Factory – 2013 edition
Serena Rovai
Director of the Europe-Asia Center for Management
and Innovation, DBA program Director
Dr. Serena Rovai is Director of the Europe-Asia Centre for
Management and Innovation at Grenoble Ecole de Management
and DBA program Director. She is also Director of the
MSc in Fashion, Design and Luxury Management for GEM
Grenoble and London campuses. Serena is part of the faculty
focusing on teaching Luxury Brand Management with
a specific emphasis on Luxury Industry New Trends and
Developments in Fast-Growing Markets. Her expertise focuses
on the Chinese market and the clients attitudes and
cultural behavior.
She holds a Doctorate of Business Administration. Her papers
have been published in management and scientific journals
such as the International Journal of Human Resources
Development, IO Management Magazine, Economia e Management
(SDA Bocconi University) and presented to international
conferences such as the IAMOT, EIASM, EFMD,
CAMOT. She has lived in different countries in the Middle
East and Asia, including China, for the past 10 years. She
speaks Mandarin fluently, amongst other languages.
12

Presentation of Grenoble Ecole de Management and the Doctoral School
Administrative Staff
Nadège Friess
DBA Programs
Administrator -
(China and Lebanon),
Ph.D Program
Administrator
Stella Lishman
DBA Administrator
and Coordinator
DBA Grenoble-
Newcastle
Isabelle de Menou
DBA Programs
Administrator -
(Switzerland
and the USA),
AQ Bridge Program
Administrator
Ruta Simonaviciute
DBA Programs
Administrator -
(Grenoble)
Delphine Vidal
Marketing
and Quality
Coordinator
13

2nd
2013
edition

DBA THE
DBA
EXPERIENCE
15

Doctoral Knowledge Factory – 2013 edition
Why a Doctoral School
in a French Business School?
If MBAs are must-haves, Ph.D.s separate
leaders from challengers. [...] Influence through
research is definitely the most expensive,
but also the most sustainable and decisive
competitive advantage.
(Xerfi, October 2010)
A doctoral school in a French business school does not happen by itself.
1. The mission of business schools has long been confined to the employability
of students. To be quite clear, even 15 years ago, research in business
schools was rare and, except for the best business schools, nonexistent.
2. Only French public universities are entitled to award doctorates, and
they have closely guarded this privilege which seems to be inherited
from another century. The resulting crisis in French public universities
has provoked soul-searching and remains a barrier for business
schools.
3. Research in management is often criticized as too disconnected from
the realities of business, and often can be read and understood only by
a handful of faculty.
In reality, progress has been made to overcome these three points.
1. It is now recognized that the mission of business schools “consists in
providing the best possible business education to students in contributing
to knowledge in management science” (Xerfi, October 2010).
2. To circumvent the monopoly that French universities have in doctorates,
business schools have innovated, aligned with international standards,
and are currently developing Ph.D. and DBA programs that are
recognized by the best international organizations (AACSB, EQUIS,
AMBA).
16

Introductions by Deans and Directors
3. If research must be rigorous, research in management must also be
relevant and provide the best possible return for business schools’ main
stakeholders:
- Companies and the business community, the primary stakeholders of
business schools, through the ability to improve their performance;
- Alumni through lifelong learning;
- Students through the education of generations of entrepreneurs,
managers and leaders by providing cutting-edge knowledge in management
sciences;
- Society, in the broadest sense, through the capability to maintain the
competitiveness and the employability of the workforce in a global
economy which takes into account emerging economies;
- The academic world by bringing new pieces to the puzzle of dynamic
knowledge creation;
- Professors through encouraging publication and the development of
research culture alongside Ph.D. and DBA students – an essential requirement
for doing high-level research.
Above and beyond all, a Doctoral School for Grenoble Ecole de Management
is essential if we want to establish a virtuous circle: attracting brilliant students,
hiring the best professors, serving our stakeholders to the very best of
our capabilities and, as result, successfully consolidating our position among
the top European business schools.
Loïck ROCHE
Dean & Director
Grenoble Ecole de Management
17

Doctoral Knowledge Factory – 2013 edition
Knowledge Factory
and Doctoral Shortage
Business education has developed dramatically since the mid-1980’s and on
any given day, there are approximately 100 million people learning its principles.
It has transformed from an elective into a discipline unto itself and its
development is no longer restricted to academic institutions.
The rise in business education has seen the coevolution of another issue: the
shortage of faculty in this field, and, particularly, of highly academically
qualified doctors.
Studies from AACSB have shown that the gap between current resources and
needs is as great as 1,000 doctors in North America. An equal gap exists in
Europe. The need for new faculty to staff the more than 12,000 business education
institutions worldwide will find a solution only if, on the one hand, innovation
is introduced into the process of teaching and doing research, and
into the process of educating academics on the other. Massive Open Online
Courses (MOOCs) are radically changing knowledge delivery and faculty
profiles by promoting a broader diversity of academic skills. There is a need
for professionals able to teach in a blended way - face to face and distance
learning - and create intellectual contributions - articles, case studies, websites
- by rapidly adopting corporate practices deployed in Executive Education
seminars, for example.
The second change in the business education world concerns the creation
of relevant and rigorous knowledge. The process of research in our field is
challenged by the corporate world, which argues that the priority given to
research fundamentals during these last three decades has reduced the relevance
of outcomes. “Business schools, thanks to ranking and accreditation
rules, focus more on academic research publications and not enough on applied
issues”¹. This position has triggered a debate among the business school
faculty and governance which may be summarized:
Business is not a science, but a problem-solving process using scientific
methodologies from the social, human, life, and hard sciences. It is a recombination
of existing knowledge that helps improve business processes.
Business education’s focus on applied research has much in common with
medical and engineering training, which emphasizes the contributions of
applied research for societal good.
One consequence of this evolution may be that business schools will reinvest
in the field of applied investigation, while continuing basic research participation
– a twofold evolution that benefits all stakeholders in the business
community.
¹ Extract from “Impact of Research Report” AACSB 2012
18

Introductions by Deans and Directors
A second outcome may be that research and intellectual contributions will
be structured in the field of business the way that such work has traditionally
been produced in the hard sciences. This transformation from academic activity
to knowledge factory will give a more precise image of the contribution
of research in business and management to the improvement of company
performance and society at large.
Grenoble Ecole de Management began its contribution to doctoral education
20 years ago by promoting a revolutionary idea at that time, the DBA
(Doctorate in Business Administration). This doctoral work, based on real
issues faced by businesses, has led to hundreds of intellectual contributions.
The DBA also provides business schools with newly qualified academic staff.
These doctoral graduates have well-rounded curricula vitae featuring a doctoral
degree, a dissertation, and relevant professional experience. The DBA
has now reached maturity and is an active knowledge factory and a provider
of diversified academic profiles.
Fulfilling these two objectives is now a reality at Grenoble Ecole de Management,
to the great satisfaction of our DBA fellows. They are prepared to work
in a new academic environment where teaching and investigative methods
have changed; just like society, students and knowledge have changed to
adapt to new paradigms.
Thierry GRANGE
President of the Strategic Board
Grenoble Ecole de Management
19

Doctoral Knowledge Factory – 2013 edition
The Social Contribution
of the DBA
Management, as an entity of knowledge, must resolve the impossible contradiction
between certain branches of human and social sciences which are
often very abstract, and omnipresent operational demands.
Should pragmatism dominate because of the incredible resonance of the
principle of immediate appeal or should reflection, higher considerations
and theorizing permit the pursuit of an ideal over the long term?
The DBA program attempts to reply to this impossible dilemma. It is addressed
mainly to economic players already holding positions of responsibility;
it aims to lead them towards integrating a range of knowledge which
should guide their decisions. Beyond the obvious fact that we are living in a
complex world, it is undeniable that the economic and social environment
is rapidly changing. What is true today will not be true tomorrow, and we
already see the symptoms. However, the foundations are indeed stable. Although
the common view exaggerates the idea of change, human, social and
economic dynamics are surprisingly constant, while appearance tends more
and more to favor the essential. Only by looking from above, mastering the
theoretical aspects, and being firmly able to step back can the decision-maker
surpass the superficial, the veneer, going beyond this path of uncertainties
which are often so learnedly pronounced.
Understand the dynamic of change, appreciate and measure the invariables
which dictate the movement on the surface, recognize the transformations in
structures - all aimed at perfecting the decision - this is the objective of the
DBA program. With nearly twenty years’ experience, an outstanding environment
and an international team of exceptional quality this is, I am sure,
one of Grenoble Ecole de Management’s most rewarding social contributions.
Jean-Philippe RENNARD
Dean of Faculty
Grenoble Ecole de Management
20

The DBA Contribution to the Virtuous
Cycle of Research Culture
Introductions by Deans and Directors
This second edition of the Doctoral Knowledge Factory guide is an important
milestone in the consolidation of a high-level research culture at Grenoble
Ecole de Management. Not only does this culture foster high-quality output
in terms of intellectual contributions, it is also responsible for the production
of cutting edge content for management education. It is a virtuous cycle
whereby benefits are felt by researchers, practitioners and students alike.
Grenoble Ecole de Management has worked hard to promote this culture.
It has created a quality framework that ensures that research is strongly
established in and well supported by the daily operations of the school. It
has also worked at creating a system of encouragement and support to help
talented researchers, whether at the beginning of their career or further down
the line, to have access to all of the resources necessary for the advancement
of their work.
The doctoral programs at Grenoble Ecole de Management have been
recognized internationally by their peers through diverse evaluation
exercises and accreditations (EQUIS, AACSB, AMBA), all of which attest to
the quality of the programs and their output. These labels are also proof of
the strongly embedded spirit of continuous improvement which continues to
pervade throughout the programs.
This directory serves as a reference for the intellectual production of the DBA
program graduates and as a means for both educators and the corporate
sector alike to look for high level reflection and response concerning the
business challenges facing us today.
Julie PERRIN-HALOT
Director of the Centre QUID
(Quality and Institutional Development)
Grenoble Ecole de Management
21

Doctoral Knowledge Factory – 2013 edition
The 20 th Anniversary
of the Grenoble DBA Program
The DBA Program at Grenoble Ecole de Management is celebrating its
twentieth anniversary this year. Created in 1993 as a response to an increasing
demand for a doctorate, the highest qualification in management, the
Grenoble Ecole de Management DBA has become a reference in the academic
community through its international development, and its achievements
driven by scientific rigor and managerial relevance.
This book is the second edition of the Doctoral Knowledge Factory guide. It
has the following objectives:
1. To introduce all DBA graduates with their up-to-date biography
and list of publications;
2. To showcase the intellectual contributions to management science and
practice directly derived from doctoral research;
3. To contribute to the development of the doctoral alumni community;
4. To demonstrate the outcome and benefits of a DBA
to potential applicants;
5. To participate in the development of a knowledge factory
where policy-makers and managers can search for ideas and solutions
to their real-world problems.
22

Introductions by Deans and Directors
DBA graduates have produced 668 intellectual contributions since the program’s
opening in 1993 up to the end of November 2012 1 . Despite coverage
of a very large range of management disciplines and topics, DBA graduates
greatly contributed to the reputation of Grenoble Ecole de Management and
to its widely recognized specialization in technology and innovation management.
This is clearly illustrated by the book edited by Chapelet & Leberre
and published in March 2012, entitled Producing New Knowledge on
Innovation Management. (Chapelet & Le Berre, 2012) 2 . A second book in
this series, entitled Producing New Knowledge on Entrepreneurship 3 , will be
published in 2013. The long-term objective of the series is to develop knowledge
embedded in the doctoral knowledge factory, benefiting the academic
community as well as the business community and policy makers.
It is obvious that the DBA graduates are highly and increasingly productive.
They fully demonstrate that the program is a top quality doctorate and
deserves its international recognition.
1 Including confirmed forthcoming publications.
2 Chapelet, B., Le Berre, M. (ed.), (2012), Producing New Knowledge on Innovation Management,
Presse Universitaire de Grenoble, Grenoble.
3 Chanaron, J.J., (ed.), (2013), Producing New Knowledge on Entrepreneurship, forthcoming.
Jean-Jacques CHANARON
Associate Dean & Scientific Director
of the Doctoral School
Grenoble Ecole de Management
23

Doctoral Knowledge Factory – 2013 edition
Advice for New
DBA Candidates:
Eight Ideas from Experience
By Jim Pulcrano
DBA Switzerland 2012 Graduate
It would be presumptuous of me to offer advice or a recipe for success to doctoral
students. I can speak only of my experience. In any case, here are some
ideas from someone who has been through the rigors of the DBA program:
1. Have a clear idea of why you are doing a doctorate. Why is your research
question interesting to you? Ensure that your research question is not too
broad, and that a negative answer to your question will not be disappointing
to you.
2. Understand that you are learning to do rigorous research; that is the goal of
your doctorate – the answer to your research question is secondary.
3. Keep track of everything you do. Create a system so that all your ideas,
readings, notes, questions, and data are easily accessible. You will also
want some kind of reference and filing system. This will help you when it
is time to write, as you will certainly be overwhelmed, tired and fighting
deadlines.
4. Test your research question and methodology with people who know how
to do research and who know your domain. Don’t be afraid to do this, and
do it early, even if there is a risk that you may have to start from scratch.
Better early than late. Likewise, do not try to do this by grabbing an hour
here and there. After the literature review, block out at least a day at a time
for your research.
5. Visit your advisor and anyone else on the GEM faculty who is willing to
help you. Don’t try to do it all by email, Skype and phone. Go see them.
Repeatedly.
6. Write down your ideas instead of just playing with them in your head. As
the saying goes, “Writing is God’s way of showing us the messiness of our
thoughts.”
7. When you get lost in your research, be happy, because that probably means
you are on the cusp of the unknown. This is where you should be.
8. Believe in yourself, but make sure there is someone close to you who
believes in you and tells you so on a regular basis.
24

Testimonials from DBA Graduates and Supervisors
What a
Wonderful
Job!
By Benoit Aubert,
Associate Dean, Marketing and Development Director
Former Doctoral School Director
Grenoble Ecole de Management
I had the pleasure and honor of contributing to the development of the
Doctoral School from 2006 to March 2013. I started as the program director
of the programs organized in Switzerland with Webster, in Lebanon with
the Lebanese Canadian University, and in the USA. I also led the Doctoral
School in 2012 and 2013. Throughout this journey, I continued to teach
research methodologies and to supervise DBA students.
What amazed me the most? Probably seeing candidates graduating after
three to five years of a rich journey. All started with excitement, continued
with conscientiousness, and finally ended their program with emotion
and obviously, deep knowledge and expertise on their research topics.
I was also very impressed by GEM’s ambition for the DBA program and
the strong involvement of the Doctoral School team of program directors
and administrators. Thank you all for the pleasure you gave me. I know that
Dr. Mark Smith, recently appointed as the new Doctoral School Director, has
the same feeling: we do a wonderful job…
25

Doctoral Knowledge Factory – 2013 edition
The DBA:
Opening New Doors
By Donna Kidwell
DBA Switzerland 2012 Graduate
The Doctorate of Business Administration at Grenoble Ecole de Management
was both a strategic and tactical program that allowed me to create a
specific body of knowledge to propel my future career aspirations. On the
strategic side, I wanted to position myself in a way that provided value and
genuinely contributed to academic efforts. On the tactical side, I wanted to
acquire skills and knowledge that I could deploy in both academic and private
sector practices. I chose Grenoble Ecole de Management DBA because
of this, in addition to the strong accreditation and the particular expertise of
the research teams in my field.
On the strategic front, the degree allowed me to become versed in the language
and process of research, and has been invaluable in the progression of
my career at The University of Texas at Austin. I came to UT after 20 years
in the private sector, and was not familiar with the structure or incentives of
academia. By doing the DBA, I was able to acquire the research skills, while
at the same time understand the process and organization of academia. I
defended my thesis in the same year that two articles out of my thesis were
published in peer-reviewed journals. This demonstrated to my academic colleagues
that I had acquired not only the research skills, but the ability to apply
them and successfully navigate the publishing process. The DBA’s unique
structure allowed me to accelerate this process. Since finishing the program,
I have been invited to lecture and participate in research efforts that would
not have been possible prior to the DBA.
On the tactical side, I learned specific skills in conducting research, writing,
publishing, and managing a research project. I have been able to immediately
deploy these into the creation of new e-learning projects. I also learned a tremendous
amount about the subject matter itself, which has been invaluable
in speaking engagements, consulting and training opportunities.
The GEM DBA’s structure and the faculty that support it are extraordinarily
well suited to being able to achieve both strategic and tactical goals, and I am
honored to have been a part of it.
26

Testimonials from DBA Graduates and Supervisors
The DBA as an Intellectual
and Human Experience
By Vincent Mangematin
Senior Professor and Director of Research
at Grenoble Ecole de Management
One does not sign up naively for a DBA. The principal motivations are based
on learning how to understand, react, and influence. And all agree to include
research in order to develop answers that are pertinent and legitimate - i.e.,
validated by publication. These answers will lead to a sustainable competitive
advantage or a more efficient organization. The articulation between these
theoretical approaches (which offer the framework for general reflection)
and a specific question gives birth to intellectual stimulation and a creative
response. The strength of the argument and its power to convince others are
developed together with researchers and other players in the field.
Thus, Fernando Lagrana (Webster 2011) questioned “friendly spam.” Based
on techniques concerning roles and identity, he was able to advance thinking
on what we consider as spam, in relation to the context in which spam is
received. Software applications were designed to increase protection, as were
marketing applications, to subsequently inform the potential consumer, at
least when the need arises.
In the same way Donna Kidwell, who heads up a team of specialists in
technology transfer at the University of Texas at Austin, has re-examined
the roles and functions of scientists running collaborative research projects.
The notion of scientific entrepreneurs highlights the important role of those
scientists who advance future issues as well as potential innovations in the
medium term. Donna Kidwell now offers a training program for these
innovators.
The DBA is more than a degree or a doctorate. It is a true intellectual and
human experience which transforms a student’s professional status.
27

2nd
2013
edition

DBA
INSIDE
THE
DBA
29

Doctoral Knowledge Factory – 2013 edition
The Concept of
the Knowledge Factory
by Professor Jean-Jacques CHANARON
Associate Dean & Scientific Director of the Doctoral School
Grenoble Ecole de Management
The Concept of the Knowledge Factory as Seen by Academic Scholars
The concept of the knowledge factory received two different interpretations
by academic scholars in management science:
1. The production of knowledge in globally distributed teams within multinational
corporations;
2. The generation of academic knowledge in universities and higher education
institutions.
The concept of the global knowledge factory has been widely used by the academic
literature dealing with outsourcing and offshoring of research and development
activities (Roth & al. 1994; Gupta & al., 2007; Gupta, 2008; Gupta
& al., 2009) 1 , geographically and temporally dispersed, and achieving 24-
hour Research & Development and product development tasks. The concept
speaks for itself in describing the universal search for cost savings and increased
efficiency in R&D and an industrialization of intellectual production.
David (1997) 2 is probably the first reference to a university as a knowledge
factory. Even if it is obvious that the university is one of the world’s most
durable institutions with nearly one thousand years of existence, a definition
of the function of the ideal university is only one hundred years old:
“the university should be dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge for its own
sake and should become the high protecting power of all knowledge and
science, of fact and principle, of inquiry and discovery, of experiment and
speculation” 3. Today, two functions are attributed to universities: producing
and disseminating knowledge and their role as one of the key stakeholders
in national innovation systems has been officially acknowledged (OECD,
1997) 4 . In 2001, a book by Aronowitz 5 popularized the vision of university as
a knowledge factory.
1 Roth, A.V. Marucheck, A.S., Kemp, A., Trimble, D. (1994), The Knowledge Factory for accelerated learning practices,
Strategy & Leadership, 22, 3, pp. 26-46.
Gupta, A., Seshasai, S., Mukherji, S., Ganguly, A. (2007), Offshoring: The transition from economic drivers toward strategic
global partnership and 24-hour knowledge factory, Journal of Electronic Commerce in Organizations, 5, 2, pp. 1-23.
Gupta, A. (2008), Outsourcing and Offshoring of Professional Services, IGI Global.
Gupta A., Mattarelli, E., Seshasai, S., Bros, J. (2009), Use of collaborative technologies and knowledge sharing in co-located
and distributed teams: Towards the 24-h knowledge factory, Journal of Strategic Information Systems, 18, pp. 147-161.
2 David, P. (1997), Inside the knowledge factory, The Economist, October 2 nd ,
Retrieved from http://www.economist.com/node/600142 on 13/02/2013.
3 From Cardinal John Henry Newman, the creator of the Catholic University in Dublin.
4 OECD, (1997), National Innovation Systems, OECD, Paris.
5 Aronowitz, S. (2001), The Knowledge Factory: Dismantling the corporate university and creating
true higher learning, Beacon Press.
30

Inside the DBA
More recently, the concept of universities as knowledge factories has been
associated with the notion of the entrepreneurial university, i.e., universities
creating new businesses and ventures associated with knowledge generated
by some of their faculty and engineers (Lazzeroni & Piccaluga, 2003) 6 . Since
the early nineties, abundant management literature has been dedicated to
technology transfer from universities to industry (Gibbons, 1994) 7 .
As stated by Bramwell & Wolfe (2008) 8 , universities have emerged as central
actors in the knowledge-based economy, expected to play an active role in
promoting technological change and innovation. It is obvious that universities
are among the few stakeholders to have access to global knowledge flows
and to be able to facilitate the transfer of such knowledge to other actors and
in particular to the business community through spin-off activity, R&D resources
and technology transfer, education of talented and educated people,
and entrepreneurial activities.
As part of the university system and being evaluated and then accredited as
any other academic institution, business and management schools must pay
attention to the academic qualification of their faculty as well as the quality
of the content of their teaching and training modules. Research is today a
crucial and compulsory pillar for all business schools. Their achievements in
research are very influential on their reputation, their national and international
rankings and ultimately their financial situation and survival.
The Knowledge Factory as Seen by Grenoble Ecole de Management
As a full member within the GIANT initiative, Grenoble Ecole de Management
is participating in the production and dissemination of knowledge in
technology and innovation management.
GIANT, founded in 2006, is composed of eight scientific and academic partners
located in the Grenoble Polygon, at the confluence of the Drac and Isère
rivers. These partners include the Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), the
National Polytechnic Institute of Grenoble (INPG), Joseph Fourier University
(UJF), Grenoble Ecole de Management (GEM), the National Centre for
Scientific Research (CNRS), the Laue Langevin Institute (ILL), the European
Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF), and the European Molecular Biology
Laboratory (EMBL). GIANT is one of the largest research and innovation
clusters in France and in Europe, contributing in the economic wealth of the
local community (Chanaron & Scaringella, 2010) 9 .
6 Lazzeroni, M., Piccaluga, A. (2003), Towards the Entrepreneurial University, Local Economy, 18, 1, pp. 38-48.
7 Gibbons, M. et al. (1994), The New Production of Knowledge, London: Sage Publications.
8 Bramwell, A., Wolfe, D.A. (2008), Universities and regional economic development:
The entrepreneurial University of Waterloo, Research Policy, 37, pp. 1175-1187.
9 Chanaron, J.J., Scaringella, L. (2010), L’impact socio-économique de GIANT : une tentative de mesure, GIANT, Grenoble, mai.
31

Doctoral Knowledge Factory – 2013 edition
Grenoble Ecole de Management has its own doctoral school managing doctoral
programs and developing applied and academic knowledge. As of April
2013, there are 330 fully registered students. More than 110 doctorates (See
table 1) have been granted so far on the basis of a publicly defended doctoral
dissertation which must exhibit substantial evidence of original scholarship
and scientific rigor, and contain material of a publishable standard, as well as
recommendations of managerial relevance.
Since the creation of the Grenoble DBA program in 1993, more than 660 intellectual
contributions were produced by DBA alumni (See table 2). Such intellectual
production and dissemination shows outcomes of the investment
and work in this program. At Grenoble Ecole de Management we decided to
make the Knowledge Factory concept our own and make a collection of our
DBA Alumni contributions in the Doctoral Knowledge Factory guide. These
contributions could be described as follows:
• Articles in academic journals: 242 of which approximately 125 are in peerreviewed
journals and 54 in journals which are listed by French accreditation
and evaluation authorities (CNRS and AERES) 10
• Articles in professional journals: 56
• Conference papers with proceedings: 86
• Conference papers without proceedings: 117
• Books: 42
• Book chapters: 63
• Working papers: 34
• Others: 28
These figures incorporate only intellectual contributions by DBA graduates
during their studies in the program and following their graduation. From a
total of 117 graduates, we stayed in touch with 113, of which 64 published an
intellectual contribution, i.e. 56.6%.
In the future, the Doctoral School expects that most if not all DBA graduates
will submit articles to academic journals and conferences and contribute
to books and professional journals. Each evaluation panel will have to
suggest such dissemination at the end of the viva. The growth of applicants
will indeed help in increasing the number of publications. But the management
of the Doctoral School will also promote the search for publication as a
true win-win strategy. For the graduate, this is a clear contribution to her/his
professional career since this is requested by all accredited business schools
when applying to a faculty position whether full- or part-time. For Grenoble
Ecole de Management, this is indeed participating in the development of its
reputation as a research-oriented institution.
10 National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) and Agency for Evaluation of Research and Higher Education.
32

Inside the DBA
Appendices
Table 1. Graduation statistics
Annual Number
Accumulated Sum
1997 3 3
1998 1 4
1999 0 4
2000 2 6
2001 0 6
2002 5 11
2003 2 13
2004 6 19
2005 2 21
2006 6 27
2007 11 38
2008 17 55
2009 10 65
2010 13 78
2011 17 95
2012 22 117
Table 2. Intellectual contribution statistics
Annual Production
Accumulated Sum
1994 2 2
1995 4 6
1996 6 12
1997 8 20
1998 10 30
1999 16 46
2000 12 58
2001 15 73
2002 15 88
2003 31 119
2004 32 151
2005 41 192
2006 45 237
2007 63 300
2008 55 355
2009 62 417
2010 77 494
2011 62 556
2012 84 640
2013 8 648
Forthcoming 20 668
33

Doctoral Knowledge Factory – 2013 edition
2nd
2013
edition
34

DBA
WHERE TO FIND
GRADUATES
AND THEIR
WORK
35

Doctoral Knowledge Factory – 2013 edition
DBA Graduates
Around the World
Asia
Malaysia
Thérin François p.183
China
Bao Jianbin p.59
Chen Jun p.69
Fang Lin p.82
Guo Yingjie p.96
Jenster Nancy p.106
Jiang Zhong Fang p.108
Kang Chengye p.110
Li Jian Hua (James) p.125
Li Jia p.126
Liu Xiaodong (d. 2010) p.129
Qin Ming p.156
Ren Tianjin p.159
Tang Qin p.181
Wang Hui p.187
Wang Rongxing p.188
Wang Xinqiao p.189
Wang Yawei David p.191
Wei Ming Michael p.194
Xu Chengxi p.200
Xu Jie p.201
Xu Luhai p.203
Yin Xiong p.204
Zhang Ning p.206
Zhang Xingrong p.207
Zu Yunlong p.210
Hong Kong
Wu Herman Tim p.197
Singapore/China
Li Ralph Lei p.128
Americas
Canada
Conyette Michael p.73
Jelavic Matthew p.105
Kelada Joseph p.112
USA
Alfred Stephen p.52
Audler Lawrence p.56
Bahhouth Victor p.57
Baker David p.58
Birkenmeier Betty p.63
Goldwasser Robert (Bob) p.88
Guidry Brandi p.95
Harrell-Carter Adrine p.99
Hinesly Mary p.100
Holloman Derek p.101
Holloway Barbara p.102
Kidwell Donna p.116
Lambert John p.124
Nachtigal Lynn p.133
Nelson Bryan Dorothy p.138
Nicholson Leonard (d. 2012) p.139
Ogilvie - Hansen Kristie p.142
Ortloff - Wensel Nicole p.143
Pizarro Nelson p.146
Prescott Michael p.150
Price Audrey p.151
Sonnier Blaise p.176
Striegel Nicole p.180
Weber Mary p.193
Zimmermann Bill p.209
Mexico
Davila-Ruiz Diana p.75
Colombia
Boada-Ortiz Alejandro p.64
36

Where to Find Graduates and their Work
Europe
Austria
Ramirez Jacobo p.157
Denmark
Ostergaard Lars p.144
France
Aubert Benoit p.55
Benhaim Martine p.62
Charitat Damien p.67
Chatelain Yannick p.68
Chouchana Hubert (d. 2011) p.70
Enrico Gérald p.78
Ferrante Guillaume p.84
Gandellini Giorgio p.87
Gotzsch Josiena p.90
Guerrier Gérard p.94
Né Isabelle p.134
Portal Alexina p.148
Rivet Philippe p.161
Rovai Serena p.163
Sadowsky John p.167
Scaringella Laurent p.170
Steiler Dominique p.178
Stevens Eric p.179
Nellore Rajesh p.136
UK
Evrard Philippe p.80
Hui Sai Chung p.103
Williams John p.197
Wojtkow (Wild) Henry p.195
Ireland
Doak Stephen p.76
Germany
Grossecker Tobias p.92
Killer Joerg p.118
Provost Daniel p.152
Switzerland
Lagrana Fernando p.122
Nuq Patrice Anne p.141
Pulcrano James p.154
Ullmann François p.186
Serbia
Sekulovic Ana p.171
Stanisljevic Jovana p.177
Russia
Nikina Anna p.140
Malta
Firman Edward p.85
Middle East
Israel
Marciano Daniel p.131
Lebanon
Abi Nakhlé Rony p.46
Al Hakim Zeina p.48
Alsaghir Oueidat Loubna p.53
Baydoun Mohammad p.60
Boujaoude Khoury Karen p.65
Chami-Malaeb Rola p.66
Chrabieh Michèle p.71
Hanna Rebel p.98
Khattab Mazen p.114
Kobeissi Karim p.120
Maamari Bassem p.130
Saad Ronald p.165
Sleilati Esther p.172
Torbey Joseph p.184
Kuwait
Safi Al-Khudary Mirna p.168
Tarabay Mohamed Nazir p.182
Saudi Arabia
Al Mahasna Shaker p.50
United Arab Emirates
Soderquist Klas p.174
37

Doctoral Knowledge Factory – 2013 edition
List of DBA Theses (by field of research)
When classified according to the school’s organization for teaching and
research, the fields of DBA theses are the following:
• Technology and Innovation Management: 53, of which 26 are in Technology
and Innovation, 18 are in Strategy and 9 in Entrepreneurship;
• Management and Behavior: 30, of which 13 are in Human Resource
Management, 10 in Leadership and Management, 4 in Organization Theory
and 3 in Economics;
• Marketing: 20;
• Accounting, Law and Finance: 10.
I. MANAGEMENT AND TECHNOLOGY
Technology and Innovation Management:
Al Mahasna Shaker FDI as a Channel of Technology Diffusion: The case of Saudi p.50
Arabia
Bahhouth Victor The predictive power of internet technology in studying the p.57
effect of Sino-Economic variables on stock trade in Emerging
markets - Case of Lebanon
Boada-Ortiz Alejandro Environmental innovation in the cut flower industry p.64
Chatelain Yannick Management of innovation, the internet and deviance : a p.68
typology for the integration of hacker logic by companies
Doak Stephen The relational tacit dimensions of knowledge used within the p.76
explicit standardized processes of professional practice in the
Irish Forensic Science Laboratory
Gotzsch Josiena Managing products expression: Identifying conditions and p.90
methods for the creation of meaningful consumer home
products
Jelavic Matthew Culturally grounded knowledge management in the new p.105
European Union: A theoretical and empirical analysis
Kang Chengye Assessing factors and project performance –Study of
p.110
construction subcontractors in China
Khattab Mazen Exploring knowledge creation in management consulting p.114
practices for corporate strategy
Kidwell Donna From functional leader to knowledge broker: Case studies in the p.116
practices of principal investigators in nanotechnology
Killer Joerg
An empirical investigation of the factors influencing the success p.118
of electronic B2B markets
Lagrana Fernando When e-mail crosses role boundaries – Exposure to spam and p.122
protection strategies
Lambert John Economic and management factors affecting the adoption of p.124
presentation technology by law firms
Nuq Patrice-Anne Towards a better understanding of the intention to use eHealth p.141
services by medical professionals: The case of developing
countries
Ogilvie - Hansen Kristie Definition and analysis for high productivity and performance p.142
of cross-functional teams in a technical development
environment
Prescott Michael Does the effective use of digital data genesis give firms a p.150
competitive advantage in the marketplace?
Price Audrey
A study of factors influencing physician adoption of electronic
medical records technology
p.151
38

Where to Find Graduates and their Work
Ren Tianjin
From imitation to original innovation – The evolutionary stages p.159
of new product development in SMEs in Chinese hardware
industry
Saad Ronald
Critical success factors in the implementation of core systems in p.165
retail banks: An empirical study of Lebanon
Scaringella Laurent The knowledge-based economy paradigm and emergence p.170
toward better knowledge governance: Grenoble, a knowledgebased
district, with information and communication
technologies
Stevens Eric
Service innovation: Managing the interpretations and learning p.179
while innovating, evidences from two longitudinal case studies
Thérin François Learning and innovation in high-tech small firms p.183
Ullmann François Toward managing intangible policy: Proposal for an
p.186
information technology centre
Wang Xinqiao The business model of online community based software p.189
development: An action research
Williams John Discerning industrial activity in NE England–Networks and p.197
cluster through the lens of the Internet
Wu Herman Tim The diffusion of VOIP technology in large Chinese companies p.199
Strategy
Bao Jianbin
A case study of the GSPP (Government - State-owned
Enterprise - Private Enterprise – Public) model in the publicprivate
cooperation on the ecological project construction in
Kunming.
Baydoun Mohammad Risk management during preconstruction phases of large scale
development projects in developing countries: Cases from
MDI’s projects
Benhaim Martine Interfirm relationships within the construction industry :
towards the emergence of networks. A comparative study
between France and the UK
Boujaoude Khoury
Karen
Chen Jun
Chouchana Hubert
(d.2011)
Evrard Philippe
Fang Lin
Hui Sai Chung
Li Jian Hua (James)
Nicholson Leonard
(d.2012)
Ortloff - Wensel Nicole
Qin Ming
Soderquist Klas
Communication in architecture project management: The case
of architecture firms in Lebanon
B-to-B cooperation in developing core competency in canned
fruits industry in China
Explanatory factors for the creation of proposals for integrated
solutions in medium-sized industrial companies
Towards heterogeneous enterprise resilience: An empirical
study of the retail banking sector
Corporate performance, compay size and diversification – for
public listed companies in Shanghai stock exchange market
A Two-Tier Adaptive Approach to Securing Successful ERP
Implementation
An analysis of success factors in foreign investment of Chinese
manufacturing enterprises: A case study of Sinatext
Effects of supply chain disruption amid the BP Gulf of Mexico
oil spill disaster upon the Louisiana shrimp industry
Measuring the perception of benefits and feasibility of a publicly
available real-time landed cost engine in the retail paper
products industry
A research of new management mode of government large-scale
public projects
Inside the tier model: Product development organization and
strategies in automotive expert supplier firms
p.59
p.60
p.62
p.65
p.69
p.70
p.80
p.82
p.103
p.125
p.139
p.143
p.156
p.174
39

Doctoral Knowledge Factory – 2013 edition
Tang Qin
The study of inter-organizational business process
p.181
reengineering in the apparel industry
Torbey Joseph Corporate governance structure in Lebanon p.184
Wang Rongxing A study on investment and schedule control of state-owned p.187
mega-projects
Zhang Xingrong Exploring the specialty of governance structure of publicly p.207
listed companies in China
Zhu Yunlong How does new product development influence product safety? p.210
Entrepreneurship
Abi Nakhlé Rony Family entrepreunariat in Lebanon:
p.46
an engine or brake on growth?
Audler Lawrence Challenges in harnessing the power of the effectual
p.56
entrepreneur in the corporate culture
Charitat Damien The individual’s commitment to an entrepreneurial project: p.67
An attempt to improve coaching
Enrico Gérald The denaturation of SMEs in a competitive context p.78
Holloman Derek Corporate spin-offs: Examining the effects on the
p.101
entrepreneurial orientation extraction–financial performance
relationship
Holloway Barbara Micro-small business owner resistance to IT p.102
Nikina Anna
The impact of a wife’s role as an entrepreneur on a husband’s p.140
role as a leader and provider
Pulcrano James Entrepreneurial networking: Is there a recipe for success? p.154
Rivet Philippe The contribution of the entrepreneurs of small and mediumsized
companies to innovation process efficiency for
incremental technology-based products: Learning experiences
within French small and medium-sized companies focusing on
intermediate technologies
p.161
II. MANAGEMENT AND BEHAVIOR
Human Resources Management
Alsaghir Oueidat
Loubna
Birkenmeier Betty
Chami-Malaeb Rola
Chrabieh Michèle
Gandellini Giorgio
Hanna Rebel
Li Lei
Maamari Bassem
Exploring HR policies and HR specialists’ role in the context of
innovation: The case of BPR in two large Lebanese banks
The relationship between training and trust in supervisor and
job performance: An examination of front line employees in the
banking industry
Talent management: A key driver for employees’ commitment
contribution and intention to stay
Strategic international human resource management policies
and practices and influencing factors in the major Lebanese
Banks
Searching for an “e-learning readiness” indicator:
A survey in the sales division of a major car manufacturer
Talent retention in Lebanese specialized banks: How reducing
the voluntary turnover rate can improve the retention of talents
in Lebanese specialized banks?
An empirical study of the influential factors of
executives’ equity-based revenue in Chinese listed companies
The effect of information systems usage on the job satisfaction
of the commercial banking sector employees in Lebanon
p.53
p.63
p.66
p.71
p.87
p.98
p.128
p.130
40

Where to Find Graduates and their Work
Nachtigal Lynn
Ramirez Jacobo
Rovai Serena
Xu Luhai
Yin Xiong
Comparing factors that affect the implementation of human
resource management systems (HRMS) in the commercial and
public sectors, with special emphasis upon PeopleSoft software
Technology and nations in HRM: A study of contingency and
divergent theories for an Anglo-French sample of high and low
tech firms
Human resources management for foreign MNCs
(multinational companies) operating in China: A hybrid form
Factors influencing employees working motivation in mainland
China: Culture values and relational exchange
The concept of corporate executive ability: Proposition of a
conceptual model and a methodology of measurement
p.133
p.157
p.163
p.203
p.204
Management & Leadership
Guo Yingjie
Impact of leadership practices upon SOE system reformation p.96
process in the Chinese construction industry
Jenster Nancy Leadership impact on motivation, cohesiveness, and
p.106
effectiveness in virtual teams: A FIRO perspective
Né Isabelle Relationships in management training: Favorable factors p.134
Nelson Bryan Dorothy A technical education intervention in investing for retirement p.138
Portal Alexina Specificity and efficiency of strategies developed to share p.148
emotions when writing an e-mail for business purpose
Rovai Serena
Human resources management for foreign MNCs
p.163
(multinational companies) operating in China: A hybrid form
Sadowsky John Evaluating a leadership coaching system p.167
Steiler Dominique Translation and validation of the occupational stress indicator p.178
for use in France
Striegel Nicole Reengineering in higher education administration:
p.180
A case study
Weber Mary
Employer and employee implications for certifications: p.193
An application for professional food servers
Zimmermann Bill Benchmarking cross-industry employee perception
of managerial effectiveness
p.209
Organizational Theory
Ferrante Guillaume
Harrell-Carter Adrine
Kelada Joseph
Pizarro Nelson
A trip to the heart of organizational agility: The theory of the
four agility capabilities as seen by managers
What factors influence residential care/assisted living facilities
to re-open, open, or close after hurricanes Katrina/Rita?
Why do the majority of change initiatives fail and what to do
about it? The example of Total Quality Management
Preexisting values and organizational and second-party
support: How employees motivate the adoption of sustainable
practices in SMEs, MNCs and nonprofits
p.84
p.99
p.112
p.146
Economics
Provost Daniel Towards a theory for economies of scene p.152
Sekulovic Ana Peculiarities of trade on the Russian market under the conditions p.171
of transition
Stanisljevic Jovana The role of multi-national companies in Serbia p.177
41

Doctoral Knowledge Factory – 2013 edition
III. MARKETING
Al Hakim Zeina
Alfred Stephen
Aubert Benoit
Baker David
Conyette Michael
Davila-Ruiz Diana
Goldwasser Robert
(Bob)
Grossecker Tobias
Guidry Brandi
Hinesly Mary
Kobeissi Karim
Liu Xiaodong
(d.2010)
Marciano Daniel
Service quality dimensions and customer satisfaction:
A study in the Lebanese retail banking industry
What influences film industry mangers to select a location:
Antecedents to brand selection
Customer education : definition, measures and effects on
customer satisfaction
A social influence based model of contextual utilization of sales
management technology within a multinational busines-tobusiness
sales force
Determinants of online leisure travel planning decision
processes: A segregated approach
The impact of the match-up between C-executives’ facial
appearance and type of interview on attitude toward the
corporate brand and purchase intentions
How can the Internet be successfully used by a professional
sports team to manage and develop their fan relationships
The impact of culture, expertise and demographics on the level
of importance internal customers assign to different internal
service quality dimensions
Economic implications of fiber-to-the-home infrastructure
networks in the United States: A community-level analysis
Anticipating consumer preferences based on implicit cultural
imprinting
What attributes of healthcare are most important to improve
patient satisfaction in Lebanese primary care settings:
The case of the Mount Lebanon clinic
An empirical research on cinema theatre location
selection in China
Global retailers in urban China: How to increase private label
brands acceptance of FMCGs recognizing psychographic
particularities and preferences of Chinese consumers
p.48
p.52
p.55
p.58
p.73
p.75
p.88
p.92
p.95
p.100
p.120
p.129
Safi Al-Khudary Mirna Accreditation from a stakeholder’s orientation perspective: p.168
Influences on school performance
Sleilati Esther The effects of the ISO 9000 certification of firms in Lebanon p.172
upon the satisfaction of their customers in the business-tobusiness
Lebanese market: The case of the packing industry
Wang Hui
Factors influencing TV drama taste diversity in mainland p.187
China
Wang Yawei David The influence of personal relationship (Guanxi) and interorganizational
p.191
relationships on marketing channel cooperation
and conflict: An empirical research
Wei Ming Michael Research on diffusion of GSM subscribers in China p.194
Xu Chengxi Charles Influence of Guanxi orientation and relationship marketing p.200
orientation on the control behaviors in marketing channels:
An empirical research
Zhang Ning
Process on consumer decision-making on critical illness
insurance: Factors affecting purchase decision
p.206
p.131
42

Where to Find Graduates and their Work
IV: ACCOUNTING, LAW & FINANCE
Firman Edward
Guerrier Gérard
Jiang Zhong Fang
(Johnson)
Li Jia
Nellore Rajesh
Ostergaard Lars
Sonnier Blaise
A global study on the relationship between firms’ diversification
into the financial services industry and their financial
performances
Challenging the transaction costs theory in the distribution of
complex industrial products: An exploratory analysis
Controller management involvement context, role and
determinants: A theory-building case study research
Empirical study of equity risk premium for Chinese stock
market
The role of specifications and contracts in outsourced product
development in the automotive industry
Optimizing retail banking channels: Developing and sustaining
end-user channel concepts on the basis of competitive forces
and customer requirements in Denmark
Intellectual capital disclosure practices of US high technology
companies and their relationship to performance, value and
size metrics
p.85
p.94
p.108
p.126
p.136
Tarabay Mohamed Nazir Mergers and acquisitions in Kuwait 2004–2009:
p.182
Empirical evidence of shareholder value creation
and premium paid to integrate
Wojtkow (Wild) Henry EVA and MVA: A model to predict share performance p.195
Xu Jie
Essays on momentum and contrarian strategies
in China’s stock market
p.201
p.144
p.176
43

2nd
2013
edition

DBA
ALUMNI
PROFILES
AND THESES
45

Doctoral Knowledge Factory – 2013 edition
Dr. Rony Abi NAKHLE
Family entrepreneur in Lebanon: an engine or brake on growth?
Supervisor:
Dr. Jean-Jacques Chanaron
Program: Grenoble Ecole de
Management DBA Program
Defense date:
January 2009
Current position:
Chairman of the Board of
Trustees, Lebanese Canadian
University, Aïntoura–Kesrouan
(Lebanon)
Thesis abstract
The family company is the oldest and most widespread
form of organization in the world. While
this topic has captured the attention of researchers,
consultants and media in the developed
world, it has seldom been studied in developing
countries, and particularly in Lebanon where
this form of entrepreneurship is widespread. As
the head of a Lebanese university founded and
managed by a family, the author decided to carry
out research on the specificities of such a form of
entrepreneurship. The objective of this research is
to analyze what makes the family company specific
from creation to succession.
In his research, the author studies the cases of
three universities in Lebanon: two founded and
directed by a family network, and the other directed
by unrelated people. The author uses a
qualitative methodology - the observation of the
field of research - to study an independent variable
(a family structure or not) and three dependent
variables (strategic, organizational and financial).
For each dependent variable, a number
of assumptions were formulated and tested.
The specificity of family company strategy is analyzed
and commented upon within the framework
of company governance and agency theory,
as well as the economic significance of family
entrepreneurship.
46

Alumni Profiles and Theses
(continuation)
The results prove that family entrepreneurship
in Lebanon is an engine of growth driven by values
such as loyalty, a strong awareness of social
responsibility, continuity and integrity in the
objectives and policies of the organization, etc.
However, there are constraints common to family
companies, such as a lack of management training
and external expertise, issues linked to delegation,
levels of motivation, asset division and
succession, as well as structural problems.
This research also comprises several limitations,
most importantly the fact that it is based on three
cases only, which reduces the possibilities of
generalization, as well as the author’s subjectivity
which can influence his understanding of the
university.
Finally, a future line of research could be proposed,
that of the intercultural analysis of the
family principles of management which could
offer several avenues of thought on the various
ways of building direction, expressing emotions
and exerting power within the family.
Mini bio
Dr. Rony Abi Nakhlé
obtained a Doctorate of
Business Administration
(DBA) from Grenoble Ecole
de Management. He is the
Chairman of the Lebanese
Canadian University’s Board of
Trustees in charge of heading
Board sessions, executing its
decisions, and following its
activities. He also heads the
University Board, which focuses
on the nomination of faculty
members and employees
and provides personalized
counseling for both students
and personnel throughout their
careers. His extra activities
include coaching managers
and corporate executives.
47

Doctoral Knowledge Factory – 2013 edition
Dr. Zeina AL HAKIM
Service quality dimensions and customer satisfaction:
A study in the Lebanese retail banking industry
Supervisor:
Dr. Caroline Cuny
Program:
GEM DBA in Lebanon (LCU)
Defense date:
November 2012
Current position:
Independent Customer Service
Trainer, Consumer Behavior
Researcher, Beirut, Lebanon
Thesis abstract
This doctoral research was initiated for the purpose
of investigating the relationship between
perceived service quality and customer satisfaction
among bank customers in Lebanon and defining
service quality by uncovering its dimensions
relevant to the Lebanese culture. Due to the
lack of similar studies in Lebanon and the significant
contribution of the banking sector to the
Lebanese economy, the researcher decided that
the investigation should be conducted within the
Lebanese retail banking industry. Moreover, due
to the turbulent competitive banking environment
in Lebanon and the pressing need to adopt
a marketing orientation strategy that focuses on
the consumer, understanding what satisfies bank
customers becomes crucial, as does finding out
what matters most to these customers in their
service quality evaluations, to serve them better.
Based on an extensive literature review, a model
was proposed with a combination of variables:
perceived service quality, customer satisfaction,
bank reputation, perceived payment equity, and
gender. In addition to an exploratory study to discover
the dimensions of service quality, a series
of hypotheses attempt to explain the relationship
between perceived service quality and customer
satisfaction. The model was tested using a quantitative
research technique. Using convenience
sampling, the research sample was chosen from
customers of Lebanese banks and included 1336
respondents (54% men, 46% women) from 36
out of the 51 commercial banks operating in
Lebanon. Data analyses uncovered the new dimensions
of service quality, measured using the
SERVPERF tool, specifically applicable to Lebanese
retail bank services and provided support
for five of six hypotheses. The findings confirm
the importance of stressing service quality to ensure
customer satisfaction by focusing on bank
reputation, reliability, empathy, and tangibility
48

Alumni Profiles and Theses
(continuation)
dimensions of perceived service quality. Moreover,
the results uncover interesting gender-related
differences in the evaluation of perceived service
quality and customer satisfaction that should
be taken into consideration when designing and
delivering bank retail services in Lebanon. The
major outcome of this research is a new tool to
measure service quality in Lebanese banks: the
Lebanese Bank Service Quality Assessment Tool
(LBSQAT).
Mini bio
Dr. Zeina Al Hakim obtained
an MBA in Management from
the American University of
Beirut and a BBA in Marketing
from the Hariri Canadian
University before pursuing her
DBA degree at GrenobleEcole
de Management. She had six
years of business experience
in the fields of marketing and
human resource management
and another five years of
cumulative teaching experience
at several reputable universities
in Lebanon such as the Hariri
Canadian University and the
Lebanese American University.
In addition to providing training
services, her current objective
is to focus on producing
publications and contributing to
consumer behavior research.
49

Doctoral Knowledge Factory – 2013 edition
Dr. Shaker AL MAHASNA
FDI as a channel of technology diffusion: The case of Saudi Arabia
Supervisor:
Dr. François Thérin
Program:
Grenoble-Newcastle University
DBA Program
Defense date:
June 2011
Current position:
Managing Director, Saudi Electric
services Polytechnic, Saudi
Arabia
Memberships:
Operation and Maintenance
Conference (OMAINTEC)
(Since 2008)
Thesis abstract
Countries’ economies should be diversified as
much as possible to avoid economic slumps. Saudi
Arabia’s economy is highly dependent on oil
as a major source of financial resources. However,
diversification of economic activities requires
improvement in the technological infrastructure
of the country. FDI is considered a major source
of technology diffusion. When foreign investors
move some of their activities to a host country,
they create externalities known as spillovers.
Spillovers are created with support of four major
channels or effects, which are demonstration-imitation,
linkage, competition, and workers’ mobility.
The aim of this research, hence, is to study the effects
of FDI on technology diffusion in Saudi Arabia.
It investigates the above mentioned four effects
as channels of productivity growth and tries
to analyze the spillovers resulting from foreign
firms’ operations in the country. Moreover, the
study tries to discover the mechanism through
which FDI promotes the technology diffusion.
This is done by the utilization of the Total Factor
Productivity (TFP) analysis. The TFP has been
utilized by previous researchers as an indicator of
technology flow and separation across cities and
countries. The second objective of this research
is to study the local investors’ expectation of the
future effects of FDI on the technology diffusion
in the country. This is done by analyzing interaction
between competition and linkages. It continues
by analyzing the interaction between training
and workers’ mobility. The third objective of this
study is to provide recommendations to the Saudi
Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA),
pertinent to the development of the technology
diffusion in Saudi Arabia.
50

Alumni Profiles and Theses
(continuation)
To achieve the above mentioned objectives, a survey,
composed of two parts, was developed. The
first part of the survey targeted both foreign and
local investors in four major geographical areas
of Saudi Arabia. Those areas are the Eastern
Province, Riyadh, Qassim, and Hail. The second
part of the survey targeted the local investors in
the same geographical areas. To conduct the data
analysis of the first part of the survey, a model
is developed based on the Parente and Prescott
equation. The data analysis of this portion is conducted
using Ordinary Least Square (OLS) regression.
The second part of the study is analyzed
using the two way Analysis of Variance. In addition,
the results of part two analysis were supported
by descriptive data analysis.
The research is concluded with recommendations
pertinent to the development of the technology
diffusion in the country. The actions that are being
taken are described, based on the results of
this study, and recommendations for future studies
are given at the end of the research.
Mini bio
Dr. Shaker Al Mahasna’s
educational background
includes a BSc in Mechanical
Engineering and an MBA
from King Fahd University of
Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM,
Saudi Arabia), a PhD in Finance
from Doshisha Daigaku
(Japan), and a DBA from
the University of Newcastle
upon Tyne and Grenoble
Ecole de Management.
During his fifteen years’
experience in training
and development, Dr. Al
Mahasna was able to develop
considerable experience in
different training disciplines
including but not limited to:
training needs assessment,
planning and development,
on-the-job training, and
mentoring and certification.
He is currently working as a
manager for the curriculum
development division and is
responsible of conducting
training needs assessment
and development of the
curriculum required for the
training implementation of
both short-term and longterm
training programs.
51

Doctoral Knowledge Factory – 2013 edition
Dr. Stephen ALFRED
What influences film industry mangers to select a location:
Antecedents to brand selection
Supervisors:
Dr. John Lambert
Program:
GEM DBA in the USA
Defense date:
December 2010
Current position:
Independent Researcher, Motion
Picture Development Consultant,
Knight Vision Entertainment,
LLC, USA
Mini bio
Dr. Stephen Alfred obtained
a Master’s in Business
Administration from the
University of Phoenix and a
B.A. in Economics from the
University of Massachusetts at
Amherst before pursuing his
DBA degree at Grenoble Ecole
de Management. The area
of dissertation concentration
was in management theory
and organizational behavior.
His research interests are in
buyer/seller behavior within
the context of business to
business service delivery
and antecedents/influences
to buyer decision making
process. His dissertation
concerned an exploration
of the influences upon key
decision makers in the film
and television industry in the
U.S.A. regarding (film) location
selection and the concept of
location branding/location
marketing to the film industry.
He is both an educator and
entrepreneur developing
various independent film and
television projects for national
and international distribution.
Thesis abstract
This research began by stating the research question
and subsequent questions regarding the nature
of the location selection decision process in
the film and television industry in the USA. The
concept of corporate branding was introduced for
the purpose of drawing relevant connections between
the aims of the corporate entity and the state,
seeking to redefine itself as a means of economic
growth and development in comparatively uncertain
times.
The film industry was examined briefly from a
global standpoint as select countries were identified
that have made strides in increasing their
creative and economic presence in the world. Of
note, co-production agreements and international
coproduction treaties were discussed, as was the
mutual benefit to countries choosing to engage in
these types of agreements. The increased interest
on the part of film producers and production companies
in the USA to do business with countries
such as France on the cutting edge of these agreements
was also discussed.
The film industry in the U.S.A., the backdrop on
which the phenomena under examination occurs,
was further explained from an historical perspective.
Louisiana, a state that has been successful in
the industry over a mere eight-year period, was
examined in brief; other states that have achieved
varying measures of success in this regard
were identified, with supporting data provided.
Additionally, some areas of concern were briefly
discussed.
52

Alumni Profiles and Theses
Dr. Loubna ALSAGHIR OUEIDAT
Exploring HR policies and HR specialists’ role in the context of innovation:
The case of BPR in two large Lebanese banks
Thesis abstract
This research framed some aspects of two huge
areas of research, namely the areas of human resources
and of innovation management in one
framework and built a model in which the role of
the HR department could be considered as central
and even critical in innovation management. In
terms of a research question, this thesis explores
to what extent HR policies and HR specialists’
role is considered as critical for the success of BPR
implementation.
Surprisingly, the literature on BPR didn’t touch on
the theme of a specific role that would be played by
the HR function during the introduction of BPR. In
particular, although there was interesting research
making a good case for the necessity to effectively
manage HR, none of the studies mentioned the
importance of the role of HR practitioners specifically
as catalysts of change or as strategic partners
during implementation of BPR. Also, none of the
case studies of companies that have implemented
BPR revealed any kind of relationships that could
have existed between the HR function and the BPR
project team and that could have enhanced the effectiveness
of BPR implementation. Therefore, the
interest and the originality of this research is to try
to fill this gap in the literature and analyze what
might be the role of the HR function and what
kind of interactions it might have with line managers
for a better implementation of BPR.
The literature review brought about some possible
answers, and five propositions were formulated
highlighting these potential roles and relationships.
The main proposition stipulates that for a
successful implementation of BPR, the role played
by the HR department could be considered critical.
The four other propositions presented the main elements
of this role. In particular, the HR department
should be implementing innovative HRM
practices. It should also act as a “change agent”
and be considered as a “strategic partner.” The last
Supervisors:
Dr. Charles Clemens Ruling
and Dr. Steve Procter
Program:
Grenoble-Newcastle University
DBA Program
Defense date:
February 2011
Current position:
Assistant Professor of
Economics, Saint Joseph
University, Beirut, Lebanon
53

Doctoral Knowledge Factory – 2013 edition
Dr. Loubna ALSAGHIR OUEIDAT (continuation)
proposition considered that the HR department
should operate in close partnership with other
functions and line managers for increased effectiveness
in change adoption.
These propositions were explored in two large
Lebanese banks that had recently implemented
BPR projects. From the findings, it was possible to
provide the following answer to the research question:
The HR department might play a critical role
during implementation of BPR to the extent that it
has the capability to play the role of “change agent”
and also but to a minor extent, it is an innovative
department and is strategically involved in the
business with managers at all hierarchical levels.
Mini bio
Dr. Loubna Alsaghir Oueidat is
currently Assistant Professor
of Economics at Saint Joseph
University, Beirut – Lebanon.
She teaches courses of
macroeconomics, growth
theories, management
of innovation, and
digital economics.
54

Alumni Profiles and Theses
Customer education: Definition, measures and effects on customer
satisfaction
Dr. Benoit AUBERT
Thesis abstract
Despite companies’growing interest in customer
education (e.g., Nikon, Orange, Sony) and the
evident awareness of this concept in some recent
literature, research on customer education has
remained relatively scarce. This thesis therefore
contributes to the development of knowledge on
customer education by endeavoring to clarify the
concept of customer education and understand
and measure its outcomes for customer satisfaction,
a key indicator of corporate performance.
To achieve this goal, the thesis begins with a literature
review that provides an original conceptualization
of customer education and its outcomes.
A reliable and valid scale to measure customer
education was developed. Finally, the study undertakes
an experimental procedure, based on
hypothetic-deductive methodology. The proposed
structural model, which depicts the effects of customer
education on customer satisfaction, tests a
set of hypotheses that address both mediating and
moderating effects. The tests of the hypotheses also
rely on structural equation modeling. The experimental
fieldwork, conducted in partnership with
the digital camera manufacturer Nikon France,
includes a sample of 321 customers.
The results of this research are twofold. First, it
offers a five-item original scale to measure customer
education. The psychometric qualities of
this scale are strong, according to well-established
criteria. Second, this study proposes and
validates a model of the relationships between
customer education and customer satisfaction.
This thesis thereby unveils two mediating variables:
product usage and product usage–related
knowledge and skills. The moderating role of customer
expertise with a product category is also
substantiated.
Supervisors:
Dr. David Gotteland
and Dr. Steve Procter
Program:
Grenoble-Newcastle University
DBA Program
Defense date:
November 2006
Current position:
Associate Dean, Marketing and
Development Director, Senior
Professor of Marketing, Grenoble
Ecole de Management, France
Memberships:
American Marketing Association,
reviewer for Advances in
Business Education and Training
(since October 2009)
Mini bio
Dr. Benoit Aubert is Associate
Dean and Marketing and
Development Director. He
is also a senior marketing
professor at Grenoble Ecole
de Management, where he
teaches courses on CRM,
customer education, consumer
behavior, quantitative
marketing and principles of
marketing. His main research
interest in marketing is
customer education. His
DBA thesis examined the
effects of customer education
on customer behavior and
satisfaction. He is involved in
the Institut du Capital Client
(customer care research
institute) and has written
several papers on customer
education, customer
satisfaction and CRM.
55

Doctoral Knowledge Factory – 2013 edition
Dr. Lawrence S. AUDLER
Challenges in harnessing the power of the effectual entrepreneur
in the corporate culture
Supervisor:
Dr. Ye-Sho Chen
Program:
GEM DBA in the USA
Defense date:
September 2009
Current position:
Department Chair and faculty
member, Department of Business
Administration, Our Lady of Holy
Cross College, New Orleans,
LA, USA
Memberships:
Southern Management
Association
Mini bio
Dr. Lawrence S. Audler holds
a BA in History from Louisiana
State University, an MBA from
Tulane University and obtained
a Doctorate of Business
Administration from Grenoble
Ecole de Management. He
is the current Chair of the
Department of Business at Our
Lady of Holy Cross College
and has been an instructor
there since August 2006.
Leveraging his long corporate
career in management,
followed by 12 years as a
human resources consultant
for large and small companies,
Dr. Audler has expressed
his passion for continuing
research in the entrepreneurial
field by developing the
curriculum for the college.
Thesis abstract
This study looks at eleven entrepreneurs. Some
of them were known to the researcher as persons
who had started businesses, and others were identified
through peer referrals, but none of these entrepreneurs
had any substantial contact with the
author prior to the beginning of this thesis project.
The main focus of this thesis is to determine
whether the major tenets of effectuation, described
by Sarasvathy (2003), appear in small to mediumsized
entrepreneurial companies. Sarasvathy describes
the entrepreneur as having the following
traits: controlling the amount of risk at the outset,
working through networks to develop capital,
material, expertise, and actual product or service,
trust in the efficacy of the network, and leveraging
contingencies. This latter characteristic refers
to entrepreneurs’approach to risk and future, such
that they take advantage of it, so even failure is regarded
positively as a means to learn lessons for the
next venture. Entrepreneurs do not attempt prediction,
because no one can know the future; instead
they simply take advantage of what they can access,
with an open mind to possibilities. The members
of an entrepreneurial network also develop necessary
trust that the other members will deliver on
their promises, which often refer to their specific
contributions. They know who they are, whom
they know, what they know, and what they can do,
so they build a network of known entities to do “x,”
because until and unless they make a group decision
about the outcomes of their collective assets,
they cannot imagine what the product or market
eventually look like. These unknowns seem to generate
synergy and excitement, as clearly expressed
in the entrepreneur interviews available in the
text, as well as on a cassette and video that accompany
the dissertation package. For the most part,
all of these entrepreneurs recollected their enjoyment
and innovation in making their product and
service offerings come to fruition.
56

Alumni Profiles and Theses
The predictive power of Internet technology in studying the effect
of Sino-economic variables on stock trade in emerging markets -
Case of Lebanon
Dr. Victor BAHHOUTH
Thesis abstract
This research focuses on the predictive power of
Internet technology for studying the effect of socioeconomic
variables on stock trades in emerging
countries in the specific context of Lebanon.
Specifically, this research examines the role of socioeconomic
variables for explaining a country’s
unique factors, such as its risk profile; the use of
Internet technology can provide a catalyst for developing
stock trades in emerging markets.
To test the research problem, this study uses logistic
regression, which can handle both metric and
nonmetric independent variables and still predict
a binary dependent variable. The research findings
are robust and include a significant effect of
socioeconomic variables (country-specific, unique
risk) on the stock trade in the Lebanese market. In
addition, Internet technology exhibits significant
predictive power with regard to stock trade. Recommendations
for further studies include testing
other dimensions of country-specific factors, considering
socioeconomic variables (or citizens’ personal
values) in other emerging countries, using
Internet technology as a means to accelerate stock
trade development, and looking for other factors
that may affect stock returns but that have not yet
been defined in the field of finance.
Supervisors:
Dr. Jean-Jacques Chanaron
and Dr. Steve Procter
Program:
Grenoble-Newcastle
University DBA Program
Defense date:
March 2004
Current position:
Associate Director of BIS
program and Associate Professor
of Finance, University of North
Carolina, Pembroke Campus,
USA
Mini bio
Dr. Victor Bahhouth is an
Associate Professor of
Finance in the Department
of Economics, Finance, and
Decision Sciences at the
University of North Carolina–
Pembroke. He received
his Doctorate of Business
Administration in Finance from
Newcastle University Business
School (United Kingdom). His
teaching interests focus on
the areas of contemporary
issues related to international
businesses, technology, and
stock markets. He has authored
and co-authored research
papers published in refereed
journals and in the proceedings
of national and international
academic conferences.
Dr. Bahhouth is a Certified
Public Accountant (CPA)
and Certified Management
Accountant (CMA).
57

Doctoral Knowledge Factory – 2013 edition
Dr. David BAKER
A social influence–based model of contextual utilization of sales
management technology within a multinational business-to-business
sales force
Supervisor:
Dr. Jean-Jacques Chanaron
Program:
GEM DBA in the USA
Defense date:
July 2008
Current position:
Assistant Professor, University of
Louisiana at Lafayette (USA)
Memberships:
Academy of International
Business (since 2006), American
Marketing Association (since
2006), American Management
Association (since 2008),
Guest reviewer for Journal of
International Marketing
Thesis abstract
Building on related, interdisciplinary theories, this
dissertation identifies social and culturally significant,
independent, antecedent variables that relate
to the contextual usage of sales management technology
in a multinational, business-to-business
sales force. From a practical perspective, the results
of this study build knowledge that can assist
international managers and their organizations in
creating strategic alternatives for the implementation
and cross-cultural use of multinational sales
and marketing knowledge management systems.
It also contributes to applied knowledge by providing
insights into contextual utilization behaviors
and the individual competencies needed to
ensure technology development and training for
multinational sales forces.
Mini bio
Dr. David Baker is currently
an Assistant Professor of
Marketing and International
Business at University of
Louisiana at Lafayette. He
obtained a Doctorate of
Business Administration
(DBA) from Grenoble Ecole
de Management and an MBA
from Thunderbird School
of Global Management.
Prior to pursuing his teaching
and research activities, Dr.
Baker worked professionally
as an international marketing
and sales management
executive for 17 years.
His research and publication
topics include international
sales management, strategic
technology management in
cross-cultural environments,
adaptive learning behavior,
cultural values and cognition
related to motivation and
organizational technology,
and behavioral control in
the organizational setting.
58

Alumni Profiles and Theses
Dr. Jianbin BAO
A case study of the GSPP (Government - State-owned Enterprise - Private
Enterprise – Public) model in the public-private cooperation on the
ecological project construction in Kunming
Thesis abstract
As economy and society develops, the general public
has come to realize the importance of environmental
protection and articulated growing needs
for urban ecological construction. The insatiable
demands of the public for public products in face
of limited finances of the government make it imperative
to secure financing for urban eco-projects
and improve product quality and operating efficiency.
The salience, (i.e., quasi-public product) of an urban
ecological project provides a theoretical basis
for introduction of public-private partnership to
the construction and operation of the urban ecological
project. Again, the awkward predicament
of localizing the international experience in the
public-private partnership has sparked the government
to examine the practice and learn lessons
from it impartially.
The present research qualitatively illuminates
the model of public-private partnership on ecoconstruction
in Kunming and summarizes the
experience in the model with the help of a literature
review, field surveys, and expert interviews.
State-owned enterprises and the general public,
in addition to the traditional parties to the public-private
partnership, namely, the government
and private enterprises, are incorporated in the
urban eco-construction in Kunming as financer,
management promoter, and supervisor, forming
a GSPP model. This model contributes greatly to
the eco-construction in Kunming and closes the
gap in financial investment. It is instrumental
in introducing the latest managerial experience
and technology, improving efficiency, and reducing
risks. However, the GSPP model cannot be
achieved without guarantees in finance, legislation,
organization, and technology.
Supervisors:
Dr. Jie Yan and Dr. Dajian Zhu
Program:
GEM DBA in China (Tongji)
Defense date:
May 2012
Current position:
Secretary General, Communist
Party Committee of Kunming
City, China
59

Doctoral Knowledge Factory – 2013 edition
Dr. Mohammad BAYDOUN
Risk management during preconstruction phases of large scale development
projects in developing countries: Cases from MDI’s projects
Supervisor:
Dr. Klas Soderquist
Program:
GEM DBA in Lebanon (LCU)
Defense date:
January 2012
Current position:
Development & Project Manager,
Millennium Development
International, Beirut, Lebanon
Thesis abstract
The aim of this doctoral thesis is to develop a
risk management model to be used during preconstruction
phases of large scale development
projects in developing countries. Such a model
can help project managers to gear their projects
through different risk environments and achieve
the critical KPIs. This is particularly important
in preconstruction phases as these are the phases
during which involved stakeholders have the highest
level of control over the project.
Due to the high level of risk associated with
large scale development projects, the traditional
risk management approach, which assumes
that risk can be predicted and budgeted early
on, is not convenient to the context of these projects.
Each large scale project has a high level of
uniqueness that renders benchmarks generated
out of previous projects obsolete. Hence, a reactive
risk management approach is necessary.
When following such an approach, the project
manager reacts to risks as soon as they emerge
and identifies necessary mitigation measures
based on the nature of the risk.
60

Alumni Profiles and Theses
(continuation)
This risk management model was developed based
on analysis of selected case studies from projects
managed by Millennium Development International
(MDI), which is a leading firm in the
field of development management in developing
countries. In the absence of systems that account
for the dynamic nature of projects under discussion,
this thesis contributes to the field of project
management by developing a model that will help
managers of such projects to follow clear processes
for the purpose of optimizing their risk management
practices. This model includes categories of
risk that will help in risk identification, gates of
risk management that are key milestones, points
at which risks need to be assessed and proper reactions
need to be identified, an interim risk management
process, a risk mitigation guide that will
help in defining the proper measures for each risk,
and KPIs that will help in measuring the success of
adopted measures.
Mini bio
Dr. Mohammad Baydoun
holds a Bachelor’s Degree
in Architecture, a Master’s
Degree of Architecture in Urban
Design, an Executive Master’s
of Business Administration
Degree, and a Doctorate
of Business Administration
from Grenoble Ecole de
Management. Dr Baydoun is a
project manager in Millennium
Development International
s.a.l. in Beirut, Lebanon. As a
project manager, Dr. Baydoun
is responsible for managing
and working jointly with a
team of urban planners,
urban designers, financial
analysts, architects, and
engineers. His multidisciplinary
background combined with
his experience allows him
to participate in structuring
complex development projects,
authoring development
strategies and, through
management and collaboration
with consultants of diverse
disciplines (technical and
financial), to realize
integrated business plans
and commercial success of
projects. His expertise spans
a wide geographical spread
with special focus on the
Saudi market. Dr. Baydoun is
also a thesis supervisor for
the Doctorate of Business
Administration Program of
Grenoble Ecole de Management
and a visiting research fellow
at the Management Science
Laboratory of Athens University
of Economics and Business.
Dr. Baydoun has won a number
of professional and academic
awards, the most prominent
of which are Saraya’s Spirit to
Serve Award that is awarded
to distinguished employees
for their dedication and
outstanding performance and
the Ghanem Al Shama’ Prize
for the best graduation project.
Dr. Baydoun has authored a
number of publications on
the management of large
scale development projects.
61

Doctoral Knowledge Factory – 2013 edition
Dr. Martine BENHAIM
Inter-company relationships within the construction industry: Towards the
emergence of networks. A comparative study between France and the UK
Supervisor:
Dr. Jean-Jacques Chanaron
Program:
Grenoble-Henley Management
College DBA Program
Defense date:
July 1997
Current position:
Lecturer, Responsible for the
Engineering Management
Program, EPF Engineering
School, Sceaux, France
Mini bio
As a management consultant
in the 1990’s, Dr. Martine
Benhaim felt the need to
upgrade her personal and
professional knowledge by
joining the DBA program
proposed by Grenoble-Henley
Management College. Writing
and presenting her DBA work
has been a real challenge and
a deep pleasure. Her present
work does not include research
but she keeps a keen eye on
management publications
and she continues teaching
on business development
and strategic management.
Thesis abstract
This study develops an overview of interfirm relationships
in the French and U.K. construction industry,
with a primary focus on partnering. Using
three different theoretical approaches to networks—
sociological, industrial economics, and strategic
management—this thesis explores the relevance
of network theories to an analysis of partnering
agreements. The current state of the construction
industry is the result of a strategy pursued by the
main contractors. In particular, the industry’s fragmentation,
merchandizing, power relations, and
changing market conditions created vicious circles
that damaged production conditions. Multiple dysfunctions
resulted from the disappearance of traditional
regulation procedures, which discredited
the construction industry, together with spiraling
costs and client dissatisfaction.
In both France and the United Kingdom, similar
developments have appeared in their respective
national industries, with some variations related
to the players’influence and structural roles. Major
contractors have pursued various integrative techniques,
such as project, production, and quality
management, which attempt to reform interfirm
relationships without targeting them as problematic.
Partnering as an organizational form, which
was adopted by isolated French construction
companies in the 1980s and a few U.K. pioneers
starting in 1994, provides a basis for an overall reassessment
of relationships among clients, designers,
engineers, contractors, and subcontractors.
Therefore, this thesis uses case studies to explore
the determinants of partnering and its outcomes.
The qualitative research relies on longitudinal
field research methods and highlights some main
features of project partnering. It also retraces the
seemingly logical path toward long-term partnering
(i.e., networks) followed by some British firms
and reveals the conditions for network diffusion in
the construction industry.
62

Alumni Profiles and Theses
Dr. Betty BIRKENMEIER
The relationship between training and trust in supervisor and job
performance: An examination of front line employees in the banking industry
Thesis abstract
The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship
between the training a front line employee
receives, the trust an employee has in their
immediate supervisor, and an employee’s job performance.
Data were collected from 457 employees
holding customer contact positions at banks (community
and regional) located in several states in
the southern part of the United States. In the service
sector, it is important that employees receive
the appropriate training so that they can perform
their jobs well. These employees are the critical
link between the organization and its customers.
However, according to the literature, not much is
known about the techniques used to improve the
performance of front line employees. Furthermore,
the literature also indicates that while trust has
been the focus of many studies over the last twenty
years, there are not very many studies that have
examined trust from the perspective that the development
of trust is affected by human resource
activities. These two gaps in the literature are
examined in this study. Findings from the study
indicate that there is a strong correlation between
the training an employee receives and job performance.
It was also found that there is a strong correlation
between the perceptions an employee has
of their supervisor and the trust the employee has
in their supervisor. Furthermore, it was found that
trust in a supervisor is moderately correlated with
job performance. By placing trust in a supervisor
in the black box, this study has helped to identify
one component that needs to be present in order
for human resource activities to result in higher
job performance.
Supervisor:
Dr. Pierre-Yves Sanséau
Program:
GEM DBA in the USA
Defense date:
July 2011
Current position:
Assistant-professor, Department
of Management and Marketing,
Texas A&M University-Central
Texas, USA
Mini bio
Dr. Betty Birkenmeier also
holds an MBA from the
University of Louisiana-
Lafayette and a Juris Doctorate
from Louisiana State University.
Her area of interest focuses on
human resource management.
She currently works as an
Assistant professor in the
Department of Management
and Marketing at Texas A&M
University-Central Texas.
Before obtaining her DBA
from Grenoble Ecole de
Management, she worked at
South Louisiana Community
College as Management
and Law Instructor.
63

Doctoral Knowledge Factory – 2013 edition
Dr. Alejandro BOADA-ORTIZ
Environmental innovation in the cut flower industry
Supervisors:
Dr. Audley Genus
and Dr. Neil Alderman
Program:
Grenoble-Newcastle University
DBA Program
Defense date:
June 2008
Current position:
Director of the Technology and
Production Center, Universidad
Externado de Colombia, Bogota
Memberships:
European Academy of
Management, Reviewer for
Innovación Review (Universidad
Nacional de Colombia),
Cuadernos de Administración
Review (Universidad Javeriana de
Colombia)
Thesis abstract
The Colombian fresh cut-flower industry is well
recognized worldwide. Colombia is the second
largest exporter after the Netherlands and the largest
carnation exporter in the world. Colombian floriculture
is an export business and 95% of the production
is sold abroad. Most plantations are found
on the savannah of Bogotá due to its strategic geographical
location and water availability. However
this is not a clean industry. Environmental scandals
and bad press reports are part of the sector’s
history. Since 1996 producers and the industry
association – Asocolflores – have implemented
environmental strategies mainly based on the FlorverdeTM
program. As a result, environmental
strategies based on constant improvement in operational
effectiveness and new market opportunities
have seduced Colombian producers. Nevertheless
these strategies are not sufficient enough to
guarantee the sector’s and the companies’ endurance.
Today environmental conflicts are evident
between fresh-cut flower production and the ecosystem
of the savannah of Bogotá, threatening the
future of this industry in Colombia.
Mini bio
Dr. Alejandro Boada-Ortiz is
Professor and Director of the
Center for Technology and
Production, Faculty of Business
Administration, Externado
University of Colombia. He
obtained his Doctorate of
Business Administration
from Newcastle University in
England. He also holds an MSc
in agricultural engineering
from the National University
of Colombia, an MBA from
Ecole Supérieure de Gestion
in Paris, and a Master’s
degree in environmental
management and policy from
Lund University in Sweden.
He is a Deputy Adviser to the
Ministry of the Environment
and since 2002 has served as
a lecturer in several universities
on the issues of sustainable
development and innovation.
64

Alumni Profiles and Theses
Communication in architecture project management:
The case of architecture firms in Lebanon
Dr. Karen BOUJAOUDE KHOURY
Thesis abstract
Communication in architecture requires the participation
of several individuals that share information,
tasks and resources. The changes that affected
the construction industry in the last decade
revealed a new organization structure in the practice
with anew means of communication. As many
studies point out the issue of IT integration in the
means of communication and the development of
new organization models in the construction industry,
but an adjustable process model of mechanisms
that enhance project productivity specifically
within the transformation point between the
design and construction phase has not yet been
studied. Therefore, the study will explore the facilitators
that improve productivity in architecture
practice and make up an efficient communication
model that could be adapted by any architecture
firm in Lebanon.
Supervisor:
Dr. Georges Labaki
Program:
GEM DBA in Lebanon (LCU)
Defense date:
December 2012
Current position:
Freelance Architect and
University Instructor, Notre
Dame University, Zouk Mosbeh,
Lebanon
Mini bio
Dr. Karen Boujaoude Khoury
studied architecture at the
Lebanese American University
in Lebanon and graduated with
a Bachelor in architecture in
2002. In 2006, she obtained
a Master’s in Business
Administration and Master’s
in International Business
from Notre Dame University
in Lebanon with Bordeaux
Business School in France.
She received her DBA in 2012.
Throughout these years, she
built her career and family
along with her education. She
is a freelance architect as she
manages her own design office
and has taught several different
architecture courses at Notre
Dame University since 2006.
Similar to her thesis’ scope of
study, her focus is on project
management and planning in
her lectures. She has achieved
several design projects and has
implemented many in Lebanon.
Her research interests fall
into the field of management
and organization. She will be
focusing on further studies
related to project management.
65

Doctoral Knowledge Factory – 2013 edition
Dr. Rola CHAMI-MALAEB
Talent management: A key driver for employees’ commitment contribution
and intention to stay
Supervisors:
Dr. Jean-Jacques Chanaron
Program:
GEM DBA in Lebanon (LCU)
Defense date:
January 2012
Current position:
University Campus Director,
Modern University of Business
and Science-MUBS, Aley,
Lebanon
Mini bio
Dr. Rola Chami-Malaeb
obtained a Master’s in
Management and a BA in
Business Accounting and
Finance before pursuing
her DBA degree at Grenoble
Ecole de Management.
She is currently Director at the
Modern University of Business
and Science (MUBS), Aley
Campus, in Lebanon. She has
previous work experience as
HR director at MUBS and the
Coordinator of the Business
department in the AUL
University. She has 12 years
of academic experience as
instructor in different private
universities in addition to the
Lebanese University (LU). She
holds two certificates of ISO
9000. She heads the Red Cross
Aley committee in Lebanon.
She has several publications in
the 11th and 12th international
conference of human resource
development across Europe
and has contributed in the
DBA symposium of Grenoble
Ecole de management and
wrote a chapter in the DBA
collective book of Grenoble
Ecole de Management . Dr.
Rola Chami’s research interests
are in talent management,
HRD, and retention. Her
DBA research topic was on
talent management as a
key driver for employees’
commitment, contribution,
and intention to stay.
Thesis abstract
Leaders can manage talent in order to sustain
their competitive edge. Talent management (TM)
gained prominent attention from academics and
practitioners since the 1990s. While much research
has focused on the field of human resource
management, little, if any, has focused on talent
management practices. This DBA research study
proposes and tests an original model of the impact
of talent management practices on employees’
intention to stay. Thus, the present research study
aims to contribute to the development of knowledge
of Talent Management. More specifically, it
not only endeavors to clarify the concept of Talent
Management and its practices but also to understand
and measure its outcomes on the affective
commitment (AC) , contribution (Cont), and intention
to stay (IS). This study offers a fresh look at
how Talent Management could be a key driver for
employees’ performance in the Lebanese context.
The results of this research were numerous. First,
5-item original indexes of Talent
Management practices and an index of the contribution
were developed. The psychometric qualities
of this index were shown, using an index construction
proposed by Diamantopoulos. Second,
a model, which details the relationships between
Talent Management and the employees’ intent to
stay, was proposed and validated. The existence of
two mediating variables was unveiled: commitment
and contribution. Talent Management practices
showed a positive impact on the employees’
commitment, contribution, and their intention to
stay, while at the same time the commitment and
contribution mediated the relationship between
TM practices and the IS.
66

Alumni Profiles and Theses
The individual’s commitment to an entrepreneurial project:
An attempt to improve coaching
Dr. Damien CHARITAT
Thesis abstract
Entrepreneurial spirit is more than ever a central
preoccupation for players on the economic, social,
political and educational scene.
Many French people are considering the possibility
of setting up their own business, as show the
higher levels of participation in entrepreneurship
fairs “salons des entrepreneurs”, as well as the increase
in the number of training courses on offer
and amount of information available on setting up
a business. However, considering the possibility of
setting up a business does not necessarily lead to
total commitment on part of the potential entrepreneur
(Bruyat, 1993). A number of individuals
do not go beyond the consultation stage and give
up on their project, be it definitively or temporarily.
Supervisor:
Dr. Jean-Jacques Chanaron
Program:
GEM DBA in the USA
Defense date:
July 2010
Current position:
Chairman and CEO, LOGIC,
Saint-Etienne, France
Our research starts with the following observations:
- The works of Bruyat (1993) leave room to consider
an improved form of coaching for entrepreneurial
project bearers;
- The concept of commitment in social sciences has
not yet been used in the field of entrepreneurship.
This research uses the works of Bruyat (1993), Fayolle
(2001), Charitat (2005) and Kiesler’s theory of
commitment (1971), reused by Joule and Beauvois
(1987). We have created an operational model which
satisfies the temporal dimensions of spontaneity of
practice and exclusivity of research, and which is
transversal to all three concepts of entrepreneurship
(Shane and Venkataraman, 2000; Gartner,
1991; Bruyat, 1993).
Within the research, the author positions himself
as an observer of the entrepreneurial phenomenon,
a specific position according to the theory of commitment:
an attributor.
The outcome of this work is an approach, a method
and a tool (On the road to entrepreneurship - Sur la
piste de l’entrepreneuriat) which enables the coaching
of project bearer during the entrepreneurial
process.
Mini bio
Before completing his
DBA at Grenoble Ecole de
Management, Dr. Damien
Charitat obtained a Master’s
in Entrepreneurship from the
Lyon School of Management
and a French DEA in
Strategy, Management and
Finance from the University
of Lyon and EM Lyon.
He created two companies in
1999 - Ex Nihilo (Laser Game
Evolution) and LOGIC (DCC&I
from 1999 to 2002, renamed
LOGIC from 2002). He was
also the founder of GEZ’immo
and HUDROKHOEUS in 2006.
LOGIC is set up in Saint-Etienne
(France), Dakar (Sénégal),
Saint-Denis (Reunion) and
Nouméa (New Caledonia).
67

Doctoral Knowledge Factory – 2013 edition
Dr. Yannick CHATELAIN
Management of innovation, the Internet and deviance:
A typology for the integration of hacker logic by companies
Supervisors:
Dr. Jean-Jacques Chanaron
and Dr. Audley Genus
Program:
Grenoble-Newcastle University
DBA Program
Defense date:
May 2006
Current position:
Head of Department of Applied
Learning, Associate Professor,
Grenoble Ecole de Management,
France
Thesis abstract
This thesis provides an empirical analysis of the
impact and management of transgressions in what
has been termed the “new economy.” It analyzes
the responses of agents who suffer deviance developed
outside the organization, namely, hacking.
Hacking has a great impact on the general economy,
and several sectors are particularly subject to
related attacks, such as music production and the
software.
This thesis suggests innovation theories can be extended
in terms of their fields of investigation and
thereby develop methods to manage “external” deviance
in a context that has evolved greatly, especially
as a result of its change of status in the 1990s.
Mini bio
Dr. Yannick Chatelain is a
graduate from Grenoble Ecole
de Management and obtained
a Doctorate of Business
Administration (DBA) from
Newcastle University. He is an
associate professor and Head
of Department in charge of
applied learning at Grenoble
Ecole de Management. His
teaching and research within
management focuses on
marketing online, hacking, and
the potential use of technology
in an efficient, collaborative,
and respectful approach. He
is currently writing a thesis
in sociology at the University
of Montpellier under the
direction of Jean Bruno Renard.
His research is about the
Internet, social control and
the freedom of expression.
He is the author of numerous
books on marketing online,
hacking and cyber-criminality
and the co-author with Loïck
Roche of the mediatized book
entitled In bed with the web.
68

Alumni Profiles and Theses
Dr. Jun CHEN
B-to-B cooperation in developing core competency in canned fruits industry
in China
Thesis abstract
This research critically analyzes the supply chain
operation issues and business model of Right
Dragon, a company operating in the Chinese
canned fruits industry, along with its customers
and suppliers. Establishing business-to-business
(B2B) cooperation among vendors, co-packers and
customers provides advantages in terms of developing
new products and achieving sustainable
growth. This thesis relies on Kotler and Levy’s concepts
of “purchase marketing” or “marketing of
supply” to link supply chain management (SCM)
directly to the marketing process; it also considers
concepts associated with outsourcing, agency theory,
cooperation games, and transaction theory to
investigate the essentials of an ideal supply chain
business model.
Therefore, the analysis of the business model adopted
by Right Dragon considers the strategic reasons
for its development of a tiered relationship with
customers and suppliers to develop new products
and the partnership, system integration efforts,
just-in-time practices, outsourcing, the shift from
multiple sourcing to single sourcing, obtaining asset
specificity through the establishment of a franchise,
and electronic data integration with supply
chain members. Furthermore, this study compares
the strategies implemented by Right Dragon with
those of Chinese and overseas competitors in the
canned fruits industry. The analysis also includes a
comparison with the business models established
in the automotive and electric industries, as well as
a business model comparison across typical enterprises
in Shanghai’s Free Trade Zone.
A balanced score card and supply chain operation
reference model analysis reveals that the driving
forces of the supply chain operation reflect marketing
segmentation and business operation strategies,
which vary from the vision and mission of the
enterprises and remain constantly dynamic.
Supervisor:
Dr. Michel Polski
Program:
GEM DBA in China (Tongji)
Defense date:
March 2008
Current position:
Operations Director, Blue Horizon
Hospitality Group, Shanghai,
China
Mini bio
Dr. Robert Jun Chen obtained
a Doctorate of Business
Administration from Grenoble
Ecole de Management, an
MA certificate from Nanjing
University and an MBA.
He has more than 20 years of
management and executive
experience in supply chain
solutions, FMCG (Foods and
Beverage) and auto electric
industry, machinery and spare
parts, sourcing and logistics
management in MNC and
Fortune 500 companies. Dr.
Chen is particularly familiar
with business operations in
the Asia-Pacific region and
can speak Chinese, English,
Japanese, and French.
His research interests focus on
supply chain and operations in
FMCG (Foods and Beverage)
industry. He is currently
doing part-time post-doctoral
research in Tongji University.
He is also a part-time mentor
for Shanghai Jiao Tong
University at Antai College of
Economics and Management.
69

Doctoral Knowledge Factory – 2013 edition
Dr. Hubert CHOUCHANA (d. 2011)
Explanatory factors for the creation of proposals for integrated solutions in
medium-sized industrial companies
Supervisor:
Dr. Benoit Aubert
Program:
GEM DBA in the USA
Defense date:
Awarded posthumously in
February 2012
Thesis abstract
The object of this thesis is to understand better the
reasons for medium-sized industrial companies
to move from a product-oriented approach to one
that offers an “integrated solution”. Integrated solutions
offer solutions of varying degrees of complexity
with core (tangible) products accompanied
by services (intangibles) and a compilation of information
and experiences.
Although research has already studied the use of
IS in large companies, this thesis is a unique for its
specific accent on SMEs.
Mini bio
His motto: “The one who
loves learning feels good
close to knowledge”
Dr. Hubert Chouchana had a
varied and wonderful career.
He started in Israel, where he
spent five years in the military
industry as an engineer. At
that time he decided to start
studying again and moved to
France to pursue his training.
Dr. Chouchana obtained
a Master from EM Lyon in
Industrial and International
Marketing Strategy. After
working for 15 years as
a marketing executive in
industrial firms, he decided
to start his own business in
consulting and training.
In 2007, he obtained his
French DEA with distinction.
Following intensive studies,
Dr. Hubert Chouchana
obtained his Doctorate of
Business Administration. He
died in February 2011, at
the age of 63, from a heart
attack but he achieved his
dream: to become a Doctor.
Reviewing literature that combines the fields of
both marketing and strategy, three major categories
of explicative variables have been identified and
studied. First, the environment of an SME, notably
its degree of stability and complexity. Second, the
SME’s structure with particular reference to the
organization of its procedures for sub-contracting.
Finally, the strategy, entrepreneurial behavior and
the ability to learn. 14 proposals have been made
which led to a qualitative empirical survey based
on five case studies. Each case was analyzed using
documentation and a series of interviews with
directors, and technical and marketing managers.
15 interviews were made.
The majority of the propositions were validated.
This research has therefore allowed the theoretical
knowledge of integrated solutions to be completed,
by presenting the specific case of SMEs. It also
offers a framework for managerial reflection for
companies who wish to conduct the change from a
product offer to an integrated solution offer.
70

Alumni Profiles and Theses
Dr. Michèle CHRABIEH
Strategic international human resource management policies and practices
and influencing factors in the major Lebanese Banks
Thesis abstract
This thesis is a context-specific research that focuses
on the field of Strategic International Human
Resource Management (SIHRM). The purpose of
this research is three-fold: exploratory, comparative,
and analytical. It aims at answering the following
research questions:
1. What are the SIHRM policies and practices in the
major Lebanese banks? (The How)
2. What factors have influenced SIHRM policies
and practices in the major Lebanese banks?
(The Why)
The qualitative methodology was chosen predominantly
for the purpose of this research given it applies
the interpretivist/constructivist paradigm
and also taking into consideration the research
questions. In the comparative and analytical phase
of the research, some of the major results were
quantified to further illustrate and expand upon
the qualitative data and increase the depth and
richness of the research project. Data was gathered
through participatory observation, questionnaires
(designed for the purpose of this study), in-depth
semi-structured interviews, and documentation
such as reports, studies, and articles, etc. The data
collection phase began in March 2009 and ended
in September 2009. This research relies on a multiple-case
study design whereby seven major Lebanese
banks characterized by regional/international
expansion strategies and three foreign banks established
in Lebanon were used as a reference. The
target population of the chosen cases is SIHRM
decision-takers and part-takers (such as Heads of
Human Resource, Human Resources professionals,
General Managers, etc.). They were chosen for
their specialist knowledge and experience required
for this thesis.
Findings relating to the first research question
are presented, compared and analyzed beginning
with an overview of the banks, then focusing on
Supervisor:
Dr. Mohammed Matmati
Program:
GEM DBA in Lebanon (LCU)
Defense date:
July 2011
Current position:
Team Leader-Talent &
Relationship Management (Group
HR), Bank Audi sal, Lebanon
71

Doctoral Knowledge Factory – 2013 edition
Dr. Michèle CHRABIEH (continuation)
the parent company HRD role/authority level at
the international level and on SIHRM policies and
practices pertaining to recruitment and selection,
Mini bio
Dr. Michèle Chrabieh obtained
an MSc in Human Resource
Management (HRM) from
HEC Montreal (2005) before
completing her DBA in 2011.
She has been working in
International Human Resource
Management in Lebanon
since September 2005.
As part of her responsibilities,
she has visited Syria, Jordan,
Egypt, Sudan, France,
and Switzerland several
times. She is responsible
for the development and
implementation of a Talent
Management and Succession
Planning System at the bank
she works for, besides her
HR Relationship Management
responsibilities.
training and development, compensation and benefits
as well as performance management. The ensuing
SIHRM approaches of all banks under study
are also analyzed when concluding both chapters.
As for the findings relating to the second research
question, they consist of a set of mild endogenous
and exogenous factors. Results show that endogenous
factors are the most influencing as compared
to exogenous factors in the context of Lebanese
banks. The contributions of this research are a set
of practical recommendations for business practice
and a proposed contextualized SIHRM model
to Lebanese banks as well as theoretical propositions.
This study has limitations, namely the need
for more emphasis on the overseas entity perspective,
the need to benchmark with more foreign
banks, and the need to further test and validate
the results using quantitative or mixed methods,
preferably in context specific settings within the
Arab world; these limitations bring forth some
fruitful and interesting possible avenues for future
research under the same theme.
72

Alumni Profiles and Theses
Determinants of online leisure travel planning decision processes:
A segregated approach
Dr. Michael CONYETTE
Thesis abstract
There is an abundance of information sources on
the Internet that consumers use to plan and book
their travel. In turn, travel comprises a significant
part of the business conducted through the Web.
Consumers sometimes face the complex task of
making purchasing decisions in this dynamic
and fast-paced medium. Yet despite the importance
of travel and the intricacies of the decision
process, an integrated framework that identifies
the various determinants of the online leisure
travel planning decision process is largely absent.
This study extracts from relevant literature several
useful elements that might constitute such
a framework. Through several phases of qualitative
research, this thesis refines the framework
and then undertakes a quantitative assessment
of data collected from an online questionnaire,
completed by 1,198 respondents, to test specific
components of the framework that deal with online
travel booking intentions.
Supervisors:
Dr. Michel Polski
and Dr. Feng Li
Program:
Grenoble-Newcastle University
DBA Program
Defense date:
November 2009
Current position:
Professor of Business,
Okanagan College, Vernon,
British Columbia, Canada
A final model-building stage compares three logistic
regression models. The first is a parsimonious
model that contains key determinants that
lead to online travel booking intentions. These
determinants reflect the theoretical frameworks
of the theory of reasoned action and innovation
adoption theory. The second model includes
only involvement, motivation, and knowledge
variables, which are thought to influence online
booking intentions. The third model includes a
combination of relevant predictor variables from
the other two models.
73

Doctoral Knowledge Factory – 2013 edition
Dr. Michael CONYETTE (continuation)
The relationship of various demographics and online
travel booking intentions yields some interesting
insights; companies should consider such
demographic variables when they attempt to
segment travelers to identify those who are more
likely to book online. The determinants of online
leisure travel booking decision processes also
could be used in conjunction with demographic
variables to predict leisure travel Website usage
more accurately.
Mini bio
Dr. Michael Conyette is a
business Professor with the
Okanagan School of Business
at Okanagan College. He
teaches numerous business
courses including strategic
management, operations
management, management
sciences, and other marketing
and management courses.
He has taught in the postsecondary
sector for over
10 years and is interested
in consumers’ travel search
and booking process via the
Internet and using portable
devices. Prior to working in
academia he operated various
businesses including an import
and distribution company, and
some Internet ventures. He
holds a Doctorate of Business
Administration Newcastle
University and Grenoble Ecole
de Management, and a Master
of Business Administration
from City University, Bellevue,
Washington, USA.
74

Alumni Profiles and Theses
Dr. Diana DAVILA-RUIZ
The impact of the match-up between C-executives’ facial appearance and
type of interview on attitude toward the corporate brand and purchase
intentions
Thesis abstract
This study explores the importance of public relations
in shaping the corporate brand (CB) by investigating
the impact of C-executives facial appearances
on consumer attitudes toward the CB and
purchase intentions (PI). The facial appearance
of C-executives and its fit with types of customer
interviews have significant influence, especially for
interviews pertaining to the dimensions of market
orientation, as well as interviews about corporate
social responsibility (CSR).
Facial appearance in this study refers to babyfacedness
versus maturefacedness, a feature that influences
various judgments. For example, babyfaced
people are perceived as more innocent, honest,
and warm, whereas maturefaced people prompt
perceptions of competence and expertise. Therefore,
perceived inferences related to babyfacedness
should influence attitudes toward the CB and PI.
In the case of CSR, perceived benevolence might
mediate between babyfacedness and company attitude,
such that attitude toward CB and PI should
be higher when C-executives are babyfaced rather
than maturefaced. In the case of a competitor-
or technological-oriented interview, leadership
should mediate between babyfacedness and
attitude toward the company, such that attitudes
should be higher when C-executives are maturerather
than babyfaced.
The results largely confirm these hypotheses for PI,
though this study cannot determine whether babyfaced
traits specifically increase attitudes toward
the CB. Further research should help clarify these
outcomes. Overall, it is worthwhile for companies
to match the type of interview with the facial
characteristics of their C-executives as a means to
strengthen the corporate brand and enhance purchase
intentions.
Supervisor:
Dr. Olivier Trendel
Program:
GEM DBA in the USA
Defense date:
January 2010
Current position:
MBA and Business Graduate
programs Director, Universidad
de Monterrey, Nuevo León,
Mexico
Memberships:
American Marketing Association
(since 2003)
Mini bio
Dr. Diana Davila Ruiz started
her professional career at
Procter & Gamble, and worked
for Unilever and Johnson &
Johnson as Brand Manager,
and Steelcase Mexico where
she worked as Marketing and
Public Relations Director for
México and Central America.
Diana is a frequent speaker
for the Category Management
Association among other
organizations. She has recently
moved into the academic field
as the MBA and Business
Graduate Director at the
Monterrey University. Her
research interests include
branding, corporate social
responsibility and services
marketing. Her work has been
featured in various media,
including Merca 2.0, Central
America Herald, Reforma, and
El Economista. She is also
a member of the American
Marketing Association and of
the Cryo-Cell Mexico council
in the area of marketing.
75

Doctoral Knowledge Factory – 2013 edition
Dr. Stephen DOAK
The relational tacit dimensions of knowledge used within the explicit
standardized processes of professional practice in the Irish Forensic Science
Laboratory
Supervisors:
Dr. Dimitris Assimakopoulos
and Dr. David Charles
Program:
Grenoble-Newcastle University
DBA Program
Defense date:
May 2008
Current position:
Manager DNA Volume Crime,
Forensic Scientist Grade I,
Forensic Science Laboratory,
Department of Justice, Dublin,
Ireland
Thesis abstract
Organizational literature explaining tacit knowledge
is generally conceptual, despite the need to
understand empirically the nature of tacit knowledge
at the process level, where knowledge workers
function. This thesis therefore empirically examines
the tacit dimensions of knowledge among
knowledge workers in an explicit environment of
codified, standardized operating procedures and
intranet knowledge databases.
This evidence reflects a multimethod approach.
The empirical findings are based on a case study of
a forensic science community of practice, subject
to quantitative social network analysis and qualitative
interviewing, ethnographic studies, and document
reviews. The quantitative step offers a picture
of how actors share tacit knowledge during adviceseeking
transactions; the interpretive qualitative
approach reveals the relational dimensions of
shared tacit knowledge. Therefore, at a micro-level,
this study of a highly technical, forensic science expert
community emphasizes the relational tacit dimensions
of knowledge provided by human social
capital that surrounds and encircles standardized
organizational production processes. Trust, respect,
friendship, identity, and social norms mark
the personal relationships people have developed
through a history of interactions.
In turn, this doctoral case study reveals additional
knowledge sharing practices, including
processual, experiential, capability, mentoring,
informal, helping, openness/sharing, approachability,
respect, proximal, cohort/clique, interpretative,
and bureaucratic structural relationships;
unique to forensic scientists, it also identifies an
adversarial relationship. Most prior literature
describes performative advantages of such communities,
with little discussion of the rich tacitness
embodied in functional processes of such
76

Alumni Profiles and Theses
(continuation)
communities. Processes are explicit by nature,
but a tacit element emerges because baseline
of acceptable performance is supplemented by interactions
with colleagues and thought processes.
In quality management system literature, the tacit
world has not yet diffused into the very explicit
world of qualitative management research. By considering
the process level, these findings reflect the
interplay of explicit knowledge in standard operating
procedures and practitioners’tacit knowledge
demands to complete the process. Ultimately these
findings can help improve processes in knowledgeintensive
environments by offering insights into
how tacit knowledge works, especially in a world
governed by standard operating procedures.
Mini bio
Dr. Stephen Doak is a forensic
scientist with the national
Forensic Science Laboratory
in Ireland. His casework has
included homicide, sexual
assault, glass analysis, and a
mobile phone analysis service
that he developed. Dr. Doak
also manages a DNA profiling
team. He conducted his
doctoral thesis at Newcastle
University and the LINC
(Learning & Innovation in
Networks & Communities)
lab within Grenoble Ecole de
Management and obtained
his Doctorate of Business
Administration in 2008.
He also holds an MSc in
Technology Management
from Smurfit Graduate
School of Business, and
a BA from Trinity College,
University of Dublin, Ireland.
77

Doctoral Knowledge Factory – 2013 edition
Dr. Gérald ENRICO
The denaturation of SMEs in a competitive context
Supervisor:
Dr. Jean-Jacques Chanaron
Program:
Grenoble Ecole de Management
DBA Program
Defense date:
April 2010
Current position:
Consultant and Lecturer in
Entrepreneurship, Lyon area,
France
Memberships:
Association Internationale de
Recherche en Entrepreneuriat et
PME (AIREPME)
Thesis abstract
The debate that rages in the management sciences
community about the scientific status of small
companies still focuses on the “nature” of such
companies. Although the scientific community
willingly admits that small to medium-sized enterprises
(SME) are not large companies, it continues
to assume they are large companies in miniature.
If SMEs have a specific nature in terms of their
management particularities, it becomes necessary
to compare them with large companies.
A review of SME literature highlights an interesting
trend: “denaturing” (Torrès, 1997). A SME
qualifies as denatured if it does not satisfy the
management specificity criteria (Julien, 1994).
However, the competitive environment is not taken
into account as an environmental factor that
induces denaturing. This observation corroborates
an analysis that indicates themes of competition
and competitiveness are largely ignored in French
academic research into SME. Therefore, this thesis
undertakes a substantive, procedural approach
to highlight the precise environmental processes
that result in denaturing. This new vision requires
imagining and analyzing SME as projects that can
create value in a systemic relationship with their
environment. Thus, denaturing becomes a real,
cognitive process for rationalizing organizations
from a director–ownership perspective.
78

Alumni Profiles and Theses
(continuation)
Various models, tools, and papers on the components
of competition suggest explanatory variables
that can identify two types of SME denaturing:
deterministic alignment denaturing versus
pro-active adaptation denaturing. The research
model is tested in a quantitative study with 185
segmented companies. The results put the theory
of the specificity of SMEs into perspective and legitimate
the concept of denatured SMEs. They also
formally establish a chain of cause and effect between
the exogenous and endogenous components
of an extended competition mode and the type
of denaturing.
Mini bio
Dr. Gérald Enrico graduated
from the Conservatoire
National des Arts et Métiers
and the University of Saint-
Etienne before completing
his DBA degree at Grenoble
Ecole de Management. He
has 30 years of experience
in industry as founder and
associate of three companies
(in the metalworking industry
and plastics manufacturing
sectors). He has worked as
a consultant for 10 years
for company founders and
take-overs. He has also
been teaching in French
management and engineering
schools and he is lecturer in
Entrepreneurship and Strategy
at the University of Lyon III.
79

Doctoral Knowledge Factory – 2013 edition
Dr. Phillippe EVRARD
Towards heterogeneous enterprise resilience:
An empirical study of the retail banking sector
Supervisors:
Dr. Jean-Jacques Chanaron
and Dr. Neil Alderman
Program:
Grenoble-Newcastle University
DBA Program
Defense date:
June 2008
Current position:
Managing Director, Quantar
Solutions Ltd., London, UK
Thesis abstract
The Basel Accord of 1988 is the principle regulation
for the international banking sector, and proposed
revisions represent some of the most significant
changes to the sector in recent years. The new Accord
incorporates operational risk to align regulatory
capital with the underlying risks by encouraging
systemic risk management practices. Optimal
risk management practices would reduce capital
charges and enable greater competitiveness. However,
the impact of Basel II on the level of required
capital is uncertain. Quantitative studies suggest
large reductions in the minimum required capital,
but uncertainty exists because banks historically
have held capital above required minimums.
The new regulatory framework requires banks to
identify, assess, and quantify risks for each business
line and operation. They rely heavily on computer
networks for their business operations, so
banking organizations must develop economically
feasible, integrated security systems. The specific
risks arising from computer networks demand
strategic management that includes a constant
consideration of time, interactive flow, and an integrated
network risk management strategy. Yet the
identification of computer network risks suffers
from a lack of historical data and persistent methods
to manage such risks. Therefore, learning organizations
that scan the environment might achieve
the best positions. However, the mandates of Basel
II and the potential for enhanced competitiveness
may negate such benefits. If banks seek to optimize
their risk management operations and strategies
to benefit from reduced capital allocations, they
should adopt and use best practices through environmental
scanning; therefore, banking organizations
that seek to qualify for Basel II advancement
should exhibit heterogeneous approaches.
80

Alumni Profiles and Theses
(continuation)
This thesis examines the impact of this new regulatory
environment and risk management approaches
in the banking sector. Research into strategic
decision making, strategy, knowledge transfer, and
computer network risk management supports the
proposition that regulatory dominance does not
determine risk management sophistication; environmental
factors take precedence over regulatory
mandates, and strategy perspectives are shifting
toward an organic approach. Accordingly, this
study gathers measures of standards compliance,
the impact of regulation on relationships between
sources and recipients of knowledge, environmental
scanning, degrees of risk management sophistication,
risk management strategy perspectives,
and method heterogeneity from 82 banking organizations
during August 2004–August 2005. It offers
key implications for policy and an academic
understanding of regulatory change.
Mini bio
Dr. Phillipe Evrard obtained
a Doctorate of Business
Administration (DBA) from
Newcastle University in 2008.
He is Managing Director of
Quantar Solutions Ltd. in
London, a company that
develops risk management
solutions for network and
technology risks. He is
currently based in the Gulf
States region, working with
the Kuwait National Bank,
the Kuwait Central Computer
and Architecture Division,
to develop a program for
national risk management.
His research into enterprise
resilience continues.
81

Doctoral Knowledge Factory – 2013 edition
Dr. Lin FANG
Corporate performance, compay size and diversification – for public listed
companies in Shanghai stock exchange market
Supervisor:
Dr. Dimitri Assimakopoulos
Program:
GEM DBA in China (Tongji)
Defense date:
September 2010
Current position:
General Manager, Huaxia
Jiantong Technology
Development Co. Ltd., Shanghai
China
Thesis abstract
The choice of growth mode in strategic management
is the key to the survival and development
of companies. Diversification strategy is a priority
problem companies have to face when they’ve
reached some scale and stage. The formation and
development of diversification strategy for companies
as well as various problems rising from it have
always been the focus of theoretical and business
circles.
Since the 1960s, diversification has been a popular
growth mode among worldwide companies. From
the 1990s, China also began to see a surge of diversified
operation. Diversification strategy has always
been the focus of foreign academic and business
circles. However, Chinese companies have
not had enough practice with diversification, and
theoretic research lags behind.
Taking listed companies in China as the samples
for study, this thesis is aimed at analyzing the relationship
between the diversified operation and
economic performance of listed companies in China
to seek the appropriate growth mode and strategic
choice in diversification for Chinese companies.
This thesis consists of five parts: the theoretic research
and empirical tests on corporate
diversification at home or abroad; research on performance
of diversifications by the listed companies
in China; outcome discussion, the default of
this thesis and follow-up research directions; and
thoughts on the diversified operation of Chinese
companies and suggestions for its implementation.
In the literature review, there is a review on the
research outcomes of the diversification strategy
from the perspective of both theoretic and empirical
studies. In the analysis of diversification motivations
and risks, this thesis has summarized the
drivers of diversification strategy by companies,
including effect of scope economy, effect of inter-
82

Alumni Profiles and Theses
(continuation)
nal resource allocation, effect of risk distribution,
effect of principal-agent, and the effect of improving
and acquiring core competency. Moreover, the
thesis evaluated the potential risks of diversification
in terms of four aspects and lastly summarized
the trends of diversification strategy.
In the empirical research, 58 listed companies were
selected from the Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock
Exchanges for the study. According to annual and
half-year reports covering five successive years
from 2003 to the first half of 2008, this thesis calculated
the entropy for measuring the degree and
type of diversification for each company, the total
assets for evaluating the operation scales of companies,
and the indicator for corporate performance.
It also built up a statistical analysis model. After
the statistical analysis, this thesis finally discovered
the relationship between diversified operation
and corporate performance, meanwhile revealing
the deficiency of this research and the follow-up
study directions.
The last part is includes thoughts on the diversified
operation of Chinese companies and suggestions
for implementation.
83

Doctoral Knowledge Factory – 2013 edition
Dr. Guillaume FERRANTE
A trip to the heart of organizational agility: The theory of the four agility
capabilities as seen by managers
Supervisor:
Dr. Jérôme Barrand
Program:
GEM DBA in the USA
Defense date:
September 2012
Current position:
Adjunct Professor of
Management, Grenoble Ecole de
Management, France
Thesis abstract
Based on the development and theoretical acknowledgment
of the model for organizational
agility, this research explores managers’ perceptions
and interpretations of organizational agility.
To do this, we first reviewed the sources of organizational
agility which appeared in 1991. This
work emphasises a theoretical foundation, strongly
centred on four agility capabilities: responsiveness,
flexibility, quickness and competency.
Twenty years after the development of agility and
using this theoretical study, we prepared a questionnaire
in order to obtain managers’ perceptions
of the definition of agility capabilities, the practices
associated with these capabilities and also their
portrayal of organizational agility.
We offer three conclusions. Firstly, managers use
the same vocabulary to define responsiveness, flexibility
and quickness. Secondly, managers recommend
certain practices to the detriment of others
to develop their capabilities. Finally, they represent
organizational agility according to six components
that do not follow the conceptual models of
organizational agility which is based on the four
capabilities.
In conclusion, this research demonstrates the
differences between managers’ perceptions and
the theoretical and conceptual representations of
organizational agility.
Mini bio
Dr. Guillaume Ferrante
is Adjunct Professor of
Management, Grenoble Ecole
de Management (AACSB,
EQUIS, AMBA). He earned
his DBA from Grenoble
Ecole de Management. His
main research interests
involve organizational agility
and organizational theory.
He teaches management,
informational design,
and agility in initial and
executive education.
84

Alumni Profiles and Theses
Dr. Edward FIRMAN
A global study on the relationship between firms’ diversification
into the financial services industry and their financial performance
Thesis abstract
Fundamental changes in the financial services
industry have resulted from drivers such as deregulation,
developments in information and communications
technology (ICT), and changes in the
economic environment. These developments also
resulted have introduced many nontraditional
players, such as non-financial companies (i.e.,
firms that derive most income from other business
activities but also provide financial services, such
as Ford Motor Company or Marks & Spencer) and
financial conglomerates, into the financial services
industry. Such diversification could create benefits,
such as synergy, economies of scope, reduced
transaction costs, increased borrowing capacity,
and reduced tax burdens; however, empirical studies
fail to confirm whether diversification provides
these benefits. It thus appears paradoxical that so
many non-financial companies have diversified
into the financial services industry. This thesis investigates
whether they have derived any financial
benefit by doing so.
Supervisors:
Dr. David Price and
Dr. Jean-Jacques Chanaron
Program:
Grenoble-Henley Management
College DBA Program
Defense date:
November 2002
Current position:
Management Consultant,
Dr Edward Firman & Associates
Limited, Valletta, Malta
Memberships:
Chartered Institute of
Management Accountants and
Malta Institute of Management
(since 1986), Strategic Planning
Society and British Institute of
Management (since 1987)
The investigation draws two samples of non-financial
companies from the Worldscope database.
A sample of 716 non-financial companies was
matched with a similar number of control companies;
another sample of 148 non-financial companies
was matched with a similar number of pseudo-control
companies. The financial performance
of these companies between 1989 and 1998 then
was compared according to share returns. The results
of the analyses indicate that the non-financial
companies generally reap financial benefits, and
do not suffer financial disadvantages, by diversifying
into financial services. However, differences
in their financial performance emerge according
to the types of financial services products they
offer, the geographic areas in which they operate,
their primary industry, and their degree of diversification
into financial services activities. It appears
these companies were in a position to develop
85

Doctoral Knowledge Factory – 2013 edition
Dr. Edward FIRMAN (continuation)
appropriate structures because of their ability to
develop internal capital markets and liaise with
external suppliers of funds, which increased access
to finance and reduced related transactions costs.
Synergy between the companies’financial services
and non-financial activities thus occurs. With a
moderate amount of diversification into financial
services activities, firms should benefit from diversifying
into related areas of activity.
Mini bio
Dr. Edward Firman obtained
a Doctorate in Business
Administration (DBA)
from Henley Management
College-Grenoble Ecole de
Management. He practices as
a management consultant for a
variety of companies, primarily
in the areas of strategy
development, corporate
performance management,
financial management, ISO
certification, and economic
and market studies. Edward
also lectures regularly in
these areas to managers and
corporate executives at the
Malta Institute of Management
and Malta Enterprise (the
national economic development
agency). Before setting up
his own consultancy, Edward
worked for many years with
the multinational Unilever
Ltd. in London and Germany
and subsequently with the
multi-business Gasan Group
of Companies in Malta.
86

Alumni Profiles and Theses
Dr. Giorgio GANDELLINI
Searching for an “e-learning readiness” indicator: A survey in the sales
division of a major car manufacturer
Thesis abstract
Identifying some “predictors” of sales people’s ability
to learn from the use of e-learning, i.e., a sort of “elearning
readiness” indicator in the sales areas, and
experimenting our research approach, this research
focused on a quantitative analysis of the learning performance
of a sample of FIAT Group’s salesmen in
France, normally involved in e-learning programs.
The data collected came from different sources:
FIAT France, ISVOR (FIAT Group’s management
education branch), and a questionnaire delivered
by phone to 224 salesmen and saleswomen. After
having analyzed the data with different statistical
methodologies, we could mainly find a confirmation
of several positive research findings about the
e-learning users’ satisfaction and their perception
of the usefulness of the technology. However, we
were able to only marginally reach the major objective
of our project, i.e., finding meaningful predictors
of the users’ ability to learn.
This was certainly due to a number of limitations,
including the small number of meaningful independent
variables considered (also because of external
constraints), and the impossibility of better controlling
the research context (especially the delivery of
the e-learning packages and the related tests). However,
we think that some significant contributions to
knowledge can be credited to our work, including:
• The investigation of the e-learning readiness issue
in the important area of sales in the auto industry,
not yet explored in the literature, with a number
of useful guidelines for the implementation of e-
learning programs in large organizations;
• The identification of some relevant research issues
and directions, and the suggestion of several original
synoptic tables for the analysis of previous research
studies.
We therefore believe that this experience and the
awareness of its limitations could be helpful not only in
view of future research endeavors but also in terms of
contribution to the improvement of managerial practices
in the growing and tumultuous field of e-learning.
Supervisor:
Dr. Jean-Jacques Chanaron
Program:
Program: Grenoble Ecole de
Management DBA Program
Defense date:
October 2012
Current position:
Management Consultant,
Nestplan International
S.a.r.l., Vernon, France, and
Adjunct Professor of Strategic
Management at the University of
Roma Tre, Italy
Mini bio
Dr. Giorgio Gandellini earned a
Degree in Law from the State
University of Milan, a Certificate
in Business Economics from the
Sorbonne University in Paris,
an MBA from the Columbia
Business School in New York,
and a DBA from Grenoble
Ecole de Management.
Dr. Gandellini has been a
consultant, teacher, and
researcher in the areas
of strategy, strategic and
international marketing, and
quantitative methods in more
than 30 countries for more
than 30 years, working for
the European Commission,
the Italian Institute for
Foreign Trade, the Ministry
of Foreign Affairs, and the
Italian National Association
of Chambers of Commerce in
Central and Eastern Europe,
Middle and Far East, Central
Asia, North and South Africa,
and South America.
He authored or co-authored
various management
publications, DSS, business
games, and e-learning
programs. His research
interests are in the areas of
DSSs ITCs and learning tools
in Strategy and Marketing.
87

Doctoral Knowledge Factory – 2013 edition
Dr. Robert GOLDWASSER
How can the Internet be successfully used by a professional sports team
to manage and develop its fan relationships?
Supervisor:
Dr. Michel Polski
Program:
Grenoble Ecole de Management
DBA Program
Defense date:
April 2007
Current position:
Assistant Professor, College of
Business, Argosy University,
Pittsburgh, USA)
Memberships:
American Marketing Association,
European Marketing Academy,
Reviewer for the Journal of Online
Teaching
Thesis abstract
Most forward-thinking organizations realize the
value of a customer relationship management
program that enables them to achieve increased
revenue, profitability, and customer satisfaction.
The Internet can provide an excellent avenue to
develop and strengthen such customer relationships.
Professional sports teams have not yet taken
full advantage of the capabilities of the Internet
to manage their customer/fan relationships; this
research demonstrates how a professional sports
team can use the Internet successfully to manage
and develop its fan relationships. Specifically, by
developing an electronic Fan Relationship Management
(e-FRM) program, a professional sports
team can encourage long-term relationships with
its fans around the globe.
This research establishes that a strong e-FRM program
must include a team Web site full of interactive
features, an e-mail and text messaging fan
outreach program, and in-game enhancements using
the Internet; if implemented properly, fans are
more likely to visit a team Web site and more likely
to attend future games. An aggressive e-FRM program
also can engage avid sports fans by introducing
interactive features on the team Web site but
still will entertain the occasional fan who enjoys
participating in games, contests, and surveys on
the team site. All fans can appreciate the in-game
enhancements online, which will make their game
experience more fun and enjoyable.
88

Alumni Profiles and Theses
(continuation)
With the assistance and cooperation of the New
Orleans Hornets of the National Basketball Association,
the premier professional basketball
league in the United States, this research developed
and undertook a survey to study the attitudes
of Hornets’fans toward the use of the Internet to
build and develop their relationship with the team.
These survey results provide the hard data necessary
to establish that a professional sports team can
use the Internet to increase fan retention and loyalty;
it can use the Internet to enhance fans’game
experiences; fan relationships can be expanded
regionally and globally via the Internet; and fan
relationships can be managed and personalized
through the use of the Internet.
Mini bio
Dr. Bob Goldwasser received
his BA from the University
of North Carolina at Chapel
Hill many years ago. More
recently, while working full
time and raising his family, he
earned an MBA in Technology
Management from the
University of Phoenix and a
Doctorate (DBA) from Grenoble
Ecole de Management in the
field of Marketing and CRM.
He has over 20 years of
business marketing and
management experience
in both a large corporate
environment and in a number
of small entrepreneurial
enterprises. He has owned his
own business in the USA and
overseas, and currently works
as a Marketing Consultant in
addition to teaching business
management and marketing
classes at Argosy University.
He teaches marketing and
management courses at the
MBA and DBA level while also
mentoring Doctoral students.
His research interests are
in the area of customer
relationship management
and logistics management,
and his preference is for
quantitative research methods.
89

Doctoral Knowledge Factory – 2013 edition
Dr. Josiena GOTZSCH
Managing products’ expression: Identifying conditions and methods
for the creation of meaningful consumer home products
Supervisors:
Dr. David Birchall
and Dr. Jean-Jacques Chanaron
Program:
Grenoble-Henley Management
College DBA Program
Defense date:
April 2003
Current position:
Senior Professor of Management
& Technology, Grenoble Ecole de
Management, France
Memberships:
European Academy of Design,
Design Research Society, ARDI
Centre de Design Rhône-Alpes,
Nordcode Network for product
semantics
Thesis abstract
Products attract users through appealing
appearances, in addition to their functional
qualities. A product’s desirability can be based
on its pure aesthetics, positive associations, or a
surprise element in the design. Companies that
produce consumer products in a competitive
context increasingly must include meaningful,
user-focused expressions in their products.
These intangible attributes can distinguish a
product from its competition and contribute to
commercial success. Therefore, this research
examines how companies can create products
that appeal to users through their expression. It
specifically analyzes the necessary conditions
and the methods used in the development process.
Studies that investigate the inclusion of
meaningful or artistic expressions in the design
of consumer products are rare, but at design
management conferences, interest in this field
is growing. This exploratory research therefore
adopts a case study method using semi-directed
interviews. The topics of investigation are two
important domestic appliances projects by
Philips in the Netherlands and three consumer
goods projects designed by the French design
agency Barré & Associés.
90

Alumni Profiles and Theses
(continuation)
This research produces an analytical model
that describes different expressions by a
product, such as information about the product
itself, the product user, and the company. This
categorization of various messages advances
understanding of communicative product aspects,
because it makes the use of product expression
easier to discuss and analyze by academics and
executives. Furthermore, this study contributes
to knowledge about the product management
process. The proposed model for the creation of
product charisma depicts different conditions
and activities that are needed to create a product
with a meaningful expression. Finally, this
research demonstrates the strategic importance
of integrating the right product expression into
the product’s design in specific circumstances.
Mini bio
Dr. Josiena Gotzsch is senior
professor in the Department
of Management and
Technology at Grenoble Ecole
de Management in France.
She obtained a Doctorate in
Business Administration (DBA)
at Henley Management College
in England, and an Engineering
degree in Industrial Design from
the University of Technology
in Delft - the Netherlands. Her
research interests include
design thinking, product
semantics and eco-design.
She teaches innovation
through design, technology
management and sustainability
to different audiences and is
since 2003 Program Director
of the GGSB Bachelor of
International Business Program.
Her previous professional
experience includes three
years as Industrial Designer
at Philips Corporate Design in
Groningen, the Netherlands
(Domestic Appliances and
Personal Care Division) and two
years as Product Development
Manager at the Group Sommer
Allibert in Grenoble, France.
91

Doctoral Knowledge Factory – 2013 edition
Dr. Tobias GROSSECKER
The impact of culture, expertise and demographics on the level of
importance internal customers assign to different internal service quality
dimensions
Supervisor:
Dr. Benoit Aubert
Program:
GEM DBA in China (Tongji)
Defense date:
January 2011
Current position:
Head of Customer Sales Hosting,
1&1 Internet AG, Karlsruhe,
Germany
Thesis abstract
While internal service quality has been known
to be important for some time, research on internal
service quality has been comparatively rare.
This study focuses on the influence of internal
customers’ cultural value orientation, expertise,
and demographics on the relative importance
placed on internal service quality dimensions.
A better understanding about the effects of aforementioned
variables is important in the pursuit
of improving the quality of internal and external
services.
The study starts with the literature review that offers
an overview of (internal) service quality and
reflects on its multiple influencing factors. Subsequently,
10 hypotheses groups are developed. They
deal with each of the individual influencing factors
and their supposable impact on the relative
importance of the five internal service quality dimensions.
The research conducted at Sitel, a leading
customer contact center corporation, results
in 209 management (internal customer) responses
from respondents of 12, primarily European,
countries. Multiple linear regression analysis confirms
that 7 out of 10 independent variables have
a significant effect on at least one internal service
quality dimension.
The results show that higher uncertainty avoidance
is positively related to reliability, responsiveness,
assurance and empathy. Higher long-term
orientation is associated with reduced importance
of assurance, empathy, and tangibles. Masculinity
negatively relates to assurance and empathy, while
higher power distance has a negative impact on assurance.
Higher levels of internal service expertise
positively relate to reliability and responsiveness.
With regard to demographics, it is apparent that
in contrast to males, female internal customers
assign more importance to reliability, responsiveness,
and assurance. Finally, married internal customers
consider empathy more important than do
92

Alumni Profiles and Theses
(continuation)
single customers. From a management perspective,
there are four main contributions. First, results
reveal focus areas for internal service providers.
Second, an enhanced typology of internal customer
segmentation based on culture and internal
service quality dimensions is proposed. Three
distinct internal customer segments of Moderate
Centrals, Easygoing and Flexible Masculines, and
Demanding Self-Confidents are presented, statistically
validated, described, and recommendations
are deducted. The third managerial input is the
development of the advanced process of internal
service quality that bridges gaps of earlier internal
customer service approaches. Finally, common
training and learning approaches are considered
and linked to research findings.
Mini bio
Dr. Tobias Grossecker holds
an MBA from the Open
University Business School. Dr.
Grossecker works as Head of
Customer Sales Hosting at 1&1
Internet Corporation. Before he
joined 1&1 in December 2010,
he was Customer Experience
Manager EMEA at Sitel.
His academic engagement
involves regular guest lectures
at international business
schools (Grenoble Ecole de
Management, Imperial College
London, University of Applied
Science Gelsenkirchen). His
research interests are customer
experience, service quality,
internal customer service,
cross-cultural, and sales.
93

Doctoral Knowledge Factory – 2013 edition
Dr. Gérard GUERRIER
Challenging the transaction costs theory in the distribution of complex
industrial products: An exploratory analysis
Supervisor:
Dr. Jean-Jacques Chanaron
Program:
Grenoble-Henley Management
College DBA Program
Defense date:
February 1997
Current position:
CEO, Allibert-Trekking,
Chapareillan, France
Mini bio
Dr. Gérard Guerrier obtained
a Doctorate of Business
Administration (DBA) from the
Henley Management College.
He is now CEO of Allibert-
Trekking, a leading company
specialized in hiking, trekking,
and mountaineering tourism
worldwide. Allibert is widely
considered a model of agile and
responsible entrepreneurship.
Before joining Allibert, Dr.
Guerrier spent 20 years as an
international manager with
Metso, a Finnish industrial
group. He also was a consultant
in the field of strategy and
marketing and Associate
Dean of Grenoble Ecole de
Management, in charge of
corporate Relationships. Dr.
Guerrier is a mountaineer
and alumnus of Harvard
Business School and Ecole
Centrale de Marseille.
Thesis abstract
Transaction cost analysis represents one of the
leading theories to explain vertical integration
phenomena. The main objective of this thesis
therefore is to confirm how well this theory applies
to the channel length decision for complex industrial
products. This research, based on the detailed
investigation of four cases, thus aims to make two
main contributions. First, the contextual exploration
identifies several original aspects: a description
of the «distribution value system» for complex
industrial products; the identification of «systems
management» as a core activity of such a system;
an analysis of «product complexity» and its components,
each with a particular effect on the channel
length decision; and a synthetic model that
maps the channel length decision and identifies
key decision parameters.
Second, this thesis focuses particularly on the influence
of specific assets on the decision to integrate
a channel. Distribution channels for complex
industrial products are normally characterized by
a high level of human assets, which are specific to
the transaction. According to transaction cost theory,
these channels should be integrated, because
specific assets create bilateral dependency and contractual
hazard, considering the risk of opportunism
of potential distributors. This thesis proposes
that the managers interviewed for the case studies
integrate not because of such contractual hazards
but rather in response to the parameters related to
switching costs or economies of scale or scope. This
thesis highlights both confirmations and divergences
between the case materials and the transaction
cost analysis and thereby proposes some
tentative explanations for the findings.
94

Alumni Profiles and Theses
Dr. Brandi GUIDRY
Economic implications of fiber-to-the-home infrastructure networks
in the United States: A community-level analysis
Thesis abstract
Fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) telecommunications
infrastructural networks are becoming increasingly
prevalent in the United States and abroad.
Despite abundant anecdotal rhetoric regarding
the positive impact of such advanced broadband
technologies on the economic development of U.S.
municipalities, there has been little systematic inquiry
into this area. The central focus of this study
is to conduct an empirical assessment of the economic
impact of FTTH infrastructure at the community
level. To comprehensively understand and
carry out this investigation, the research methodology
consists of four distinct stages: (1) an initial
qualitative design using exploratory interviews; (2)
a quantitative design using longitudinal data (i.e.,
condensed sample with longer time lag between
implementation and measurement of dependent
variables); (3) a quantitative design using cross-sectional
data to compare experimental and control
cities; and (4) a quantitative design using longitudinal
data (i.e., expanded sample with shorter time
lag between implementation and measurement of
dependent variables). Paired samples t-tests analyze
the data in subsequent stages of the research
process, along with repeated measures analysis of
variance to ensure comprehensiveness. In analyzing
the expanded data set in the last stage of this
study, the author finds that the impact of FTTH
is sufficiently strong across the sample of communities,
in the sense that substantive economic improvements
can be detected, even within a period
of just three years.
These results seemingly suggest potential benefits
that could be realized if FTTH infrastructural
networks were pursued by a community; they
also offer some preliminary support for public
policy decisions that offer federal funding for fiber
networks.
Supervisor:
Dr. Christophe Haon
Program:
GEM DBA in the USA
Defense date:
June 2009
Current position:
Assistant Professor of
Management Information
Systems and Quantitative
Methods, University of Louisiana
at Lafayette, Louisiana, USA
Memberships:
Academy of Management
Mini bio
Dr. Brandi N. Guidry
obtained a Doctorate of
Business Administration
(DBA) from Grenoble Ecole
de Management. She is
an assistant professor at
the University of Louisiana
at Lafayette. Her teaching
within the Business Systems,
Analysis, & Technology
Department focuses primarily
on quantitative methods
and systems analysis and
design. Her research interests
include telecommunications
technologies, organizational
assessment initiatives,
and bibliographic
statistical techniques.
95

Doctoral Knowledge Factory – 2013 edition
Dr. Yingjie GUO
Impact of leadership practices upon SOE system reformation process
in the Chinese construction industry
Supervisors:
Dr. Pierre-Yves Sanséau
and Dr. Wu Sizong
Program:
GEM DBA in China (Tongji)
Defense date:
September 2008
Current position:
Director, Functional Lead
of Contracts Management for
China Region, Fluor, Shanghai,
China
Thesis abstract
Leadership practices have been extensively
researched in Western countries but rarely
in China, especially during its economic
transformation. This thesis investigates the
Chinese construction industry to determine if
previously identified leadership practices are
suitable for leaders in the Chinese culture.
A literature review identifies seven key leadership
practices: (1) modeling the way, (2) moral character,
(3) inspiring a shared vision, (4) challenging the
process, (5) enabling others to act, (6) encouraging
heart, and (7) individual considerations. This
thesis uses the LPI (Leadership Practice
Inventory) to survey 104 leaders and the TLQ
(Transformational Leadership Questionnaire)
to survey 105 staff members of eight Chinese
construction companies. Both scales can be
validated in China, with reliability (Cronbach’s
alpha) values far greater than the recommended
.60 threshold (.903–.943).
Both leaders and followers consider modeling
the way together with moral character the most
important leadership practices; the Chinese
concept of moral character thus supplements the
Western ideal of modeling the way. They reject the
notion of inspiring a shared vision, even though
the central government of China encourages the
reinforcement of vision during social changes.
In addition, challenges to the process are not
significant leadership behaviors in the Chinese
cultural context, perhaps because leaders avoid
challenging the government but instead follow
government recommendations for change.
96

Alumni Profiles and Theses
(continuation)
This finding might suggest the need to reform
China’s education system to increase innovation
in the country. Finally, individual consideration is
regarded an asset in China, but the data indicate
that it does not represent a Chinese leadership
practice. Interviews with senior leaders of
construction enterprises reveal their widespread
beliefs that individual consideration can
motivate staff to work effectively away from the
home office, which is critical because construction
is mobile by nature.
In conclusion, seven leadership practices
emerge as appropriate for the Chinese cultural
environment, and they can support the reforms
to previously state-owned enterprises in Chinese
construction industry.
Mini bio
Dr. Yingjie Guo graduated
from CEIBS EMBA and
obtained a Doctorate of
Business Administration from
the Grenoble DBA Program
in Tongji. He is the Fluor
China Contracts Director in
charge of the operations of
the Contracts Department.
Dr. Guo’s key responsibilities
at Fluor include staff
development and coaching,
project assignments, annual
performance appraisals, salary
reviews, hiring, training of
contract staff, and partnership
development, as well as
sales, proposal, and overseas
project support. He holds
20 years of experience in
contracts and procurement.
97

Doctoral Knowledge Factory – 2013 edition
Dr. Rebel HANNA
Talent retention in Lebanese specialized banks: How reducing the voluntary
turnover rate can improve the retention of talents in Lebanese specialized
banks
Supervisor:
Dr. Michel Le Berre
Program:
GEM DBA in Lebanon (LCU)
Defense date:
May 2012
Current position:
Executive Director, Head of
Financial Institutions, Branches
Network and Market Intelligence,
Banque BEMO SAL, Beirut,
Lebanon
Mini bio
In addition to the Doctorate
of Business Administration
from Grenoble Ecole de
Management, Dr. Rebel
Y. Hanna holds a Master’s
Degree (MSc) in Organizations’
Management from the
University of Quebec (UQAC),
a DESS in Business Computer
from the CNAM, Paris.
Dr. Hanna has more than
28 years of professional
experience in the commercial,
investment, corporate and
private banking industry. He
Joined Banque BEMO sal in
August 2009 as Executive
Director, heading the Financial
Institutions, Branches Network,
and Market Intelligence.
Before joining Banque BEMO,
Dr. Hanna was Managing
Director at BSEC-BEMO
SECURITIZATION, heading the
Transaction Banking Group
and managing the First SPV
and the First ABCP Conduit in
the Middle East. Parallel to his
professional path, Dr. Rebel
Hanna is Lecturer at different
management schools in
Beirut, Lebanon. His research
interests are especially
human resources, knowledge
management, strategic
management, customer
relationship management and
customer centricity, structured
finance, and securitization.
Thesis abstract
The thesis investigated the voluntary turnover in
Lebanese specialized banks and examined the
causes of turnover and its effects and how it can be
mitigated through talent retention strategies.
The thesis was based upon statistics and a survey
that was implemented and conducted inside Lebanon.
The survey, which was in the form of questionnaires,
included 56 questionnaires that were
completed by employees and 8 questionnaires that
were completed by employers.
The research indicated that voluntary turnover in
specialized banks happens as a result of employees’
dissatisfaction; it also showed that voluntary
turnover negatively affects the bank by causing
high costs and creating a structural gap and finally
proved that reducing the voluntary turnover
rate can improve the retention of talents
in specialized banks.
98

Alumni Profiles and Theses
Dr. Adrine HARRELL-CARTER
What factors influence residential care/assisted living facilities to re-open,
open, or close after hurricanes Katrina/Rita?
Thesis abstract
The disasters wrought by hurricanes Katrina and
Rita in the New Orleans area in 2005 created a natural
experiment to investigate recovery processes.
The purpose of this thesis is twofold: On the one
hand, it undertakes a survey of a specific industry
to investigate the impacts on the industry and how
it has managed to recover. On the other hand, this
study attempts to provide a general framework for
analysis and provide some answers that go beyond
a particular industry and offer general validity.
The framework for analysis is necessary, because
no controlled experiment is possible. Specifically,
what factors influenced the decisions of small businesses
owners to reopen in the area affected by
hurricane Katrina? What issues, circumstances,
influences, pressures, support, or lack thereof did
they face? Businesses in the News Orleans, Louisiana
(USA), continue to face enormous challenges;
hurricane Katrina was perhaps the greatest disaster
to befall a U.S. city.
Supervisor:
Dr. Leslie Klieb
Program:
GEM DBA in the USA
Defense date:
April 2009
Current position:
Assistant Professor of
Business Entrepreneurship,
College of Business and Public
Administration, Southern
University at New Orleans,
New Orleans, LA (USA)
Memberships:
Academy of Management,
Southern Management
Assoication
Mini bio
Dr. Adrine J. Harrell- Carter
is a native of New Orleans,
Louisiana. She has a
Bachelor of Arts degree
in Education, Masters of
Business Administration
and a Doctorate of Business
Administration from Grenoble
Ecole de Management. She is
Assistant Professor at Southern
University at New Orleans
in the College of Business
and Public Administration.
Her teaching areas and
research interests focus on
Entrepreneurship, Marketing,
Strategic Management and
International Business.
Dr Harrell-Carter is
a member of many
professional organizations,
Academy of Management,
Southern Management
Association, World Trade
Organization and National
Black MBA association.
99

Doctoral Knowledge Factory – 2013 edition
Dr. Mary HINESLY
Anticipating consumer preferences based on implicit cultural imprinting
Supervisor:
Dr. Cindy Schipani
Program:
GEM DBA in the USA
Defense date:
May 2012
Current position:
Faculty, Stephen M. Ross
School of Business, University of
Michigan, USA
Thesis abstract
The purpose of this dissertation was to develop and
test an alternative approach to market segmentation
that focuses on early cultural experiences of
generational cohorts. Qualitative and quantitative
research methods were used to identify and confirm
generational differences in early childhood
memories. Results from this research provide
initial yet promising support for the utility of the
proposed model as a method of anticipating future
product development or product modifications as
generational cohorts transition into market segments
based on age or life stage. However, additional
research is needed to further delineate the
mechanisms through which early cultural memories
affect preferences during adulthood.
Mini bio
Dr Mary Hinesly is Lecturer
in American Business
History and Business
Communications at Stephen
M. Ross School of Business,
University of Michigan.
100

Alumni Profiles and Theses
Corporate spin-offs: Examining the effects on the entrepreneurial
orientation extraction–financial performance relationship
Dr. Derek HOLLOMAN
Thesis abstract
This research examines the process by which a corporate
parent company spins off its subsidiary, as
well as the level of corporate entrepreneurship extracted
from the strategic management of the parent
company and the performance of the corporate
spinoff during the post-separation phase. Some
existing literature considers the value creation of
spinoffs from the parent company’s perspective
and predictors of their financial performance, but
little attention has addressed the potential positive
impact of corporate entrepreneurship on the
financial performance of the spinoff. This gap raises
questions about portion of a spinoff’s financial
performance correlates with the parent company’s
level of corporate entrepreneurship.
As projects or business units of diversified firms,
spinoffs previously were under the influence of
their corporate parents, but when a spinoff becomes
completely independent, it can adjust its
strategic profiles to compete with its industry peers.
The likelihood of the spinoff’s financial success increases
when it can match its own strengths and
weaknesses with industry opportunity and threats.
Agency theory suggests that a spin-off event provides
substantial motivation for the spinoff’s top
management to take strategic action, because of
the better market performance incentives after
the separation. However, a spinoff’s positive market
performance is predicated on the alignment of
shareholder and managerial interests, and top management
may be influenced to take proper strategic
action by the pressure of scrutiny by shareholders,
investors, analysts, and boards of directors.
Supervisor:
Dr. Sylvie Blanco
Program:
GEM DBA in the USA
Defense date:
September 2008
Current position:
Assistant Professor, School of
Business and Industry, Florida
Agricultural and Mechanical
University, Tallahassee, Florida,
USA
Mini bio
Dr. Derek Holloman is
Assistant Professor of Finance
at Florida A &M University
whose research interests
are in the areas of Corporate
Spin-Offs and Corporate
Entrepreneurship. Derek
is responsible for teaching
accounting and finance at
his current university.
He holds a BSc from
Southern University at New
Orleans, an MBA and an
MSc in Accounting from the
University of New Orleans
and a DBA from Grenoble
Ecole de Management.
101

Doctoral Knowledge Factory – 2013 edition
Dr. Barbara HOLLOWAY
Micro-small business owner resistance to IT
Supervisor:
Dr. Charles- Clemens Rüling
Program:
Grenoble Ecole de Management
DBA Program
Defense date:
December 2007
Current position:
Campus College Chair, School of
Business, University of Phoenix at
New Orleans, LA, USA
Mini bio
Dr. Barbara Holloway currently
serves as campus college
chair at University of Phoenix
School of Business and College
of Information Systems &
Technology. She is a former
senior network engineer
manager with Southwestern
Bell Corporation. Barbara
earned her doctorate degree in
business administration from
Grenoble Ecole de Management
in Grenoble, France. She
has more than 30 years of
experience in organizational
behavior and leadership, which
she uses in her current and
past employment positions.
She is a volunteer small
business counselor for SCORE
and the U.S. Small Business
Administration. Her areas of
expertise include customer
service, leadership practices,
coaching, information sharing,
and developing quality and
effective business relationships.
Thesis abstract
This research studies the real-world problem of resistance
or delayed implementation of information
technologies (IT) by micro-small business owners
(MSBO) at the initiation of their business. This
thesis therefore attempts to answers the question,
Why do MSBOs resist or delay IT when they start
their businesses? In addition, it aims to use the results
to encourage MSBOs to integrate the use of IT
at the very start of their business.
A MSBO consists of an individual business owner
who employs one to nine employees and usually is
the sole employee. These establishments are colloquially
known as “Mom and Pop” businesses, in
which the MSBO is the CEO, maintenance employee,
and all other employees in the business,
though a spouse might be another employee. Furthermore,
this study defines IT usage as the use of
personal or networked computers to run various
types of software that aid in daily business operations
and revenue tracking. With this broad range
of uses, the intent in this research is to focus on
the rudimentary beginnings of IT use in business.
One consistent finding reveals that MSBOs are
well aware of IT and its benefits, yet many still do
not implement IT at start of their business.
A simple drive or walk on any street finds any number
of small businesses. This observation serves as
evidence that the community of small business
owners should have thoughts and opinions about
business ownership and its varied experiences and
practices. Moreover, previous studies on the use if
IT by businesses reveal the need to question small
business owners’ understanding of IT, as well as
their knowledge about the benefits of using it from
the start of their businesses. This thesis reveals that
MSBOs provide considerable revenue and income
earning opportunities. That contribution, coupled
with existing performance statistics, qualifies this
community of business owners as of interest to
continued research.
102

Alumni Profiles and Theses
Dr. Sai Chung HUI
A two-tier adaptive approach to securing successful ERP implementation
Thesis abstract
In recent years, a significant volume of industrial
and academic research has been directed toward
understanding the evolution and development
of ERP systems and their associated applications.
However, the associated technological and social
changes are significant, and although many corporations
have successfully implemented ERP, there
have also been many reported cases of failed implementation.
This has led several researchers to examine in detail
the causes of these failures in an effort to identify
critical success factors associated with successful
implementation.
This dissertation reports on an action research
study that arose from an initiative designed to improve
the likelihood of success when implementing
a particular UK developed ERP system in China,
namely “System 21” from JBA International. The
project in which this research is embedded was a
joint venture between JBA and a leading US beverage
company, Pepsi Cola.
The dissertation initially focuses on the analysis
of underlying reasons for pilot project failures in
this joint venture. This draws upon qualitative data
from managers, consultants, and other stakeholders
involved in the ERP implementation at three
geographically dispersed sites. The research then
turns to an examination of ERP implementation
methodology in the context of joint venture collaboration
and associated issues such as change
management and business process (re)engineering.
This is grounded in a literature review of several
approaches adopted by the major ERP solution
providers.
Supervisors:
Dr. Audley Genus
and Dr. Dimitris Assimakopoulos
Program:
Grenoble-Newcastle University
DBA Program
Defense date:
March 2007
Current position:
NA
103

Doctoral Knowledge Factory – 2013 edition
Dr. Sai Chung HUI (continuation)
The literature review phase is followed by the design
and distribution of a detailed questionnaire
aimed at identifying, and subsequently addressing,
the concerns of various customer stakeholders in a
number of Hong Kong based businesses spanning
a range of industrial sectors. Its aim was to secure
the necessary improvements in methodology required
to underpin the successful implementation
in future Pepsi joint venture projects in China. Ultimately,
this led to a set of recommendations in
the form of a strategic framework for implementing
ERP systems in China.
In summary, a key deliverable arising from the
research was the production of a business model
for the achievement of success when implementing
joint venture ERP systems in China. A second
related deliverable is the improvement of the
generic implementation methodology currently
available to customers of “System 21.” This has
been achieved by developing a framework evolved
from an adaptive approach to the implementation
of ERP systems. To a great extent, the findings and
recommendations are also applicable to other multinational
companies that are operating in China
and keen on implementing ERP systems within
this particular setting, with its associated cultural
and other restrictions.
104

Alumni Profiles and Theses
Dr. Matthew JELAVIC
Culturally grounded knowledge management in the new European Union:
A theoretical and empirical analysis
Thesis abstract
Organizations located within the Central and
Eastern Europe are in position to suffer the loss
of vast numbers of knowledge workers in the
next several years as the migratory restrictions for
citizens of new European Union members disappear
on May 2011 and January 2014. Such human
knowledge worker migration has been referred to
as “brain drain,” which necessitates the effective
management of knowledge with the threatened
organizations. This thesis aims to enhance the
understanding of the interrelationships of culture,
management, and technology to develop a model
that provides an effective framework and methodology
to assess culture and manage knowledge
within organizations in transitioning countries.
This model expands on existing scholarly and practitioner
research in knowledge management conducted
from Western and Asian perspectives. An extensive,
exploratory and highly theory-based literature
review and analysis delves into multiple themes associated
with this research: migration, brain drain,
new growth theory, epistemology, knowledge management,
culture, and supportive social, political,
and economic concepts. An in-depth contextual case
study of an information technology and software engineering
organization supports the theoretical concepts
through social constructivist methods of inquiry
and data collection with survey questionnaires,
documentary analysis, semi-structured interviews,
and open discussions with informants. The case
study also is supplemented with two smaller-scale
studies to triangulate and calibrate the data. The data,
methodological approach, and research design support
the development of the Culturally Grounded
Knowledge Management Model (CG-KM Model), a
framework for the management of knowledge during
periods of socio-political and socio-economic
change. This study also offers broader implications
for the management of organizations and further
research recommendations in this dynamic area.
Supervisors:
Dr. Jean-Jacques Chanaron
and Dr. Raffi Duymedjian
Program:
GEM DBA in the USA
Defense date:
September 2009
Current position:
Professor, Durham College,
Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
Memberships:
Canadian Anthropology Society,
Canadian Operational Research
Society, Canadian Institute of
Management, Institution of
Engineering and Technology,
Canadian Institute
of Management
Mini bio
Dr. Matthew Jelavic is a
Professor in the School of
Science and Engineering
Technology at Durham College
and Adjunct Assistant Professor
in the Faculty of Business
and Information Technology
at the University of Ontario
Institute of Technology (UOIT),
both located in Oshawa,
Canada. He also serves as
National Vice-President of
Education with the Canadian
Institute of Management.
He received his Doctorate
of Business Administration
from the Grenoble Ecole de
Management and a Master’s
degree in Management
Sciences from the University
of Waterloo. His research
focuses on knowledge,
technology and innovation
management, organizational
theory, cultural analysis,
international business and
global strategic management.
105

Doctoral Knowledge Factory – 2013 edition
Dr. Nancy JENSTER
Leadership impact on motivation, cohesiveness, and effectiveness in virtual
teams: A FIRO perspective
Supervisors:
Dr. Dominique Steiler
and Dr. Wu Min
Program:
GEM DBA in China (Tongji)
Defense date:
January 2010
Current position:
Leadership Development
Facilitator and Coach, Professor
of Organizational Behavior
and Communication, Nordic
International Management
Institute, Chengdu, China
Thesis abstract
Leadership of virtual teams is complex and
problematic and requires heightened awareness
of the interpersonal behaviors that motivate,
involve, direct, and support team members
dispersed geographically and by time. This
research examines the impact of three sets of
leadership behaviors described in FIRO theory—
inclusion, control, and affection—on team
motivation, cohesiveness, and effectiveness.
A sample of 221 virtual team members who
constitute 31 operational virtual teams across four
business organizations responded to an online
survey designed to measure perceived leadership
behaviors in the three FIRO areas, as well as
perceived team cohesiveness and perceived team
motivation. External team supervisors responded
to a separate survey and provided an external
evaluation of each virtual team’s effectiveness.
The data analysis relies on bivariate correlational
methods, and the findings show significant
positive relationships between perceived
leadership behaviors and motivation (.460) and
perceived leadership behaviors and cohesiveness
(.453), as well as positive correlations between
team cohesiveness and team motivation (.525).
Of the three leadership behaviors, perceived
affection exhibits the highest correlation with
team cohesiveness (.476) and motivation (.453).
106

Alumni Profiles and Theses
(continuation)
Accordingly, this study contributes a new,
validated, reliable, 30-item questionnaire to
evaluate team members’ perceptions of expressed
FIRO behaviors in virtual team settings. Therefore,
human resource managers gain a practical tool for
evaluating virtual team members‘ perceptions of a
leader‘s behavior. Combined with the motivation
and cohesiveness scales, this leadership behavior
feedback questionnaire offers managers a means
to ascertain the motivation, cohesiveness, and
leadership perceptions of virtual teams.
Mini bio
Dr. Nancy Penland Jenster is
currently Coach and Professor
at the Nordic International
Management Institute in
Chengdu, China. She is also
Consultant for the Center for
International Management
and Industrial Development
(Cimid S.A.), Switzerland.
She has more than 25 years
of international marketing,
sales, customer service,
and communications
training experience in large
multinational firms including
General Electric, Nortel, and
American Brands. She obtained
her MBA from the University
of Pittsburgh and her BA in
Japanese Language and
Culture from Sophia University
in Tokyo. She holds a Doctorate
of Business Administration
(DBA) from Grenoble Ecole
de Management. Dr. Jenster
specializes in delivering and
facilitating action learning–
based development programs,
focusing on leadership
development, cross-cultural
team communication,
virtual team dynamics,
conflict management, and
public presentation skills
for global business.
107

Doctoral Knowledge Factory – 2013 edition
Dr. Zhongfang (Johnson) JIANG
Controller management involvement context, role and determinants: A
theory-building case study research
Supervisor:
Dr. Bernard Gumb
Program:
GEM DBA in China (Tongji)
Defense date:
July 2009
Current position:
Project Manager Shared Service
Center, AkzoNobel, Shanghai,
China
Thesis abstract
This study sets out to address specific research gaps
regarding controller management using theorybuilding
case study research. In a longitudinal
participant observation study, this investigation
considers the context, role, and determinants of
controller management involvement. Findings in
these three areas lead to an integrated framework.
Regarding the role of controller management, this
study establishes the value creation characteristics
of business processes in the organization and
the value creation management procedure for
the management process. Understanding how
business processes create value and how an
organization manages the value creation process to
create maximum value for shareholders are critical
forms of business and management knowledge
that the role of the controller requires.
The role profile spans both business unit
management and financial topics, as well as
administration of the management process
through planning, business execution, and
reviewing. By participating in decisions during
the plan—do—review process, the controller
interacts and communicates with process owners
and business unit management to facilitate better
decisions about the value creation process. The
dual role responsibilities of the controller appears
inherently associated with controller management
involvement and together contribute to value
creation.
108

Alumni Profiles and Theses
(continuation)
The determinants of controller management
involvement include the decision-making process
of the controller, the process owner and the
supervisor in the process, and the role effectiveness
of controller management involvement. Controller
management involvement is subject to the
decisions of all actors in the process, including
the controller, the process owner, and the
supervisor. To enable the controller to contribute
to the organizational value creation process, the
organization must encourage these actors to make
positive involvement decisions.
Some of the findings support but others challenge
previous findings in extant literature. This study also
uncovers new features of controller management
involvement that have been ignored in previous
research. A range of practical recommendation
measures and implementation approaches can help
organizations enhance controller management
involvement in their organizations. This thesis
therefore contributes to theoretical literature
by expanding understanding of controller
management involvement phenomenon and also
has managerial implications for practice.
Mini bio
Dr. Zhongfang Johnson Jiang
holds a Doctorate in Business
Administration, and Master
Degree in the Science of
Management. His career
in finance and accounting
spans some twenty years
during which he made steady
progression with private and
publicly listed companies.
Prior to current position as
Project Manager, AkzoNobel
China Financial Shared Service
Center, Dr. Zhongfang has
about 12 years of experience as
Financial Controller in different
multinational companies. Dr.
Zhongfang also worked in
the consulting field for about
three years providing M&A
consulting on a contract basis
to new entrants to China.
109

Doctoral Knowledge Factory – 2013 edition
Dr. Chengye KANG
Assessing factors and project performance –Study of construction
subcontractors in China
Supervisors:
Dr. Yie Yan and Dr. Xiubao Yu
Program:
GEM DBA in China (Tongji)
Defense date:
June 2011
Current position:
Board Secretary, Metallurgical
Corporation of China Ltd., Beijing,
China
Thesis abstract
With the development of the construction industry,
large and mega-large construction projects
continue to come to the fore. General contractors
for construction projects have found that the
projects are becoming bigger and bigger, while
construction tasks have become more complicated
and diversified. Currently, the general engineering,
procurement and construction (EPC) model is one
project management model commonly used for
medium-sized and large construction projects at
home and abroad, and project subcontracting and
labor subcontracting is one of the basic models for
implementing EPC. Central to the implementation
of construction projects are the issues of selection,
assessment, and hiring of qualified subcontractors;
effective monitoring and management of the
construction process; good control of construction
quality, safety, and costs; and on-time completion
of construction tasks as agreed. In China’s current
construction industry subcontracting practices,
there are still certain issues that cannot be ignored.
For example, the project contractors still have a
certain gap to bridge with their counterparts from
developed countries in terms of overall project
and subcontractor management abilities. Specific
construction personnel in China are mostly
migrant workers, the majority of whom lack
specialized training and whose overall education
and qualifications are low, thus making effective
management difficult and eventually affecting
the project period, project quality, construction
safety, project cost, and compliance and scientific
operations. Contractors are sometimes unable to
choose the optimum subcontractor because they
often receive instructions from project owners in
the project subcontracting process, which affects
their effective management of the subcontractors. In
nominal subcontracting, the actual subcontractors
are affiliated to the nominal subcontractors only
in name; with the latter having no real control
110

Alumni Profiles and Theses
(continuation)
over the former, the actual subcontractors often
cannot meet the technological or management
requirements for construction, which affects
project period, quality, safety, and cost. Further
subcontracting leads to multi-level subcontracting
and exploitation and affects project cost, quality,
safety, and scheduling, etc.
Through empirical research on the above situation
of Chinese construction industry, this dissertation
seeks to examine the relationship between the
factors in selecting subcontractors and their project
performance. Theoretically, it analyzes the current
status of Chinese construction subcontractors and
verifies the key assessing factors associated with their
performance, analyzes the operating mechanisms
and paths of the factors that affect subcontractor
project performance, and puts forward opinions
for practical guidance and suggestions on how
general project contractors should choose and use
subcontractors and establish good and sustainable
cooperative relationships with subcontractors, as
well as how the subcontractors should improve
their market competitiveness.
This dissertation adopts various research methods
including theoretical analysis, literature review,
and empirical research to study the key factors
assessing construction engineering subcontractor
performance in China. It provides theoretical
references to establish a set of effective mechanisms
and methods for selecting subcontractors and, thus,
enriches the research on supply chain management
applications for construction enterprises in
China. Meanwhile, the research contained in the
dissertation is of practical significance in guiding
Chinese construction engineering contractors
in the selection of appropriate subcontractors. It
can help construction enterprises to accurately
define and nurture their core competitiveness
and advance standardized and scientific business
behavior in China’s construction market.
111

Doctoral Knowledge Factory – 2013 edition
Dr. Joseph KELADA
Why do the majority of change initiatives fail and what to do about it?
The example of Total Quality Management
Supervisor:
Dr. Jean-Paul Cassar
Program:
GEM DBA in the USA
Defense date:
April 2010
Current position:
Professor at HEC Montreal
Business School, Canada
Memberships:
Order of the professional
Engineers of Quebec (OIQ),
American Society for Quality
(ASQ)
Thesis abstract
Based on his professional experience in different
types of organizations with various responsibilities
in the field of Quality management, the author
has noted a high and alarming rate of failure
in change initiatives and realized their highly
negative consequences on business performance.
The literature review in three parts deals with
(1) change management, (2) change initiative
failures & successes, and (3) the special case of
TQM change initiatives. It confirmed that there is
a high rate of change initiatives failures in general,
and especially in the case of TQM.
Beside the causes in the literature, this study
identifies three important causes for failures of
change initiatives:
(1) A large number of organizations launch
change initiatives based on a wrong diagnosis or
even worst based on no diagnosis at all.
(2) The fact that most managers and consultants,
practitioners and academics, time and time
again, tend to confuse problems with causes,
dysfunctions, weaknesses, symptoms and
consequences. This is the reason why many
attempts to solve problems do fail to change a
situation.
(3) As far as TQM is concerned, an important
cause of failure of the change initiatives is the fact
that there is no clear and objective definition of
TQM. The very origin of Total Quality is, to say
the least, the object of confusion in the business
community. Some authors allege that it was Dr
W. Edwards Deming, the world known Quality
Guru, who has coined tins expression.
112

Alumni Profiles and Theses
(continuation)
Due to the importance of the investments in
people and resources involved in the many
change initiatives in all sectors of the business
world, we have chosen to examine the aspects of
such changes. This led us to suggest a framework
that should improve this situation. We have
developed and implemented this framework in
TQM projects but also in Corporate Performance
Diagnosis consultancy projects as well as in the
teaching in the Ph. D, MEA and M. Sc. programs
in our Business School.
To illustrate the application of this framework we
have discussed a number of case studies either
from articles in specialized publications or case
studies representing a success or a failure.
Mini bio
Dr. Joseph N. Kelada is a
Canadian of Egyptian origin.
He is a full professor at HEC
Montreal Business School,
where he teaches specialized
courses in management
consulting and operations
management at the MBA,
M.Sc., and Ph.D. levels. He
is also President of Joseph
Kelada & Associates, and
a management consultant
for projects in different
parts of the world. He has
acted as an expert in total
quality management for
U.N. development projects
in virtually all continents.
His basic research focus is
change management and why
most change initiatives fail.
For his doctoral thesis, he
has developed a framework
to help managers implement
change initiatives successfully.
113

Doctoral Knowledge Factory – 2013 edition
Dr. Mazen A. KHATTAB
Exploring knowledge creation in management consulting practices for
corporate strategy
Supervisor:
Dr. Klas Soderquist
Program:
GEM DBA in Lebanon (LCU)
Defense date:
January 2012
Current position:
Managing Partner, Rising
Management & Strategy
Consultants, Beirut, Lebanon
Thesis abstract
The last two decades have witnessed an exponential
sprout for the management consulting industry
where consultancies have been recognized for
their role as modern “Knowledge Creators” due to
their significant influence in shaping management
practice; such capacity to influence stems from
consultancies’ continuous interaction and tight relationships
with client firms, business schools, and
business, economics and general news media.
The present thesis examines the process by which
knowledge creation occurs within management
consultancies for services rendered to clients regarding
Corporate Strategy. The central research
issue is to understand the process of knowledge
creation – how knowledge is created and what
knowledge is created. Corporate strategy was chosen
as a specific research focus because it is a distinguished
area of management consulting where
few standard tools or solutions can be proposed.
Exploring management consultancies as a knowledge
creating community was based on several
conceptualizations of knowledge creation developed
and proposed over the years. These conceptualizations
have been combined into a research
model adopted for the purposes of this doctoral
research. The motivation behind the use of a combined
model of knowledge creation is to construct
an entry point toward the exploration and understanding
of consultants’ knowledge creation
practices, as opposed to comparing or criticizing
consulting knowledge. The empirical research
was conducted focusing explicitly on a group of
informants who are practicing consultants in
MENA and GCC countries. The data was collected
through an online qualitative survey supported by
a dedicated software and was analyzed qualitatively
in search of patterns in consultants’ knowledge
creation practices and the role of community belonging
to knowledge creation.
114

Alumni Profiles and Theses
(continuation)
The question of whether consultants create knowledge
in terms of corporate strategy cannot be answered
by absolute confirmation (yes) or negation
(no); rather, the answer to such a question should
be probed taking into consideration that knowledge
creation is correlated with the affecting contingency
factors and the context of the consulting
process. Hence, the different contingency combinations
and the consulting process phase lead to
different results, be it knowledge creation, knowledge
internalization, or knowledge exploitation.
Nevertheless, results confirm that consultants
share common understandings and paradigms
that make particular consulting firms excel and
reach a larger group of consultants. Management
consultants in large international firms and in
small local firms alike first look at past experiences
and old cases when handling a new assignment.
The results of the study prove that creation of
knowledge associated with corporate strategy does
occur at the end of each assignment in the sense
that findings and emerging learning from the assignment
are sanitized and internalized into the
consulting firm, resulting in either completely new
knowledge or an upgrade of existing knowledge; in
either case, the new learning is accumulated in the
consultancy’s knowledge base and shared within
the firm for referral and use in future assignments.
Mini bio
In addition to his DBA
from Grenoble Ecole de
Management, Dr. Mazen
A. Khattab holds a double
Executive Master of Business
Administration from ESCP-EAP
(France) and Ecole Supérieure
des Affaires (Lebanon),
and an MSc. in Business
Administration & Management
from the Université Saint-
Joseph (Lebanon).
Dr. Mazen A. Khattab is
a seasoned professional
with multidisciplinary
background including business
development, corporate
strategy, strategic marketing,
revenue assurance and
revenue chain management,
project management, and
management consulting. He
has served as a senior staff
member in several companies
operating in the fields of
mobile telecommunications
and industry.
Dr. Khattab is an Entrepreneur
who enjoys a strong public
relations network. In addition,
he is a recognized Management
Consultant through his Full
Membership in the Institute
of Management Consultants
(IMC). Since 2010, he has
served as the Managing
Partner of “Rising Management
& Strategy Consultants,”
a strategy and business
consultancy that he founded
with the focus on serving
startups and growing small
and medium enterprises in the
Middle East and Africa. In 2011,
believing in the opportunities of
the newly born country of South
Sudan, he co-established Fenix
Investments to originate deals
in several sectors including
services, real estate, and
medical supplies. Moreover,
he co-founded C.N. Casa
Naturali in 2012 to trade in
natural and organic products.
115

Doctoral Knowledge Factory – 2013 edition
Dr. Donna KIDWELL
From functional leader to knowledge broker: Case studies in the practices of
principal investigators in nanotechnology
Supervisor:
Dr. Vincent Mangematin
Program:
GEM DBA in Switzerland
(Webster)
Defense date:
July 2012
Current position:
Co-founder, Enterprise Learning,
Inc., USA
Thesis abstract
Principal investigators are critical actors in nanotechnology
research, yet few studies have explored
the personal actions and experiences of PIs. In this
study, I examined various principal investigators
and their approach to new boundary spanning and
entrepreneurial roles. Using a case study methodology
with a combination of interviews and observation
over three years, I investigated the actions of
PIs who led multiple nanotechnology projects, successfully
funding their efforts, building and nurturing
teams, forging relations with industry, and
facilitating the commercialization of their work.
This thesis presents two areas of analysis: PIs and
their experiences moving beyond functional roles
and an analysis of a new role as knowledge brokers.
This study suggests that by engaging in specific
brokering activities, investigators can move from
being inventors to being innovators.
In the first area of analysis, I found that these PIs
actively seek organizational alignment that allow
them to “make things happen” while creating harmony
between the university and enterprise. They
sought organizational alignment while working in
roles beyond those of the functional tasks of program
management. The PIs demonstrated boundary-spanning
activities, in particular a propensity
for welcoming strangers into their labs and practicing
“good grantsmanship” through thoughtful
collaboration. The study found that the PIs manage
tensions with the mentorship of aspiring researchers
vs. their goals of getting PhDs and tenure
and technology transfer tensions by working informally
outside of technology transfer offices. PIs
drove projects through a combination of creative
acts that manifested themselves in multiple ways,
including the traditional publications but also in
the production of patents, products, and talented
students with new skill sets.
116

Alumni Profiles and Theses
(continuation)
In the second area of analysis, I explore the activities
of the PIs and suggest a model for knowledge
brokering. The PIs acted as brokers, helping
to increase the absorptive capacity by identifying
structural holes and building trust. The PIs identified
structural holes by extrapolating potential
applications for their nascent discoveries and then
actively seeking individuals and opportunities to
build bridges between the holes. They built trust
through initiating projects and aligning interests
external to the lab through careful execution
of projects and while doing so, they deliberately
anticipated possible risks that could thwart their
goals and prevent the new technology from leaving
the lab successfully.
These findings have management implications including
key skills that we might train and encourage
in PIs. I propose a training workshop for PIs on
the activities of brokering, including an instructional
design and workshop scenarios. Through
this research, I provide an opportunity to hear the
voices of PIs on these topics and contribute to our
understanding of PIs as critical actors in the pursuit
of science.
Mini bio
Dr. Donna K. Kidwell has
a Master’s in Technology
Commercialization from the
McCombs School, UT Austin,
and a Doctorate in Business
Administration from Grenoble
Ecole de Management. Before
starting her own company,
Dr. Kidwell was the Director
of Online Programs at the
IC2 Institute (University of
Texas) where she developed
and managed entrepreneurial
training for mentors and
innovators worldwide. She
had managed innovation
programs in Korea and Mexico
where she had worked with
innovators to achieve over
$10M USD in new revenue. She
has taught entrepreneurship
and technology transfer in
Colombia, Egypt, Hungary,
India, and Russia. Prior to the
IC2 Institute, she developed
software and online training
systems for companies such
as Keller Williams Realty, Intl.,
the third largest residential
real estate company in North
America, and Exxon Mobile.
Her research interests include
the actions required to create
innovation, the motivation and
execution of entrepreneurial
projects, and the role of
games in system design.
117

Doctoral Knowledge Factory – 2013 edition
Dr. Joerg KILLER
An empirical investigation of the factors influencing the success of electronic
B2B markets
Supervisors:
Dr. David Price and
Dr. Jean-Jacques Chanaron
Program:
Grenoble-Henley Management
College DBA Program
Defense date:
May 2002
Current position:
Corporate Strategy &
Development , Schreiner Group,
Munich, Germany
Thesis abstract
The history of electronic markets dates back to the
1980’s and early 1990’s, when the first (pre-Internet)
electronic marketplaces (EMs) were built. The
adoption of the Internet by business companies and
trade organizations has made Internet-based EMs
an important phenomenon though. An analysis of
the creations and announcements of EMs during
their “boom time” shows that after 1997 and up
to July 2002, more than 1000 marketplaces had
emerged worldwide. This dramatic increase in the
number (and popularity) of EMs prompted reports
of a crisis among eBusiness companies and EMs
alike that forced firms to cut personnel or even
shut down.
With a multiple case study approach, this study
investigates 10 German EMs from several
industries over a long period. The objective of this
thesis is to determine the (independent) factors
that might influence the three dimensions of the
success of electronic markets. That is, this thesis
tries to determine if it is possible to identify the
factors that influence the success of electronic
markets. More specifically,
• Can we identify factors influencing the
entry order (first mover, late follower) of a
marketplace?
• Can we identify factors influencing the adoption/
penetration of a marketplace?
• Can we identify factors influencing the
competitive advantage of a marketplace?
118

Alumni Profiles and Theses
(continuation)
These three dimensions of the “success” construct
are based on previous research by Reich and
Benbasat (1990). Furthermore, two other research
questions are posed:
• Can other dimensions of electronic market
success be determined?
• What are the interrelations among the three
success dimensions for EMs? Is success on
one dimension related to success on another
dimension?
This thesis shows that adoption rates are influenced
primarily by the service offering of the EM, its
pricing model, and the existence of facilitating
and inhibiting industry factors. Furthermore,
competitive advantages depend on the adoption
rate and availability of financial resources. A
complex interrelation among adoption rate,
competitive advantage, and financial resources
also emerges from the findings.
Mini bio
Dr. Joerg Killer obtained
a Doctorate of Business
Administration (DBA) from the
Henley Management College.
He is a manager with Schreiner
Group (pharmaceutical
sector) in Munich. His
main area of interest is
innovation management and
strategy. Previously, Dr. Killer
worked for Dr. Wieselhuber
& Partner GmbH, PRTM
Management Consultants
and KPMG Peat Marwick.
119

Doctoral Knowledge Factory – 2013 edition
Dr. Karim KOBEISSI
What attributes of healthcare are most important to improve patient
satisfaction in Lebanese primary care settings: The case of the Mount
Lebanon clinic
Supervisor:
Dr. Benoit Aubert
Program:
GEM DBA in Lebanon (LCU)
Defense date:
November 2012
Current position:
Co-Owner of Mount Lebanon
Clinic, Beirut, Lebanon
Thesis abstract
Patients’ view about healthcare service delivery is
a neglected subject in many developing countries
such as Lebanon. Patients are viewed as passive
beneficiaries of healthcare service with muted
voices. However, the patients’ perceptions of
service quality and satisfaction with healthcare
services can assist management and policy makers
in the design, implementation, and evaluation of
services that in turn assist to better improve and
deliver qualitative healthcare to the populace. Thus,
the present research study aims to contribute to the
development of knowledge on patient satisfaction.
More specifically, it attempts to distinctively
identify the key healthcare dimensions that impact
patient satisfaction with primary care services in
Lebanon.
To achieve this goal, a literature review is conducted
in order to provide an original conceptualization
of patient satisfaction and its drivers. Based on
the literature review, an exploratory qualitative
study is undertaken to gain insight into specific
influencing factors that are incorporated into
the conceptual satisfaction model. An original
model is developed that illustrates the effects of
four influencing factors (physician care, price of
care, access to care, and atmospherics of care) on
outpatient satisfaction and tests a set of hypotheses
covering the mediating and moderating effects.
The empirical study is designed to explore effects
and to transfer gained knowledge into management
guidelines. The research is conducted at Mount
Lebanon Clinic (which is the property of the
researcher’s family and a typical case of clinics in
Lebanon) on a sample of 385 outpatients. Multiple
regression analysis is used to test the hypotheses.
120

Alumni Profiles and Theses
(continuation)
The results of this research are twofold. First,
a model that details relationships between
influencing factors and patient satisfaction is
proposed and validated in the Lebanese context.
Second, an advanced model of patient satisfaction
is developed. It is designed to view patient
satisfaction more holistically and to provide
guidelines for healthcare providers. The existence
of two mediating variables is unveiled: distributive
justice and perceived healthcare quality. The
moderating role of age, income, and gender is also
examined.
Mini bio
Dr. Karim Kobeissi is currently
co-owner of Mount Lebanon
Clinic in Beirut, Lebanon. He
obtained a Diploma of Superior
Economic Studies from the
CNAM, France, in 1998,
then a Master in Business
Administration from the
American University of Science
& Technology, Lebanon, in
2003, before graduating from
Grenoble Ecole de Management
in 2012 as Doctor of Business
Administration (DBA). His
research in marketing focuses
on customer satisfaction.
121

Doctoral Knowledge Factory – 2013 edition
Dr. Fernando LAGRANA
When e-mail crosses role boundaries – Exposure to spam
and protection strategies
Supervisor:
Dr. Vincent Mangematin
Program:
GEM DBA in Switzerland
(Webster)
Defense date:
December 2011
Current position:
Head, Partnership Building
Division, Telecommunication
Development Bureau,
International Telecommunication
Union, Geneva, Switzerland
Thesis abstract
In the last decade, there has been significant research
in the framework of identity theory, on
the management of multiple roles, identities, and
daily micro-role transitions. This body of research,
based on the founding work of Katz and Kahn on
“the organization as a system of roles” analyzes the
means put in place by individuals to create and
maintain role boundaries, assesses the nature of
these boundaries (e.g., permeability and flexibility),
and explores the nature of role transitions (planned
vs. interposed). Research has also been conducted
on the perceptions individuals have about their
own roles and the associated in-role and extra-role
behaviors as a parallel to the social expectations regarding
individual formalized roles.
There has also been so far an extensive set of literature
on the blurring of boundaries between
professional (working) hours and private (leisure)
time, in particular from the perspective of worklife
and work-family balance. This specific body
of research also addresses the issues of home-role
versus work-role conflicts and of the stress that
balancing these two types of roles may generate
on workers and also encompasses research
about how individuals differentiate “work” from
“home” in their own perception of space and
time and in their desire for more or less role and
identity segmentation.
The purpose of our approach is to complement and
unify these two bodies of research in the specific
context of the usage of ICTs in the professional
environment. More specifically, we address the
usage of electronic mail, the most successful ICT
communication channel in the professional sphere.
Our research complements previous research on
the impact of information and communication
technologies (ICTs) on how individuals manage
the boundaries between their different daily roles,
and in particular how they manage the interposed
role transitions generated by incoming mail.
122

Alumni Profiles and Theses
(continuation)
Our research is designed around the phenomenon
of spam, e.g., unsolicited electronic mail, which
represents in our view the “dark side” of mail. This
phenomenon encompasses all the elements of research
described above, e.g., the blurring of boundaries
between professional and non-professional
roles, the perception of in-role and extra-role behaviors,
the adverse impact of ICTs on business
ethics, and the usage of e-mail communications
in the business environment. As such, e-mail deserves
an in-depth analysis, both from the theoretical
and from the managerial viewpoint.
Mini bio
Dr. Fernando Lagrana holds
a Doctorate of Business
Administration from Grenoble
Ecole de Management
and is Adjunct Faculty in
Management, Leadership and
Business Communications at
Webster University’s George
Walker School of Business.
With 30 years of experience
in the telecom and ICT
sectors, both at the technical,
operational, managerial and
international policy level, Dr.
Lagrana has specialized in
the management of top-level
international events at C- and
Head of State levels (ITU
TELECOM series of events,
World Summit on Information
Society, International
Conferences.). His field of
research includes business
ethics, critical thinking, thought
leadership, as well as the
social impact of ICT usage.
123

Doctoral Knowledge Factory – 2013 edition
Dr. John LAMBERT
Economic and management factors affecting the adoption of presentation
technology by law firms
Supervisor:
Dr. Leslie Klieb
Program:
Grenoble Ecole de Management
DBA Program
Defense date:
April 2006
Current position:
Assistant Professor of
International Business,
The University of Southern
Mississippi, Long Beach,
MS, USA
Memberships:
Academy of Management (since
2005), Southern Management
Association (since 2005),
Academy of International
Business (since 2006)
Thesis abstract
In the United States, attorneys on both sides of
criminal and civil litigation have the right to employ
expert witnesses; in most cases, they also have
the right to request a jury trial. At the time of this
research, attorneys had just begun using Microsoft
PowerPoint and other electronic slideshows,
as well as document management systems, which
prompted some hesitancy by attorneys and the
courts regarding this transition from conventional
enlarged photographs, models, and maps. This
research therefore seeks answers to two key questions:
1. What perceptions influence decisions by attorneys
to adopt technologies?
2. What are the issues, variables, and influences
that matter to microbusinesses run by entrepreneurs
who, when they decide to adopt a new
technology for their businesses, are also the people
who must use it?
Mini bio
Dr. John Lambert earned his
DBA from Grenoble Ecole de
Management at age 50, and
was hired for a faculty position
at the University of Southern
Mississippi. His research
areas include consumer
ethnocentrism, management
and technology management.
His main research track is a
longitudinal and ongoing data
collection effort concerning
local preferences for locally,
fresh-caught shrimp vs.
imported foreign shrimp,
using the CETSCALE as
the theoretical basis for
analysis. This research
gained national attention
during the 2010 BP oil spill.
The Louisiana State Bar Association backed this
research, and the 2004 Louisiana State Bar Association
Legal Technology Survey served as the
research instrument. The technology acceptance
model provided the primary theoretical basis.
Most of the 487 surveys were completed in actual
courtrooms throughout the State of Louisiana,
USA.
Respondents who use computers recreationally
and socially, as well as in their businesses, are more
likely to adopt computer presentation technology.
This research also shows that perceptions of its cost
and usefulness influence technology adoptions by
small firms.
124

Alumni Profiles and Theses
An analysis of success factors in foreign investment of Chinese
manufacturing enterprises: A case study of Sinatext
Dr. Jian Hua (James) LI
Thesis abstract
Based on real-life experience and lessons acquired
from successful oversea operations of foreign multinational
corporations (MNC), this thesis analyzes
the key drivers of success in the multinational
operations of a Chinese enterprise, using a combination
of major theoretical research and actual
case studies. Principally, this thesis addresses two
key questions:
Supervisors:
Dr. Jean-Jacques Chanaron
and Dr. Xiubao Yu
Program:
GEM DBA in China (Tongji)
Defense date:
April 2008
Current position:
President, WorldBest,
Shanghai, China
1. For an international MNC, what are the key success
factors for foreign investment?
2. For a relatively young Chinese enterprise engaged
in foreign investment operations, what are
the suitable key success factors?
Through an extensive literature review, this thesis
identifies relevant key success factors for foreign
investments by MNCs and proceeds to test whether
these key factors apply to foreign investments
by Chinese MNCs in manufacturing industries,
using related theories and case studies of multinational
operations by Chinese MNCs. As a result,
this study demonstrates the implications of these
key success factors with reference to currently successful
foreign investments by Chinese manufacturing
enterprises. Finally, this research specifies
the success factors for foreign investments by Chinese
manufacturing enterprises.
Mini bio
Dr. Li Jian Hua was special
representative of the President
and special assistant to the
CEO of WorldBest Group, acting
as the general manager of
WorldBest (Mexico) SINATEX
SA DE CV, CEO of WorldBest
(Canada) Industries Inc.,
general manager of U.S.
UNISAN Corporation, and
general manager of WorldBest
Group (China) Textiles Import &
Export Company of Mexico. He
has been cited as the excellent
CPC Member of WorldBest
Group many times, earning the
silver Lanneret Award twice
and the gold Lanneret Award
once. In 2004, Li Jianhua
was made an honorary citizen
of Obregon in Mexico.
125

Doctoral Knowledge Factory – 2013 edition
Dr. Jia LI
Empirical study of equity risk premium for the Chinese stock market
Supervisors:
Dr. Christophe Bonnet
and Dr. Wuxiang Zhu
Program:
GEM DBA in China (Tongji)
Defense date:
June 2011
Current position:
Chair, Zhonghai Fund
Management Co. Ltd., Beijing,
China
Thesis abstract
After reviewing extant literatures, this dissertation
considers the equity risk premium, a conception related
with expectation; thus, it could also be termed
as the expected equity risk premium. There is historical
evidence that the equity investment return
exceeds government bond investment, which is
defined as historical equity risk premium- a totally
different concept from the expected one. In summary
of the literatures, the estimation results of the
equity risk premium based on earnings forecast by
the ex ante approach are more stable and reliable
compared with results by the ex post approach.
After analyzing the history and current situation of
the Chinese securities market, this dissertation determines
the research objects of Chinese A-shares
and H-shares market, considers HS300 index and
HSCEI as a proxy of A-shares and H-shares market,
respectively; chooses a period starting from year
2005 as a sample period; takes market consensus of
earnings forecast as inputs; and constructs a threestage
DDM to measure the equity risk premiums
of the A-shares and H-shares markets. For comparison,
this research also calculates the historical
equity risk premiums by the ex post approach.
By analyzing empirical results, the historical results
are greatly influenced by sample period
selection and are volatile with high standard deviation
and poor stability. Thus, this dissertation
holds that the ex post approach is not suitable for
the current Chinese stock market and the historical
results can’t be used as inputs to stock pricing
models directly. The expected equity risk premiums,
however, are almost not influenced by sample
period selection and are stable with a low standard
deviation.
126

Alumni Profiles and Theses
(continuation)
Thus, the expected equity risk premiums by the ex
ante approach are a reasonable and reliable estimation
of the true value of the equity risk premium
of the Chinese stock market and could be used for
stock pricing and measuring the risk preference
level of the whole market.
This research adopts time series analysis tools,
mainly GARCH models, to analyze the expected
equity risk premium series of A-shares. The main
findings are the series is stationary and there is
ARCH effect in the mean equation that can be captured
by GARCH models. By comparing different
GARCH models, EGARCH(1,1)-M is selected
for its better fitting and forecasting abilities of the
expected equity risk premium series of A-shares.
These are helpful in predicting the market trend.
Based on the logic of DDM, the research of A/H
shares price premium puzzle decomposed the influencing
factor into three factors (the difference
of the equity risk premiums between these two
markets, the difference of earnings forecasts, and
the difference of risk-free rates) and conducted
econometrical analysis through impulse response
function and variance decomposition based on the
VAR model, to analyze influence of above mentioned
factors. The main finding is, the explanatory
power of difference of the equity risk premiums
is relatively strong.
Finally, this research analyzed the relation of the
equity risk premiums between A-shares and H-
shares market, and a co-integration relation is
identified and described through Engle Granger
co-integration analysis. This co-integration relation
provides reference for cross market arbitrage
strategy in A-shares and H-shares market.
127

Doctoral Knowledge Factory – 2013 edition
Dr. Ralph Lei LI
An empirical study of the influential factors of executives’ equity-based
revenue in Chinese listed companies
Supervisors:
Dr. Pierre-Yves Sanséau
and Dr. Xiubao Yu
Program:
GEM DBA in China (Tongji)
Defense date:
April 2008
Current position:
Vice President Human
Resource, APAC Area, Nexans,
Singapore/China
Mini bio
Dr. Lei Li holds a Doctorate
of Business Administration
from Grenoble Ecole de
Management, France, an
MBA and a Master’s degree.
He has been working with
multinational companies
for over 15 years in various
managerial capacities. He is
an experienced management
workshop facilitator and a
frequent guest speaker for
western MBA and EMBA
students on their international
study trips to China. Witnessing
the exciting dynamics of
China’s economic growth,
Dr. Lei Li is very interested
in studying the difference in
human resources management
practices between western
and oriental cultures. He is
currently Vice President of
Human Resources for APAC
area with an international
corporation, commuting
between China and Singapore.
Thesis abstract
Stock options, which prevailed across Western
countries at the end of the twentieth century,
offer an appealing prize to executives and have
been highly recommended by most leading
multinational companies in the United States
and Europe because they combine incentives
with restrictions. The sensibility of motivating
executives with equity initially was well supported
by theory. In addition, management motivation
has become a topic of interest in China, and
Chinese corporate reforms often include equitybased
incentives and stock option systems, in an
attempt to facilitate the adjustment of the present
the security market.
This study addresses these conditions. First,
it undertakes a thorough review of relevant
literature on this very subject and overseas and
domestic empirical studies. Second, a multiple
linear regression analysis model uses statistical
data about Chinese listed companies to identify
determinant or influential factors regarding
which part of executives’revenues should be
linked to equity. Third, an empirical analysis of
present practices offers with some suggestions
based on the observation of differences between
theory and practices, which may be helpful for the
construction of future incentive systems.
128

Alumni Profiles and Theses
Dr. Xiaodong LIU (d. 2010)
An empirical research on cinema theatre location selection in China
Thesis abstract
Location selection is a kind of irreversible investment
that may have continuing effects on the daily
management of an enterprise. The daily operations
of a cinema rely especially strongly on its location,
which means location must be given first priority
at the initiation of a business. This dissertation
mainly deals with the influence of the location decision
on cinemas’business performance. It offers a
general review of relevant studies by both domestic
and foreign scholars and analyzes the impact a set
of factors (e.g., the grade of the commercial centers,
concentration of commercial facilities, whether located
in shopping malls, traffic conditions nearby,
demographic factors, number of other cinemas) on
the business performance of cinemas. To validate
the proposed hypotheses, this study investigates
the top 30 cinemas, in terms of annual box office,
located in two influential circuits in Shanghai.
The results confirm nearly all the hypotheses. Factors
such as the grade of commercial centers, concentration
of commercial facilities, a location in
shopping malls, traffic conditions, and the number
of cinemas nearby have significant influences on
cinema performance. However, the local population
did not emerge as an influential factor.
Supervisors:
Dr. Michel Polski
and Dr. Xinghui Lei
Program:
GEM DBA in China (Tongji)
Defense date:
January 2008
129

Doctoral Knowledge Factory – 2013 edition
Dr. Bassem MAAMARI
The effect of information systems’ usage on the job satisfaction
of the commercial banking sector employees in Lebanon
Supervisor:
Dr. Mark Smith
Program:
GEM DBA in Lebanon (LCU)
Defense date:
September 2010
Current position:
Full-time Lecturer of
Management, Lebanese
American University, Beirut,
Lebanon
Mini bio
Dr. Bassem Maamari joined the
Lebanese American University’s
School of Business in 1998 as a
part-time facultymember in the
department of Management,
and became full-time faculty
in October 2010. He obtained
a Master’s in Business
Management and a BSc in
Business Accounting from
BUC-Beirut before pursuing
his DBA degree at Grenoble
Ecole de Management.
He has 18 years of business
experience, mainly in the
fields of healthcare, finance,
MIS, and sales management,
whilst working in Canada,
Lebanon, and Saudi Arabia.
His career has covered both
health services and industrial
fast moving consumer
goods; his research interests
focus on the attitudes and
behaviors of people at work.
Thesis abstract
This doctoral research aims to gain insights into
the relationships between information system
usage and employee job satisfaction in the commercial
banking sector of Lebanon. Information
systems are becoming pervasive in banking organizations.
This research uses motivational theory,
information systems implementation, and usage
theory as a theoretical background to provide new
insights into the factors that affect job satisfaction
and motivation among employees. The proposed
model, based on a literature review, is tested using
quantitative research techniques.
The research sample from Lebanon includes 547
respondents (272 men [49.7%] and 275 women
[50.3%]) from 38 different bank branches and departments
across nine locations. The proposed
factors clarify understanding of the job satisfaction
process for commercial banking employees
in Lebanon. The findings also support the importance
information system usage in this work
environment and suggest that bank management
should consider the number of hours spent using
an information system and working experience as
means to improve job satisfaction
130

Alumni Profiles and Theses
Dr. Daniel MARCIANO
Global retailers in urban China: How to increase private label brands
acceptance of FMCGs recognizing psychographic particularities and
preferences of Chinese consumers
Thesis abstract
Since economic reforms began in 1978, China has
experienced rapid economic growth, becoming
apparently the world’s largest consumer market.
However, despite the size and the potential of this
market, there are still serious gaps in academic
formal understanding of the Chinese buyer behavior
in the modern retail environment. Moreover,
when referring to Private Label Brands (PLBs) of
Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCGs) marketed
by local or foreign retailers in China, knowledge
is so far primal.
Supervisors:
Dr. Michel Polski
and Dr. Jianwei Wu
Program:
GEM DBA in China (Tongji)
Defense date:
May 2011
Current position:
CEO of Corporell Ltd.,
Tel-Aviv, Israel
Private labels have been examined in the literature
for more than 50 years. Due to the rapid
and unavoidable growth of PLB share among
retailers’ sales, researchers have looked into different
influential factors in attempting to find
out the reasons behind the success of these
store products. As consumers’ attitudes impact
the demand side of FMCGs, their perceptions critically
affect decisions on brand selection and therefore
the overall performance of PLBs.
The broad aim of this research is to understand attitudinal
and behavioral patterns of urban Chinese consumers
toward PLB FMCGs at global retailers’ stores
operating in China through a systematic analysis and
evaluation of their perceptions and behavior.
For this purpose, six specific research questions
are addressed.
Following the discussion of these research findings
and their comparison with those of previous
studies, we found that findings about consumer attitudes
and perceptions generally supported previous
studies on relevant topics, but also gave us new
and specific patterns of urban Chinese consumers.
Price consciousness was found as the strongest construct
that positively influences PLB purchase.
131

Doctoral Knowledge Factory – 2013 edition
Dr. Daniel MARCIANO (continuation)
Also, when selecting a product in a supermarket,
quality appears to be the second most important
factor after price.
Brand sensitivity construct observation has led to
interesting findings, showing that urban Chinese
shoppers do not rely on brand as one of the most
important criteria for purchasing a grocery product
in a supermarket. However, brand, as product
selection criteria in a supermarket, still remains
relatively important ranked by shoppers in third
place after price and quality. Country-of-Origin
effect, a well-known influencing parameter in
South-East Asia, was found to be of least importance,
ranked fourth out of four by shoppers after
price, quality, and brand. In addition, this study
also investigates the impact of socio-demographics
characteristics on the purchase of PLBs. Female
gender, age, level of education, household size, and
annual household income were all found to correlate
with PLB acceptance proneness, indicating
major differences compared with Western shoppers
consumption patterns and behavior.
Mini bio
Dr. Daniel Marciano obtained
his Doctorate of Business
Administration from Grenoble
Ecole de Management and
Shanghai’s Tongji University
cooperation program. He also
holds a Master in Business
Administration from Boston
University, and he completed
his BA in Economics and
General Studies at Tel-Aviv
University. Currently CEO of
Corporell Ltd., an operating
company for the development
and manufacturing of health
and beauty products and
brands, he has cumulated 20
years of business experience
and practice in the fields
of retail management
and brand marketing.
The findings make a valid empirical contribution
to the relevant topics of understanding. They also
bring important theoretical and managerial implications
to academic researchers and retail marketing
practitioners working with Chinese consumers
in the modern retail environment for the building
of strong and effective PLB programs, with no exception
being the key factors of longevity and profitability
for modern global retailers.
132

Alumni Profiles and Theses
Dr. Lynn NACHTIGAL
Comparing factors that affect the implementation of human resource
management systems (HRMS) in the commercial and public sectors,
with special emphasis upon PeopleSoft software
Thesis abstract
The implementation of a human resource management
system (HRMS) is a time-consuming, arduous
task. A fully matured HRMS can be expensive
and take years to implement fully. This requirement
forces changes in basic business processes
that may not provide returns on the investment for
years.
However, HRMS software, such as the package solutions
from System Application Products (SAP)
in data processing, Oracle HRMS, and People-
Soft, can offer greater efficiency and the opportunity
for increased departmental teamwork and
communications. Commercial human resource
management systems represent some of the best
software on the market for aiding companies in
both private and public sectors. Furthermore,
HRMS may help companies and private sectors
better achieve their business objectives and make
them strong enough to attract and maintain the
best workforce in human resource–competitive
marketplaces.
This study focuses on the factors that affect
the implementation of HRMS in the public
and private sectors of U.S. companies, with a
special emphasis on PeopleSoft HRMS software.
It also aims to address some of the implementation
difficulties and problems that
may occur.
Supervisor:
Dr. Jean-Jacques Chanaron
Program:
Grenoble Ecole de Management
DBA Program
Defense date:
April 2006
Current position:
Project Manager, Booz Allen
Hamilton, Mclean, VA, USA
Mini bio
Dr. Lynn Nachtigal has more
than 30 years of comprehensive
experience directing
projects and programs with
documented success in the
areas of personnel, production
and material management,
quality assurance and
logistics. It consists of being
capable of clearly articulating
complex concepts and
ideas with the added ability
of translating technical
information into concise and
accurate presentations for
audiences of all levels.
He is today an aggressive
problem solver and innovative
thinker with the leadership
skills to make sound decisions
in pressure situations, and
as a team builder, capable of
implementing best practices
and process improvements,
while motivating staff to peak
performance. His research
interest focuses on Operational
Process Improvements.
133

Doctoral Knowledge Factory – 2013 edition
Dr. Isabelle NÉ
Relationships in management training: Favorable factors
Supervisor:
Dr. Christian Defelix
Program:
GEM DBA in the USA
Defense date:
April 2011
Current position:
Assistant Professor, Management
and Organizational Behavior,
Grenoble Ecole de Management,
France
Thesis abstract
The present study starts from the observation that
there is an obvious paradox between the fact that
the training/coaching actions that concern managers’
relationships’ skills are considered as needed
and useful and the fact that it is often heard that
these actions have little (if any) effect on managers’
behaviors. We start with studying, through
literature, what these training tools consist of and
with which ethical message: how is the consultant/trainer
dealing with the training mission that
concerns so much of the individuals’ specificities?
Studying man and behaviors shows how complicated
the task is. What is understood by the notion
of “management” that has dealt with diagnosing
this type of training needed? We thus choose to
observe the potential transcendence of corporate
culture and structural configuration on the individuals’
representations of relationships issues.
One is questioning the congruence between the
training project’s objectives, the training tools chosen,
and the corporate context. From a sociology
background, we presuppose that some corporate
cultural and structural context should facilitate (or
not) the success of the training/coaching actions
on behaviors and that this may not be sufficiently
taken into account by the consultants and the
training decision makers. We have therefore chosen
to conduct field studies within two very different
contexts – both French - where the same type
of training had been conducted. We underline the
choice of a qualitative approach as the concept of
relationships skills is very subjective. The analysis
tools specifically chosen were Mintzberg’s corporate
structural classification, recently deepened by
Pichault and Nizet, and Sainsaulieu and Piotet’s
sociological approach on corporate culture. These
approaches allow understanding better the contextual
background on which the consultant and decision
makers normally base their training project.
134

Alumni Profiles and Theses
(continuation)
In the specific cases of the two fields chosen, we do
confirm that the complex contextual variable - corporate
culture, corporate structural configuration
– has been of primary importance to the success or
failure of training/coaching actions that are related
with behavioral skills, and that the unprepared
consultant should look further than lecturing on
relationships recipes. The study comes out with the
finding that, in turn, the more general economical
context (competitors, market) transcends the
corporate culture and corporate configuration
on their effects on success or failure of training/
coaching actions related to relationships skills.
Mini bio
Dr. Isabelle Né first studied
Sociology in Rennes
and Montreal where she
conducted research on
sports and ethics issues.
Her professional course
allowed her to cross with
very diverse environments
in different countries before
joining Grenoble Ecole de
Management where she
currently works for the People,
Organization and Societies
department. The research she
has conducted there has been
on the efficacy of management
training on relationships
issues in which she looks
for favorable factors within
the organizational contexts
(cultural and structural).
135

Doctoral Knowledge Factory – 2013 edition
Dr. Rajesh NELLORE
The role of specifications and contracts in outsourced product development
in the automotive industry
Supervisors:
Dr. Jean-Jacques Chanaron
and Dr. Ian McLouchlin
Program:
Grenoble-Newcastle University
DBA Program
Defense date:
2000
Current position:
Advisory Board Member,
Axeon, Paris and London,
France and the UK
Thesis abstract
Much attention has been paid to relationships
between supplier and buyer firms, especially in
the field of product development and in particular
in the automotive industry. There has been a
growing debate about the need to increase the
responsibilities for suppliers and attain a win–win
relationship with them, instead of an adversarial
relationship. Research has been extensive and dealt
with issues such as the location of suppliers, just in
time, tiering of suppliers, and so on, though little
attention has been paid to the issue of specifications
and contracts, which are an important part of the
product development process. The specification
flow between the buyer and suppliers is necessary
to obtain the product. Specifications could be
validated with the help of written contracts
and thus can represent an important part of the
contracts.
The objective of the study is to understand the role
of specifications and contracts in these companies
and thus contribute to academic knowledge, as
well as the understanding of practitioners. One
automotive original equipment manufacturer
(OEM) located in Europe provides the subject
for a case study. An aircraft OEM, also located in
Europe, supports supplementary data collection.
In-depth interviews with five first-tier suppliers
and an open-ended questionnaire survey (internal
and external) provide complementary perspectives.
136

Alumni Profiles and Theses
(continuation)
The research is guided by a qualitative inductive
approach, aimed at developing ideas grounded
in field observations. Strauss and Corbin’s
(1990) method for coding qualitative data is
followed to model the role of specifications and
contracts. The data were gathered through semistructured
interviews with various managers in
the OEMs and supplier companies, participant
and direct observation, internal documents, and
questionnaires.
The identified specifications have a role in guiding
outsourcing decisions, function as a means of
communication, help determine the time of
involvement of the suppliers, differentiate suppliers,
create visions for suppliers, and help provide
competitive advantage. Furthermore, contracts
have a significant role in reaching agreements for
continuing supply and help assist in the validation
of specifications.
Mini bio
Dr. Rajesh Nellore obtained a
Bachelor’s degree in electronics
engineering from the University
of Bangalore (India) followed
by a postgraduate diploma in
international business from the
University of Birmingham and
an MBA from the University of
Wales, Cardiff, before obtaining
a Doctorate from Newcastle
University. In May 2011, he
was appointed to the Advisory
Board of Axeon, Europe’s
largest independent supplier
of lithium battery systems.
He was previously CEO and
Managing Director (India) of
PSA Peugeot Citroen. In his
career he served in a number
of roles with General Motors
(including Saab Automobiles)
and Fiat. He also spent four
years as the head of purchasing
and quality for Johnson
Controls. Dr. Nellore has
published over 20 articles in
various peer-reviewed journals.
137

Doctoral Knowledge Factory – 2013 edition
Dr. Dorothy NELSON BRYAN
A technical education intervention in investing for retirement
Supervisor:
Dr. Leslie Klieb
Program:
Grenoble Ecole de Management
DBA Program
Defense date:
April 2009
Current situation:
Retired
Mini bio
Dr. Bryan has had a varied
and very successful career.
She began her journey into
the financial world in 1984
when studying to become
an Investment Broker.
During the following 15
years, Dorothy acquired the
following credentials: Annuity
and Insurances licenses in
multiple states; SEC Series
3,7,15, and 63; Retirement
Planning Consultant;
Chartered Life Underwriter;
Chartered Financial
Consultant and Certified
Financial Planner-CFP®.
Dr. Bryan received a BS in
business in 2003, an MBA
in 2005 and her Doctor of
Business Administration from
Grenoble Ecole de Management
in 2009. Dorothy has taught
upper level financial courses
at the University of Phoenix
and Dillard University, both in
New Orleans, Louisiana. Dr.
Bryan retired from the business
world and teaching in January
2010 to enjoy her family and
her two grandchildren.
Thesis abstract
This study shows that regardless of their previous
level of finance education and technology awareness,
people exhibit a common positive reaction
to educational interventions. The central theory
and basis for the proposed model suggests that
unless African American women have the proper
financial education about the effects of the future
value of their money, they cannot understand the
concept of investing in securities for their future
retirement. Thus, for people without the ability to
understand the basic technology of investing in
securities, the technology acceptance model and
theory of reasoned action do not apply.
This study evaluates the success of training for
two groups of African American women who differ
in their level of formal education. The statistical
analysis shows a significant positive change
among both groups of participants with regard to
their self-efficacy associated with the possibilities
inherent in investing in securities for their future
retirement. The implications for management are
evident; this research clearly shows that companies
can increase the number of employees who participate
in their 401K or 403B retirement plans by providing
this type of professional financial planning
education.
138

Alumni Profiles and Theses
Dr. Leonard NICHOLSON (d. 2012)
Effects of supply chain disruption amid the BP Gulf of Mexico oil spill
disaster upon the Louisiana shrimp industry
Thesis abstract
At issue is the environmental jolt endured by businesses
dependent upon the Gulf Coast (USA)
shrimp fisheries approximately one year after the
infamous 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil disaster, locally
known as the BP Oil Spill. This was the largest
accidental oil spill in open waters in the entire history
of the petroleum industry. The disaster forced
the closure of some of the most productive and historic
seafood harvesting waters on the planet, and
irreversible damage to estuaries was feared. One
of the most significant products from these waters
is Gulf Coast Shrimp. This dissertation examines
Gulf Coast Shrimp vendors not only as managers
but also as consumers, and their perceptions regarding
shrimp harvested from the Gulf of Mexico,
asking and answering the question: can any of the
variables borrowed from Technology Acceptance
Models (TAM) explain the ethnocentric consumer
product acceptance? The test case for this research
is a small market known as the Westwego Shrimp
Lot, located within the City of Westwego, Louisiana,
USA. This research accomplishes applied research
with sound theoretical foundations in a real
world, real time, setting.
Two significant findings emerged from this research.
First, the core TAM variables of Perceived
Ease of Use and Perceived Usefulness can provide
meaningful indicators of influence of stimuli or
factors outside of the realm of circuit-board technology.
Second, the core Consumer Ethnocentric
values expressed in CETSCALE have applications
in the measurement of managerial predisposition
and thus is not constricted to consumer research
alone.
Supervisor:
Dr. John Lambert
Program:
GEM DBA in the USA
Defense date:
Awarded posthumously
in January 2012
Mini bio
Dr. Leonard Kimball Nicholson
passed away in January 2012
and his DBA was posthumously
awarded on 20th January 2012.
Leonard was a native of New
Orleans, graduated from
Metairie Park Country Day
School and Yale University. He
received an M.E. from Tulane
University and a Doctorate
of Business Administration
from the Grenoble Ecole de
Management in France.
He was certified as a Project
Management Professional
by the Project Management
Institute. Professionally, he
served as the Director of
Information Technology for
the New Orleans District
Attorney’s Office, in New
Orleans, Louisiana, USA.
139

Doctoral Knowledge Factory – 2013 edition
Dr. Anna NIKINA
The impact of a wife’s role as an entrepreneur on a husband’s role
as a leader and provider
Supervisors:
Dr. Séverine Le Loarne
and Dr. Lois Shelton
Program:
GEM DBA in China (Tongji)
Defense date:
April 2010
Current position:
Head of Development,
International Programs at
Skolkovo Foundation, Russia,
and Affiliated Professor at
Grenoble Ecole de Management
Memberships:
AOM, EGOS
Mini bio
Dr. Anna Nikina holds a
Doctorate of Business
Administration from Grenoble
Ecole de Management and an
Executive MBA from Stockholm
University School of Business.
She currently works as Head
of Development, International
Programs, at the Skolkovo
Foundation and Innovation
Center in Moscow, Russia.
In her 9-year career in
international business,
she has work experience
from the Finnish-Russian
Chamber of Commerce in
Helsinki, Nokia and Trainers’
House and entrepreneurship
experience in business
development consulting.
She has successfully
worked in development
of customer and partner
relations, negotiations, project
management, public speaking
and international relations.
Dr. Nikina’s academic
involvement develops
through presentations at
international conferences and
publication of several articles
on international business and
books on entrepreneurship.
She is an Affiliated Professor at
Grenoble Ecole de Management
since 2011, teaching Innovation
Management and International
Business as well as supervising
Master’s Theses.
Thesis abstract
This doctoral research aims to gain insight into
the interconnections between female entrepreneurship
and the leader and provider role of the
entrepreneur’s husband, a key stakeholder in her
life. This thesis employs psychological contract
theory and social exchange theory to obtain new
insights into the work–family interface for female
entrepreneurs. An extensive literature review identifies
roles and stereotypes as key elements in the
formation of psychological contracts in a marital
relationship. Qualitative research techniques then
test the proposed theoretical framework depicting
the links between the wife‘s role as an entrepreneur
and the husband’s roles as family leader and provider.
The research sample, based in Scandinavia, includes
24 research participants (12 female entrepreneurs
and their spouses) from Denmark, Finland,
Norway, and Sweden. As predicted, the data analysis
shows that role identities and stereotypes are
central to understanding the impact of the wife‘s
entrepreneurship on the husband’s roles. The findings
provide support for propositions related to
three main areas of impact on the husband‘s roles:
on his work role, on his home and family role, and
on as the creation of a new role, namely, supporter
of the wife’s business.
140

Alumni Profiles and Theses
Dr. Patrice Anne NUQ
Towards a better understanding of the intention to use e-health services by
medical professionals: The case of developing countries
Thesis abstract
Healthcare services are a necessity for every country,
particularly in developing countries where the
shortage of medical professionals is greatest. Resolving
this issue requires substantial resources
that are not available. Therefore, the recent advancement
in Information and Communication
Technology (ICT) provides the platform for innovative
eHealth services and the opportunity for
improving access to medical services.
Despite governments, international organizations,
and companies’ growing interest in eHealth Services
for enabling access to medical treatment using
ICT, research in developing countries related to
user behavioral intention of these services remains
relatively scarce.
This is a research study to identify and measure
the motivational factors that would expedite the
introduction and widespread use of eHealth services
in developing countries. More specifically, it
endeavors to understand what factors would motivate
medical professionals to successfully adopt
eHealth Services. The study aims to identify and
measure the determinants that would lead to successful
adoption of eHealth services. This thesis is,
thus, a services marketing study.
Supervisor:
Dr. Benoit Aubert
Program:
Grenoble-Newcastle University
DBA Program
Defense date:
January 2012
Current position:
Academic Dean and Professor
of Marketing, International
University in Geneva, Switzerland
Mini bio
Dr. Patrice Anne Nuq is Dean
of Academic Affairs at the
International University in
Geneva, Switzerland. She
has also been Professor of
Marketing at International
University in Geneva since
2002 and she is a visiting
faculty member for Villanova
University and Ohio State
University in the USA for their
summer program in Geneva.
Dr. Nuq draws on extensive
international market experience
in strategic and operational
marketing aimed at customer
loyalty and satisfaction.
As Director of Marketing,
Customer Development, she
was instrumental in launching
Orange into the Swiss market,
building on her successful
track record in the marketing of
leading high technology brands,
having started her career in the
United States working at RCA
Global Communications and
ITT World Communications.
She has recent publications in
the area of services marketing
in leading healthcare journals.
She is also the co-author of
a book, Exploring Marketing,
A creative learning approach,
which is a complement to
traditional marketing textbooks
for learning reinforcement.
141

Doctoral Knowledge Factory – 2013 edition
Dr. Kristie OGILVIE (HANSEN)
Definition and analysis for high productivity and performance
of cross-functional teams in a technical development environment
Supervisor:
Dr. Dimitris Assimakopoulos
Program:
Grenoble Ecole de Management
DBA Program
Defense date:
March 2007
Current position:
Associate Dean of Academics,
California State University, San
Bernardino, CA, USA.
Memberships:
the Society for Human Resource
Management, Academy of
Management, MERLOT, and
National Business Educators
Association
Mini bio
Dr. Kristie Ogilvie is the
Associate Dean of Academics
at California State University in
San Bernardino, California. She
holds a Doctorate of Business
Administration from Grenoble
Ecole de Management and
an MBA from the University
of Tulsa. Dr. Ogilvie has 10
years of experience in several
technical industries, including
aerospace, pharmaceutical,
and computer-related fields.
The broad area of her research
is organizational behavior and
human resources management.
Dr. Ogilvie holds certifications,
such as CMII, Leadership
2000, and Six Sigma. She
is also an active member of
the organizational behavior
and management community
with authorship in seven
peer-reviewed journals, three
book chapters, and over twenty
conference presentations. She
is a reviewer of manuscripts for
over ten research outlets and
has held the position of session
chair, lead discussant, and
program organizer at several
leading academic conferences.
Thesis abstract
This doctoral research report results from a twoteam
approach to define a model for high productivity
and performance of cross-functional
development teams in an aerospace engineering
community. The first phase consists of an exploration
of the cohesiveness and team dynamics, over
a four-year period, among a project team that designed
and built a highly innovative propulsion
system for a satellite to be sent to the planet Mercury.
The focus team delivered this propulsion system
ahead of schedule and below cost and gained a
reputation as a highly productive team within the
company.
The second phase of the research advances the results
from the first phase by investigating a second
team that was less successful. Ucinet supports a
map of the k-cores, month by month, for the entire
life cycle of the projects. The research therefore
analyzes networks of heterogeneous engineers and
further considers the effects of social network dynamics
for knowledge creation and sharing within
and across team boundaries. Specific emphasis
centers on team dynamics for developing a robust
model to evaluate these findings critically in relation
to other similar teams. The findings show that
parts of the critical core team were not integrated
from the outset across the entire program but
rather appeared only during specific phases of the
project. This thesis therefore offers lessons for other
project teams at the company level and discusses
several implications for theory and practice.
142

Alumni Profiles and Theses
Dr. Nicole ORTLOFF WENSEL
Measuring the perception of benefits and feasibility of a publicly available
real-time landed cost engine in the retail paper products industry
Thesis abstract
Small electronic businesses continue to increase
their sales through domestic niche marketing.
However, the steady drive to increase small
electronic business sales has not extended to the
international arena. This research measures the
attractiveness for a small electronic commerce
business of having a publicly available, real-time
landed cost engine, with a focus on the retail paper
products industry. Therefore, this thesis aims
to answer the questions, Will real-time landed
scost add enough perceived benefits to increase
the willingness of small electronic commerce
businesses to trade internationally? Will realtime
landed costs lessen the preceived burden of
international trade on small electronic businesses?
Supervisor:
Dr. Jean-Jacques Chanaron
Program:
Grenoble Ecole de Management
DBA Program
Defense date:
March 2006
Current position:
Faculty, Community College of
Vermont, Vermont, USA
The benefits and feasibility were measured with
13 constructs, which in turn test the proposed hypothesis
that a publicly available, real-time, landed
cost engine is a factor in encouraging interest in
conducting transactions online and internationally.
The results of the survey indicate strong interest
in the creation of a publicly available, real-time,
landed cost engine. Therefore, this research offers
a measure of the perceived benefits of a publicly
available, real-time, landed cost engine, which justifies
the demand for the development of a proper
model of such an engine.
Mini bio
Dr. Nicole Ortloff-Wensel holds
a B.A. from Southeastern
Louisiana University, an
MBA from the University of
Phoenix. She still recently
was the Chairperson of
Business Division at Champlain
College, Vermont, USA.
143

Doctoral Knowledge Factory – 2013 edition
Dr. Lars OSTERGAARD
Optimizing retail banking channels: Developing and sustaining enduser
channel concepts on the basis of competitive forces and customer
requirements in Denmark
Supervisors:
Dr Rahim Bah
and Dr. Audley Genus
Program:
Grenoble-Newcastle University
DBA Program
Defense date:
October 2011
Current position:
Senior executive advisor, Kring,
Copenhagen, Denmark
Thesis abstract
The thesis deals with the optimization of retail
banks’ branch and Internet banking channels
resulting from 1) the use of Porter’s competitive
strategy model that is suitable for the outside in
research approach adopted, 2) the potential for
realizing improved efficiency and effectiveness,
and 3) customers’ requirements and satisfaction
with products and services. Six research questions
are posed: 1) Is M. Porter’s competitive strategy
appropriate for use among retail banks?, 2) Is it
correct that large banks are more cost efficient
than are small – medium-sized banks?, 3) Are
mass market retail bank customers generally
satisfied with the products and services received?,
4) Are there points of differentiation banks may
use to remain competitive?, 5) Does gender, age,
place of residence, or occupation imply different
banking requirements and satisfaction levels?, and
6) Are there customer segments in the marketplace
with requirements not fulfilled by traditional retail
banks?
Banks are encouraged to balance inside-out and
outside-in strategic approaches. Banks shall
optimize learning, innovation, and leadership
capabilities as suggested by the resource based
view to enhance customer experience and reduce
inefficiency. Porter’s competitive strategy has been
extensively used in previous research and therefore
here as a starting point for the research.
The findings indicate that the differentiation
options suggested by Porter are only partly
suitable to banks. There are non-sustainable
differentiation options banks may focus on: lower
prices, enhanced competences and interpersonal
skills of the advisor, branch logistics, and Internet
banking features. Large banks are not more cost
efficient than are medium-sized banks.
144

Alumni Profiles and Theses
(continuation)
This is because scale and scope inefficiencies in
banking are small and the inability of management
to facilitate progress and execute on operational
obligations explains almost all the combined 20%
X inefficiency. The analysis results in four customer
segments with different requirements particularly
for channels. Customers are overall satisfied
with products and services. There are significant
differences between male and female customers’
requirements and satisfaction. The primary data
collection was undertaken prior to the financial
crisis. A post-crisis investigation is likely to modify
importance and satisfaction levels and emphasize
the significance of banks offering sufficient lending
facilities.
Mini bio
Dr. Lars Ostergaard holds
a DBA, an EMBA and
an MSc. Previously, he
was employed by global
manufacturing and service
companies as partner and
consultant within Capgemini
and Valtech. Since 2005,
he has worked with special
projects and assignments
as senior executive advisor.
He is also external censor at
the Copenhagen business
School (MBA, EMBA, and
MSc.). His research interests
include corporate strategy,
operational efficiency, and
virtual project management.
145

Doctoral Knowledge Factory – 2013 edition
Dr. Nelson PIZARRO
Preexisting values and organizational and second-party support: How
employees motivate the adoption of sustainable practices in SMEs, MNCs
and nonprofits
Supervisor:
Dr. Roxana Bobulescu
Program:
GEM DBA in the USA
Defense date:
July 2011
Current position:
Assistant Professor of
Management, California Lutheran
University, Thousand Oaks,
CA, USA
Thesis abstract
An organization’s success in becoming a truly
sustainable company depends on its ability to
empower and incentivize its employees to integrate
sustainability into their day-to-day activities and
decision-making. However, little is known about
the factors that influence small and mediumsized
enterprise (SME) employees to engage in the
adoption of sustainability practices.
Therefore, the objective of this exploratory study is
to provide insights into the interactions between
employers and their employees with regard to
sustainable actions in the workplace. It explores
the employee’s perspective on the adoption of
sustainable practices in three types of organizations:
an SME, a multinational corporation (MNC),
and a nonprofit. The study compares employees’
perceptions of these three types of organizations
and suggests an introductory basic model that
supports employees’ adoption of sustainable
practices in SMEs, which includes both internal (e.g.,
preexisting values) and external (organizational
and second party support) factors in employees’
motivations to adopt sustainable practices. Because
sustainability is multidimensional, this study
encompasses established organizational (prosocial
and intent theory), innovation, systems thinking,
sustainability and entrepreneurship theories.
The study is exploratory and thus is not intended to
test established theoretical framework but rather
draws on established theory to propose a possible
new theoretical model that applies to SMEs
specifically. This descriptive research is designed
as a mixed-method to explore which variables
influence SME, MNC and nonprofit employees to
adopt sustainable practices (SP).
146

Alumni Profiles and Theses
(continuation)
The current study confirms the theory that
employees’ preexisting values are important
influences on the adoption of sustainable practices.
I therefore test the following hypothesis – Is there
a significant relationship between employees’
preexisting values and their motivation to adopt
sustainable practices? For example, in SMEs, there
is a significant correlation between employees’
preexisting values and their motivation to adopt
sustainable practices. Employees confirm that
they adopt sustainable practices at work mainly
because they care about the environment and the
community.
Mini bio
Dr. Nelson Pizarro received
his DBA in Business
Administration at Grenoble
Ecole of Management. His
primary research interest is in
sustainability in organizations.
He is a serial entrepreneur.
In May of 2012, he launched
EcoStatic Inc., a company
that designed the new
generation of note sheets
“Slickynotes.” He has done
business in 46 countries.
He also has experience in
a corporate environment
working for multinational
companies such as Brother
International and Uniden. In
the government sector, he
worked for Americorps as a
full-time volunteer, Miami Dade
Community College, and at the
City of Gainesville, FL. When he
is not teaching, he meditates,
practices yoga, and bikes.
147

Doctoral Knowledge Factory – 2013 edition
Dr. Alexina PORTAL
Specificity and efficiency of strategies developed to share emotions when
writing an e-mail for business purposes
Supervisor:
Dr. Dominique Steiler
Program:
GEM DBA in the USA
Defense date:
July 2012
Current position:
Freelance consultant, France
Thesis abstract
Compared to the large number of studies
developed around the topics of emotions at work,
literature on emotions communicated via emails
tends to declare the tool as inappropriate with
risk of overestimation or interpretation and pose
a challenge to users due to the often ambiguous
nature of emotions.
Much research has concentrated on identifying
if those emotions that became essential for
organizations could be transferred by new
technologies for personal communication or
personal purposes, if it could have an impact on
the way people globally communicate, and if
that is efficient enough. Users might be tempted
to create artifacts for building a relationship
when corresponding via computer as most of
communication mediated by computer (emails,
forums, instant messages) are indeed characterized
by the absence of the nonverbal channel.
Other research has been conducted to check the
impact on the way people communicate for their
job, compared with phones or meeting habits, but
the study of the effect of communicating emotions
by email is rare and the efficiency of strategies
developed for transferring emotions via email for
business purposes is not clear.
Motivated by the wish to go deeply into this
comprehension of communication mode in order
to understand if the phenomenon could really
change the way people work, will continue to
communicate and if it will impact the performance
and efficiency developed at workplace, we have
developed this study: are the specificities of
strategies developed to share emotions when
writing an email for business purpose efficient?
148

Alumni Profiles and Theses
(continuation)
We identified two exploratory questions:
Would employees create their own specific strategy
for communicating their emotions via emails
efficiently?
If those strategies take many different forms,
could they create a gap of comprehension between
senders and receivers of emails that could impact
the wished efficiency?
The idea was to collect writers of emails’ own
perceptions about their capacities to send their
wished emotions via their emails and then
measure if they could be certain that the receiver
of the email got the emotions transmitted, which
could have a positive or negative impact on their
job, the way to do it and increase or decrease their
performance.
Our specific approach developed to collect
and analyze data being consistent with the
methodology implemented helped us to introduce
some orientations for an effective electronic
communication when users want to express
emotions and if they wish to share and put the
receiver in a situation with no bad interpretation
options.
Our study is cross-disciplinary as it contributes
to the disciplines of management, organizational
behavior, communication, human resources, and
information system management. However, the
major contribution goes to the organizational
behavior discipline as being placed in an individual
environment; facing the screen of a PC, email
users can be influenced on the type of emotions
to share and ways to do it and feelings rules can
largely change. Employees can act differently by
sharing emotions when using email, which has an
impact on the way the concept of emotional labor
is described today.
Mini bio
Dr. Alexina Portal received
her MBA in 1992 and after an
International Executive Program
at INSEAD in 2001, she
looked for an applied research
program to contribute to both
theory and practice in relation
to business and management
in order to reinforce and
develop her professional
approach and competencies.
She needed to challenge her
own knowledge but was also
looking for contributing to the
professional knowledge by
exploring new ways of learning,
searching for proof and deep
analysis and demonstration,
and facing new thinking
opportunities while mixing
business, studies and family
lives. As a freelance consultant
in change management
and transformation Dr.
Portal has the challenge
to continuously develop
synergies between different
activities of companies by
leveraging teams’ experience
and energy. Coordinating
stakeholders, establishing
project governance, providing
a culture of quality, results,
and change to enhance
the excellence and foster a
transversal dynamic are some
key factors to accomplish
projects she has to lead.
149

Doctoral Knowledge Factory – 2013 edition
Dr. Michael PRESCOTT
Does the effective use of digital data genesis give firms a competitive
advantage in the marketplace?
Supervisor:
Dr. Claudio Vitari
Program:
GEM DBA in the USA
Defense date:
June 2012
Current position:
CEO, Applied Learning Systems,
Inc., Gainesville, FL, USA
Thesis abstract
Dynamic capabilities allow organizations to reconfigure
organizational capabilities in response
to turbulence in the business environment. Data
is a precursor to many organizational processes,
including sensing turbulence in the environment
to make strategic corrections. Data that is generated
digitally, digital data genesis, could be of
higher quality than data generated through other
methods. Since data is foundational to many organizational
processes, high-quality data is essential.
Digital data genesis is both a capability in digital
data generation and a dynamic capability in turbulent
environments. This paper will show that
digital data genesis is a dynamic capability and explores
the role of digital data genesis in providing
firms with a competitive advantage.
Mini bio
Dr. Michael Prescott earned
his Bachelor’s degree from
the University of Florida and
has an MBA. Dr. Prescott
obtained his Doctorate of
Business Administration
(DBA) from Grenoble Ecole de
Management. He is currently
the CEO of Applied Learning
Systems, Inc., a U.S.-based
performance consulting
and training company. In
addition to his duties as
CEO, he also functions as
a lead consultant on major
projects. He is a member of
the Strategic Management
Society. Dr. Prescott’s research
and teaching interests are
competitive advantage,
the resourced-based view,
dynamic capabilities,
information technology,
and digital data genesis.
150

Alumni Profiles and Theses
Dr. Audrey PRICE
A study of factors influencing physician adoption of electronic medical
records technology
Thesis abstract
Decisions by physicians to use implements for their
medical practice and business tools for managing
their practice are in many ways similar to the decisions
made by business owners and managers in
other settings. This thesis considers the adoption
of a specific kind of technology that serves a not
only as a medical practice tool for physicians but
also a technology that supports the business of the
firm. Accordingly, this research identifies drivers
of the adoption of electronic medical records
(EMR) technology.
At the start of this research, little attention had
been paid to developing an understanding of the
drivers influencing the adoption of this technology.
However, after the launch of the unique research,
the regulatory climate for medical practices and
medical practitioners underwent a significant
change; therefore, the final form of this thesis remains
uncertain. Specifically, decisions about the
adoption of EMR technology are no longer based
purely on management preferences but now represent
means of regulatory compliance.
Nevertheless, this study has unveiled some interesting
responses from physicians and radically
different responses from senior-level medical students
who will soon enter a residency. This study
therefore provides a time-sensitive snapshot of the
management aspects of the industry during a transition
in the political arena, marked by polarized
viewpoints that support increased government
participation in and regulatory control over the
healthcare system versus sharp resistance to such
intrusions. Regardless of the politics though, the
perceptions of the adopting physicians remain a
management issue.
Supervisor:
Dr. John Lambert
Program:
GEM DBA in the USA
Defense date:
May 2010
Current position:
NA
151

Doctoral Knowledge Factory – 2013 edition
Dr. Daniel PROVOST
Towards a theory for economies of scene
Supervisor:
Dr. Jean-Jacques Chanaron
Program:
Grenoble Ecole de Management
DBA Program
Defense date:
November 2004
Current position:
Project Manager Team Lead,
Thomson Reuters, Munich,
Germany
Thesis abstract
The aggregate marginal growth and development
of economic performance and productivity is a
steady state realm that results in incremental returns.
However, waves of technological innovations
often disrupt and dislodge the order of old
systems and create the chaos of new ones. This is
referred to as the Schumpeterian cycle of ‘creative
destruction’. Nowadays such lifecycles have shortened
and their knowledge-based products and
services have diversified into the specialization
of scarce niches. This calls for the ability of firms
to transform and to adapt their organizational,
structural forms to new markets as well as to global
environments, and in most cases today beyond
their own resources or corporate capabilities.
This thesis thus explores such economic laws of
shifting critical mass, that is, it tries to understand
how vulnerable firms are when facing the unsteady
state of volatile growth and development.
The literature review reveals how the nature of
growth and change relates to economic parameters,
with polarities between steady states and unsteady
states, to develop a respective framework
and matrix for the interdependencies of economic
growth vis-à-vis economic change. This preliminary
investigation eventually leads to the theory
of economies of scene.
Using the proposed framework-matrix for economic
growth and change, this thesis then establishes
models for the theory of economies-of-scene
and cross-examines them through a triangulation
of theories: transaction costs, resource-based theory
of the firm, and knowledge capital.
152

Alumni Profiles and Theses
(continuation)
The transaction cost theory addresses organizational
limitations of administrative structures
and the dilemmas between vertical versus horizontal
integration. However, it says very little
about shifting critical mass, and focuses more on
the economics of internal-firm versus externalmarket
transaction costs.
The resource-based view of the firm also takes
a very similar course, and is thus still limited in
explaining the impacts of adaptive, absorptive capacity,
that is, of shifting critical mass. Here the
emphasis is more on the economic dysfunctionality
of related versus unrelated business diversification,
and of the economic misadministration
of technology integration as well as mergers and
acquisitions due to habitual path dependencies.
In contrast, knowledge-based theory most effectively
addresses concerns for transformational
adaptability and absorptive capacity as well as the
impacts of technological diversities. These three
theories, relative to laws of form (organizational
structures and processes) and their relative power
for shifting critical mass, offers sufficient grounds
for hypotheses derived from the proposed models
and their intrinsic versus extrinsic economies of
scene.
Finally, this thesis considers the methodologies
used in research, their limitations, and the limitations
of measurements relative to economic
performance and productivity. By addressing the
proposed models and analyzing the outcome of
selected case studies, this thesis achieves some key
findings and provides recommendations for further
research.
Mini bio
Dr. Daniel Provost is the
European Head of Project
Management for ‘Intellectual
Property Management
Services’ at Thomson Reuters,
in Munich, Germany. His
career development has been
in the technology industry
since the early 1980s, in
the fields of networks and
telecommunications as
well as in the management
of information technology,
systems-applications. He
has more than 25 years
of experience in project
management in small
and medium size firms
(SMEs) as well as large
multinational corporations
(MNEs). In the past 10 years,
he has had a consultancy
practice in operational
process management
as well as strategic
portfolio management, for
example in mergers and
acquisitions (M&As).
153

Doctoral Knowledge Factory – 2013 edition
Dr. James PULCRANO
Entrepreneurial networking: Is there a recipe for success?
Supervisor:
Dr. Jérôme Barrand
Program:
GEM DBA in Switzerland
(Webster)
Defense date:
July 2012
Current position:
Executive Director and Member
of the EMBA Teaching Team,
IMD, Lausanne, Switzerland
Thesis abstract
It is accepted as a given that resource-starved
entrepreneurs typically need to network to get what
they need at below-market rates. Much has been
written that supports the notion that accessing
social networks, and developing better networking
skills, will increase the entrepreneur’s probability
of success. At the same time, there is a large body
of literature that suggests that the link between
networking and networks, and success, is not so
direct and thus the time-starved entrepreneur is
left to wonder how much time he should put into
networking activities (perhaps to the detriment
of other internally-focused activities), when he
should do it, with whom, and whether he has the
necessary competence.
My research question was: Are there a small
number of specific networking activities that a
first-time entrepreneur must focus on in order to
increase his chances of success?
This research with 644 entrepreneurs from
around the world has shown that there is no
networking activity or competence that, alone or
even with a small number of other factors, could
measurably increase the entrepreneur’s chances
of success. However, if the entrepreneur can get
competing managers to talk about him, this will
have an impact on his reputation (but he must
also pay attention to his comfort in following
up contacts, assure that people get value from
conversations with him, be regularly in contact
with people outside his team, and regularly
attend events expressly for networking purposes).
Further, having the right network in place at the
time of startup launch is a strong foundation
for the acquisition of paying clients. Confidence
has an impact on networking success (measured
by how much we learn from people outside our
immediate team). The entrepreneur’s comfort with
networking does not have an impact on success.
154

Alumni Profiles and Theses
(continuation)
The act of learning from people outside of your
startup has an impact on the startup’s reputation.
The entrepreneur’s past startup experience helps
in the acquisition of paying clients, as does the
breadth of past professional experience.
Startup founders lacking these competencies
and experiences should consider mitigating their
weaknesses through hiring employees who can
compensate or by utilizing their board of directors
or advisory board.
Mini bio
Dr. Jim Pulcrano holds a BSc in
Mechanical Engineering from
the University of Missouri-
Columbia, an MBA from IMEDE
(now IMD), and a Doctorate
of Business Administration
(DBA) from Grenoble
Ecole de Management.
Dr. Pulcrano started his career
in the petroleum industry in
the Gulf of Mexico and West
Africa. After completing his
MBA, he helped create IMD’s
marketing department and
then left for a medtech startup
in Geneva, Switzerland. In
1993, he was asked to come
back to IMD as Director of
Marketing and part of the
school’s turn-around team. In
1998, he joined the teaching
team of IMD’s newly-minted
Executive MBA, responsible
for entrepreneurship. Over
the years, he has helped
create and/or grow seven
startups in the USA and
Switzerland, several with
good outcomes, and coached
hundreds of others.
Moreover Dr. Pulcrano has
delivered hundreds of classes,
workshops, and programs on
subjects ranging from industry
analysis, strategy, customer
value and organizational design,
to innovation and networking.
Much of this was delivered
within IMD programs or for IMD
alumni, but many programs
were delivered for companies
outside IMD such as Accenture,
Adecco, Barry Callebaut,
Nestlé, Toyota, Stanton Chase,
Stryker, Cisco, and Caterpillar.
155

Doctoral Knowledge Factory – 2013 edition
Dr. Ming QIN
A research of new management mode of government large-scale
public projects
Supervisors:
Dr. Jean-Jacques Chanaron
and Dr. Sizong Wu
Program:
GEM DBA in China (Tongji)
Defense date:
May 2008
Current position:
Vice Chief Engineer, Dike facilities
administrative office, Shanghai,
China
Thesis abstract
This research presents and assess a management
model often used in modern large-scale projects.
Those projects require a clear description of
involvement across the entire span of the project
(i.e., pre-phase work and after-project settlement),
including management, cost control, finance, design,
and construction. Existing models, such as
the design–bidding–construction model, general
contract model, project overall control model, construction
agent model, and the centralized special
PM model, may or may not apply in China.
The information for this study has been collected
from ongoing large-scale projects. Such information
suggests four unsolved issues: a lack of systemic
research, the position of the simplified investor,
the shortage of management during the operating
phase, and public action ignorance. Financial
management tools might provide managerial advice
for several kinds of projects, such as government-run
and public projects, in-payoff projects,
projects that demand tremendous investment with
insufficient national finance support, low-efficiency
projects by government, and complex project
with high risk. These tasks generally require multiplied
reinforcement. The results therefore have
significant outcomes for economic, political, and
legal systems.
Mini bio
Dr. Ming Qin obtained a
Doctorate of Business
Administration (DBA)
from Grenoble Ecole de
Management. He works in the
Dike facilities administrative
office of Shanghai as vice chief
engineer. He is a member of
China Water Resources Society
and consulting expert to the
Bureau of Finance. During his
25 years of experience, he
has made great contributions
to the management of
China’s water resources.
156

Alumni Profiles and Theses
Dr. Jacobo RAMIREZ
Technology and nations in HRM: A study of contingency and divergent
theories for an Anglo-French sample of high and low tech firms
Thesis abstract
The objectives of this research is to provide a
new perspective on how technology, culture
and human resources management policies and
practices (HRMPP) are approached by firms
located in France and England. This thesis offers
“neo-contingency” approach which analyzes both
the contingency and the divergence theories.
The contingency variable chosen in this study is
technology. The divergence theory is specifically
illustrated by the national education approach.
The HRMPP studied are: recruitment and selection,
organization, training and compensation. One
hundred and sixty-three high-, mid- and low-tech
firms answered a questionnaire which is analyzed
along with 25 semi-structured interviews in
eight firms located in both France and England.
The technological aspect of the neo-contingency
approach is validated in two factors: 1) technological
profiles and 2) long term approach to training. The
cultural aspect is notable in two cases: 1) long term
approach to training and 2) compensation based
on performance. A key implication of the findings
in this thesis is that employees working in intensive
technology firms are need a creative and adaptive
HR management approach, which would better
enable them to cope with the challenge presented
by the business environment. The results reported
by this thesis are illustrated by the strong influence
of education systems on managers’ behavior.
French firms seem to prefer higher levels of control
and formalization in recruitment and selection,
training and compensation than the UK, which
could be interpreted as a reflection of the French
educational system.
Supervisors:
Dr. Ian McLoughlin
and Dr. Dominique Jolly
Program:
Grenoble-Newcastle University
DBA Program
Defense date:
May 2004
Current position:
Academic staff, FH JOANNEUM
Graz, Austria and External
Lecturer at Copenhagen
Business School
Memberships:
Academy of Management (since
2005), editorial board of the
European Journal of International
Management (EJIM) and Regions
& Cohesion
157

Doctoral Knowledge Factory – 2013 edition
Dr. Jacobo RAMIREZ (continuation)
It is important to highlight that the culture
and technology factors cannot be the total “determinants”
of organization. At most, they
are important features that, along with others,
“influence” organizations’internal operation.
Future “neo-contingency” studies using
other organization characteristics as moderators
and a large sample are needed in order to gain
insights into the neo-contingency approach
proposed in this thesis.
Mini bio
Dr. Jacobo Ramirez is a
researcher and consultant in
the fields of cross-cultural
management, organizational
development, and human
resource management (HRM)
in developed and developing
countries. He is an expert in
pedagogy, having designed
and implemented online and
face-to-face courses (in
Spanish and English). He has
presented his research work
at diverse international forums
and published in journals
related to his specialization.
158

Alumni Profiles and Theses
Dr. Tianjin REN
From imitation to original innovation – The evolutionary stages of new
product development in SMEs in Chinese hardware industry
Thesis abstract
Imitative innovation is defined as gradual innovation
activities where an enterprise models the
thoughts, behaviors, and products of an innovation
pioneer; follows the pioneer to learn his success and
failure; buys or decodes the core technology and
know-how of original innovation; and improves
the original innovation to develop and manufacture
its own competitiveness. This process is vital
for a developing country’s economic growth.
This thesis research targets the small and medium
enterprises in the hardware industry in China,
which are in the process of evolving from simple
product imitation to original innovation. The research
starts with a systematic literature review of
both Chinese and overseas research on imitative
innovation.
Four research questions are designed: What are
the stages of the cycle from imitation to original
innovation? At each stage of the cycle, what are
the significant characteristics of the product? At
each stage of imitative innovation, what are the
key problems for the enterprise? With what abilities
can an enterprise successfully switch from one
stage to another stage?
On that basis, five typical enterprises are then carefully
selected as samples for case research. Leaders
from these five companies are interviewed, including
the entrepreneurs, the engineers, and the technicians
who have participated in product innovation.
A semi-structured interview format is used to
acquire necessary information and material.
According to this research, small and medium enterprises
from imitation to innovation should go
through a process that can be divided into four
stages: the stage of initial independent branding
or pure imitation, the stage of OEM learning imitation,
the stage of innovative imitation, and the
stage of original innovation. The stage of pure imitation
usually started after OEM.
Supervisors:
Dr. Jie Yan and Dr. Xiubao Yu
Program:
GEM DBA in China (Tongji)
Defense date:
September 2012
Current position:
CEO, Remco Co., Ltd., China
159

Doctoral Knowledge Factory – 2013 edition
Dr. Tianjin REN (continuation)
This research reveals that leadership is important
for an enterprise transiting from one stage to another.
Without a clear vision, managers are unable
to seek changes. Entrepreneurs need the ability to
customize clear strategies and make decisions to
facilitate the realization of the company’s technology
innovation strategy.
This thesis research can help enterprises in specific
industries that are paving a way through imitative
innovation to realize at what stage they are, what
problems they may have, and what conditions and
abilities are needed for a smooth transition from
one stage to another. Also, the government can
better understand the probable key problems faced
by enterprises at different stages of their imitative
innovation so that it is able to make fitting policies
in accordance with the stages to support those enterprises
that are working to overcome difficulties.
Mini bio
Dr. Tianjin Ren obtained an
EMBA from Rotman School
of Management, University
of Toronto, Canada in 2006,
and completed a DBA from
the DBA Program, Grenoble
Ecole de Management,
France, in September 2012.
Dr. Ren has more than 20
years of industry experience
in Chinese SMEs and currently
owns Remco (China) Company
Ltd. (Hong Kong), Rimwalker
Pacific Company (USA) and
Shanghai Xinyun Culture &
Communication Co., Ltd.
He is Director of the Modern
Art Committee of the Shanghai
International Fashion
Federation and board member
of the Shanghai International
Fashion Federation
160

Alumni Profiles and Theses
Dr. Philippe RIVET
The contribution of the entrepreneurs of small and medium-sized
companies to innovation process efficiency for incremental technologybased
products: Learning experiences within French small and mediumsized
companies focusing on intermediate technologies
Thesis abstract
The scope of this thesis is clearly defined by the
nature of technological innovation, with regard
to its content and financial outcomes in term of
turnover. Technological innovation is multisectoral
and requires particular care within industrial
economics. It also has significant impacts
on out-of-date products, quality, product ranges,
and new market development toward better perceived
performance, from the market’s point of
view. Technological innovation should be a key
target for entrepreneurs, even though its risks are
unavoidable and firms must consider some of its
drawbacks (e.g., finance, size, human resources,
knowledge).
In particular, the match between the offer and demand
is important for incremental products that
rely on technological innovations, to determine
which variables cause such innovation. A particular
focus addresses feedback loops. The literature
review encompasses studies that deal with firms’
networks, virtual organization, motivation, competences,
initiatives, product development, and
rules and regulations. This thesis also investigates
the role of entrepreneurs as sellers of particular
technology products, who receive strategic empowerment
and communicate across the firm’s
hierarchy.
Supervisor:
Dr. Jean-Jacques Chanaron
Program:
Grenoble Ecole de Management
DBA Program
Defense date:
April 2004
Current position:
Associate Director, Telecom
Ecole de Management, Evry,
France
161

Doctoral Knowledge Factory – 2013 edition
Dr. Philippe RIVET (continuation)
The data were collected through semi-directed interviews
with senior executives, case studies, and
additional information that supported the definition
of a set of variables. The results, based on qualitative
analyses of the interviews, confirm three
hypotheses. A feedback loop seems important
for identifying a new market and developing analytical
concepts. The entrepreneur must be knowledgeable
about the product. Finally, it is very important
to have technological and sales knowledge
and thus be able to offer quick and precise answers
to unsatisfied customer. Furthermore, knowledge
about the product relates closely to the ability to
offer quick and precise input, and communication
skills are crucial for developing analytical knowledge
about an incremental innovation product.
These conclusions all contribute to defining the
influence of the entrepreneur in the realm of technology
innovation.
Mini bio
Dr. Philippe Rivet holds
a Doctorate of Business
Administration from Grenoble
Ecole de Management and
an MBA from EM Lyon. He
is Associate Director in
charge of training at Telecom
Ecole de Management. He
was previously Associate
Dean for Programs and
associate professor at ESC
Rennes School of Business,
and Program Director and
strategic management
professor at Grenoble
Ecole de Management.
162

Alumni Profiles and Theses
Human resources management for foreign MNCs (multinational
companies) operating in China: A hybrid form
Dr. Serena ROVAI
Thesis abstract
This study recounts the story of a journey to China,
in search of new ways to recruit and retain human
resources that remain deeply influenced by
ancient culture. It is also the story of four years of
interactions with the Chinese population, social
system, and culture while living, consulting, and
travelling around the country.
In particular, this investigation explores recruitment
and retention policies in selected foreign
multinational corporations (MNCs) operating
in the People’s Republic of China and emphasizes
the critical role of social, situational, cultural,
and organizational issues. Competition for talent
in a tight labor market continues to increase
in China, where the number of business graduates
cannot meet growing demand. Recruiting
and retaining local managers may be the greatest
challenge in the Chinese job market, because talented
managers who can oversee local operations
and have knowledge of both the local market and
international managerial approaches is fundamental
for success. The shortage of such qualified
managers is especially acute in major cities
like Beijing and Shanghai. Early MNC entrants
into China have battled late-comers; now they
compete with privatizing state-owned enterprises
and local companies.
Supervisor:
Dr. Charles- Clemens Rüling
Program:
Grenoble Ecole de Management
DBA Program
Defense date:
January 2007
Current position:
Director of the Europe-Asia
Centre for Management and
Innovation and Director of the
DBA Program, Grenoble Ecole
de Management, France
Memberships:
CAMOT
163

Doctoral Knowledge Factory – 2013 edition
Dr. Serena ROVAI (continuation)
Mini bio
Dr. Serena Rovai is currently
Director of the Europe-Asia
Centre for Management and
Innovation at Grenoble Ecole
de Management and Program
Director at the Doctoral
School. She is also Director
of the MSc in Fashion, Design
and Luxury Management for
GEM Grenoble and London
campuses. She is part of the
faculty focusing on teaching
Luxury Brand Management
with a specific emphasis on
Luxury Industry New Trends
and Developments in Fast-
Growing Markets. Her expertise
focuses on the Chinese market
and the new clients’ attitudes
and cultural behavior.
Her papers have been
published in management and
scientific journals such as the
International Journal of Human
Resources Development,
IO Management Magazine,
Economia e Management
(SDA Bocconi University) and
presented to international
conferences such as the
IAMOT, EIASM, EFMD, CAMOT.
She had been living in different
countries in the Middle East
and in Asia, including China
for the past 10 years. She
speaks Mandarin fluently as
well as other languages.
This research examines the positions and key issues
in literature related to the adoption and implementation
of human resource policies, with
specific attention to recruitment and retention in
the specific national context of China. Both company-
and context-related factors affect foreign
MNCs’choice of recruitment and retention policies,
usually shaped at corporate headquarters. A
case study with one major MNC that has long been
operating in China provides insights, supported
by information collected in interviews with various
human resource professionals in other MNCs.
The MNCs represent different industrial sectors in
China and thus provide a homogeneous overview
of the situation that avoids biases associated with
a specific industrial sector.
By examining socio-political, legal, organizational,
individual, and cultural influences on the operations
of MNCs in China, this thesis provides
recommendations for successful management recruitment
and retention policies. It also indicates
which policies seem successful in China and offers
insights into the factors that produce less than
satisfactory results.
164

Alumni Profiles and Theses
Dr. Ronald SAAD
Critical success factors in the implementation of core systems in retail banks:
An empirical study of Lebanon
Thesis abstract
The purpose of this dissertation is to investigate
and analyze the implementation of information
systems in general and core banking systems in
particular while addressing the challenging issues
faced during such implementations and the
critical factors necessary for their relative success.
Empirically, the study concentrates on several
such critical factors and indicates their importance
and effect on the success of core system
implementations in the Lebanese retail-banking
context.
The researcher opted for the quantitative methodology
to test the research hypotheses. The pilot
survey questionnaire comprised both closed- and
open-ended questions administered to 20 Lebanese
banks, which constitute one-third of the
Lebanese retail banking population. In contrast,
the field study largely replicated a similar study
undertaken in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Two
hundred fifteen questionnaires were mailed to 43
retail banks operating in Lebanon on the premise
that, on average, each bank would provide five respondents
from among its staff who actually participated
in that bank’s implementation project in
one role or another.
The study identifies a substantial number of critical
success factors in information systems implementations,
namely the following: top management
support, technical fit, organizational fit,
strategic fit, project team competence, interdepartmental
communication and cooperation,
clear goals and objectives, project management,
project champion, vendor support, careful package
selection, dedicated resources, user training,
perception of ease of use, education on new business
processes, business process reengineering,
minimal customization, architectural choices,
change management, vendor support, and use of
consultants. Among the five critical success factors
that the researcher opted to study, the field
Supervisor:
Dr. Marc Humbert
Program:
GEM DBA in Lebanon (LCU)
Defense date:
September 2011
Current position:
Assistant General Manager,
Financial Control Head, National
Bank of Kuwait, Beirut, Lebanon
165

Doctoral Knowledge Factory – 2013 edition
Dr. Ronald SAAD (continuation)
survey exhibited a significant relationship between
the independent variable vendor support
and implementation success and weak relationships
between the other factors and implementation
success.
The research addresses two gaps in the literature
on implementation of information systems: lack
of research on banking in general and the Lebanese
context in particular.
Mini bio
Dr. Ronald Saad obtained
an MBA from the American
University of Beirut and a
diploma of higher banking
studies from St. Joseph
University, Beirut, before
pursuing his DBA degree
at Grenoble Ecole de
Management. He has 37
years of work experience in all
areas of commercial banking
and over 15 years of teaching
experience in banking and
finance in various educational
institutions in Lebanon. Dr.
Ronald Saad’s research
interests focus on banking
and the implementation of
information systems.
166

Alumni Profiles and Theses
Dr. John SADOWSKY
Evaluating a leadership coaching system
Thesis abstract
Recent years have witnessed a veritable explosion
in leadership training and management coaching.
Despite these two trends, research on leadership
coaching methods and their usefulness
remains scarce. As a practitioner of leadership
communication coaching for the past ten years,
the author’s research interest stems from a desire
to explore and evaluate the effectiveness of such
coaching endeavours. Thus, this thesis represents
a formal study that tests and generates hypotheses
about a coaching system the author has been using
for several years. This coaching activity focuses
on teaching leaders to communicate and inspire
others.
To achieve this research goal, the thesis begins with
a comprehensive review of literature that demonstrates
the theoretical basis underlying the chosen
coaching methods. In three longitudinal, in-depth
case studies, the author served simultaneously as
researcher, coach, and change agent for three diverse
leaders with unique personalities, from different
companies. The primary data source consists
of extensive coaching notes and frequent records
of the impressions and observations of the three
leaders. Data triangulation featured both solicited
and unsolicited commentary from employees, clients,
board members, and other key observers. The
research was aided greatly by the extraordinary access
and the frequent contact with many of these
informants at each of the companies.
The results of the research are twofold. First, the
three cases confirm both the legitimacy and the effectiveness
of the system of coaching in question.
Second, the comparisons of the three cases reveal
conclusions and hypotheses about the factors that
contribute to the success of this coaching methodology.
All three leaders benefited from the coaching,
and the research sheds light onto why the system
is more useful and productive in some cases
than in others.
Supervisors:
Dr. Loïck Roche
and Dr. Ian McLoughlin
Program:
Grenoble-Newcastle University
DBA Program
Defense date:
April 2008
Current position:
Author, public speaker,
leadership coach
at www.johnsadowsky.com
Expert blogger at MyCustomer
and Trainingzone.co.uk
Mini bio
Dr. John Sadowsky holds
an MBA from the Stanford
Graduate School of Business
and a Doctorate of Business
Administration from Newcastle
University. His career combines
his two great interests:
business/entrepreneurship
and teaching/coaching.
He is an internationally
renowned business coach
and inspirational speaker with
over 20 years of experience
over 5 continents. His work
focuses on how leaders, brands
and organizations learn to
communicate authentically by
telling their stories of identity.
His books, conferences
and seminars often apply
his rules of storytelling to
leadership and marketing.
He has been a Professor of
Management at Grenoble
Ecole de Management and a
visiting lecturer at some of the
world’s leading educational
institutions (Sciences Po Paris,
the Stanford Graduate School
of Business, etc.). From 1984
to 1995, John served as CEO
of Atlas Distributing Inc., a
US beverage distribution
company. Today, he is nonexecutive
chairman at Atlas,
and he serves on three other
corporate boards, including
Medicines for Humanity.
167

Doctoral Knowledge Factory – 2013 edition
Dr. Mirna SAFI AL-KHUDARY
Accreditation from a stakeholder’s orientation perspective: Influences on
school performance
Supervisor:
Dr. Christophe Haon
Program:
GEM DBA in Lebanon (LCU)
Defense date:
July 2012
Current position:
Professor at the American
University of the Middle East-
Kuwait, Kuwait
Thesis abstract
Studying whether school performance is
affected by the adoption of standardization and
accreditation has been decided for a reason. Many
studies and research have proven that better
organizational performance is a result of following
standardization, having good quality standards,
having good core competencies, and possessing
a competitive advantage. Even though some
research has been done on standardization and
accreditation, there still remains a lack of extensive
literature on the impact of accreditation on school
performance.
This study aims to provide quantitative evidence on
the impact of accreditation on school performance
with the use of the qualitative data present in the
literature. The research questions are formulated
as follows:
Does accreditation influence school performance?
If yes, then how is this influence exerted?
This study started with a conceptual analysis
of accreditation and its outcomes, then moved
on to the development of a scale to measure
the mediating and moderating variables of the
accreditation - school performance relationship.
Finally, the analysis of accreditation outcomes and
their effects on school performance was revealed
through hypotheses testing through a quantitative
empirical study.
Nineteen hypotheses were proposed. These
hypotheses describe the relationships between
accreditation and school performance and
specify the roles of internal stakeholders’ and
external stakeholders’ orientations. After testing
the proposed hypotheses, 11 hypotheses were
supported, three were partially supported, and
five were rejected. Most of the rejected hypotheses
concerned the relationships between external
stakeholders’ orientation and school performance.
168

Alumni Profiles and Theses
(continuation)
This research has led to two major empirical
findings. The first finding is the development of a
scale to measure the mediating and moderating
variables of the accreditation-stakeholders’
orientation-school performance relationship. The
second finding is the definition of a model of the
outcomes of accreditation.
More specifically, this study proves that
accreditation leads to an increase in school
performance by highlighting the importance of
internal stakeholders’ orientation as a mediating
variable between accreditation and school
performance. The results also reveal the importance
of one aspect of external stakeholders’ orientation
(competitors’ orientation) as a meditating variable
between accreditation and school performance.
Finally, two moderating variables (employee
self-efficacy and school reputation) help in
understanding the relationships between
stakeholders’ orientation and school performance.
Besides the three major contributions - theoretical,
methodological, and managerial – that this
research provides, two implications for further
research are proposed. The first approach could
be to consolidate the model of the outcomes of
accreditation that was proposed in this research.
In other words, this calls researchers to find
complementary mechanisms that would better
help in understanding the relationship between
accreditation and school performance. The second
approach could be to extend the model to analyze
the impact of accreditation on not only school
performance but on organizational performance
as well.
Mini bio
Dr. Mirna Safi Al-Khudary
earned her Doctorate in
Business Administration from
Grenoble Ecole de Management
in 2012. Before obtaining her
MBA, she had a certified course
in Strategic Planning from the
University of Fachhochschule
Worms-Germany.
She also obtained two
Bachelor’s degrees in business
administration and English
literature simultaneously. In
addition to the management
courses, her experience covers
the areas of English literature
and education courses such as
language acquisition, children’s
literature, rhetoric and English
syntax, bilingualism, history
of the English language, and
educational technologies for
teachers. Dr. Safi has several
academic publications in
peer reviewed journals and
has participated in various
conferences and workshops.
She is now a professor at the
American University of the
Middle East-Kuwait where
she teaches concentration
courses in management and
human resources management
for graduate level students.
Her courses cover the topics
of techniques of employee
selection, training and
development, organizational
behavior, human resource
management, and business
organization and management.
She is also responsible
for the project graduation
course for management and
human resources students.
169

Doctoral Knowledge Factory – 2013 edition
Dr. Laurent SCARINGELLA
The knowledge-based economy paradigm and emergence toward better
knowledge governance: Grenoble, a knowledge-based district with
information and communication technologies
Supervisor:
Dr. Jean-Jacques Chanaron
Program:
GEM DBA in Switzerland
(Webster)
Defense date:
July 2010
Current position:
Assistant Professor, ESC Rennes
School of Business, France
Mini bio
Dr Laurent Scaringella’s
expertise relates to paradigm
change toward the Knowledge
Based Economy with a
focus on ICT sector and
nanotechnologies. He has
been involved in several
European Commission–funded
projects to develop new
theoretical outputs related
to technology and innovation
management. His knowledge
in territorial innovation
models earned him a role in
orienting the best network
practices for Grenoble’s
micro-nanotechnology cluster.
After obtaining his Doctorate
of Business Administration,
he conducted post-doctoral
research at the Haas School
of Business, University of
California, Berkeley while
being the North America
Doctoral School Representative
for Grenoble Ecole de
Management. He then became
an Assistant Professor and
an MSc Program Manager
at the ESC Rennes School
of Business. He is also
interested in studying the
higher education system. He
teaches advanced strategy
and innovation ecosystems to
graduate students and research
methodologies to DBA students.
His intention is to combine
academic life with other
extracurricular activities such
as his strong involvement in
the French army as Lieutenant
where he received recognition
for teaching, publishing and
for being at the forefront
of international Alpine and
other sports competitions.
Thesis abstract
This thesis makes a statement about the emergence
of the knowledge-based economy (KBE) and variables
that influence the change processes and innovation
in Grenoble. A KBE is a new social and
economic paradigm that replaces the industrial
economy with a world of intangible assets, driven
by knowledge. This uncertain paradigm shift
represents a significant interest for economists
and sociologists. The literature review suggests a
broad range of 26 variables that might influence
knowledge dynamics in an economy, also known
as the KBE Alphabet. Those variables are analytically
presented to define the dimensions required.
All the variables are highly related and lead to a
relationships model composed of 195 theoretical
relationships.
The empirical study is based on narrative
biographies, and three case studies with firms of
different sizes rely on semi-structured interviews
and tests of theoretical tools, variables, and
dimensions identified in the literature review. The
knowledge interactions create a global picture of
change and time-space illustrations of knowledge
map. A new developed research procedure
increases the reliability of each case study. The
empirical part also uses a quantitative approach.
A questionnaire measures the influence of each
variable on knowledge dynamics and territorial
features. Multivariate regression measures provide
feedback about the 195 theoretical relationships.
This thesis also implements new knowledge
governance tools, such as the knowledge balanced
scorecard. This thesis represents the first step of
research into the information and communication
technology sector as a worldwide playground.
170

Alumni Profiles and Theses
Peculiarities of trade on the Russian market under the conditions
of transition
Dr. Ana SEKULOVIC
Thesis abstract
This thesis focuses on the transition process on
the Russian market and the influence of changes
caused by the transformation of the Russian
economy from a centralized and planned structure
toward free market conditions, with special
attention to trade as one of the most important
industries. The status of trade in these newly created
conditions reflects both global dictates of the
world market and the influences of the domestic
market, which is directly engendered by new processes
such as privatization, foreign investment,
changes in the banking system and credit–monetary
sphere, and regulations. In addition, political
influences have direct influences on the economy
as a whole. Moreover, there is a tendency to anticipate
further events during the transition process
toward a completely market economy.
Supervisor:
Dr. Jean-Jacques Chanaron
Program:
Grenoble Ecole de Management
DBA Program
Defense date:
September 2002
Current position:
Vice Rector for Economic
Cooperation, Megatrend
University, Belgrade, Serbia
Mini bio
Dr. Ana Sekulovic graduated
from the Faculty of Economics,
University of Belgrade, in
1994; received her Master’s
degree from the International
School of Business at the
Academy of National Economy
in Moscow, Russian Federation,
in 1995; and received her
DBA from Grenoble Ecole
de Management, France, in
2002. Since then, she has
been teaching at Megatrend
University and currently holds
the position of Vice Rector
for Economic Cooperation. In
2001, she was employed by the
Ministry of Foreign Economic
Relations in the Government
of the Republic of Serbia as
an expert associate. Between
1996 and 2000, she served as
the deputy manager of Inkor
AB (Austru Bau/Guta Bank)
in Moscow, and in 1995, she
was the manager of the Zepter
International branch office in
Moscow. Her professional fields
of interest include international
economics and economies
in transition, including the
Russian Federation. She
has taught twice at Waseda
University in Tokyo as a visiting
professor. She is fluent in
both English and Russian.
171

Doctoral Knowledge Factory – 2013 edition
Dr. Esther SLEILATI
The effects of the ISO 9000 certification of firms in Lebanon upon the
satisfaction of their customers in the business-to-business Lebanese market:
The case of the packing industry
Supervisor:
Dr. Benoit Aubert
Program:
GEM DBA in Lebanon (LCU)
Defense date:
December 2011
Current position:
Assistant Professor, Notre
Dame University, Zouk Mosbeh,
Lebanon
Thesis abstract
Although the number of firms seeking the ISO 9000
certification in both the global and Lebanese market is
constantly on the rise, the scarcity of international studies
appraising the impact of the ISO 9000 certification
upon customer satisfaction and the lack of such studies
(only one) in the Lebanese market are disconcerting.
Consequently, this study aspires toward bridging the
gap between what ISO 9000-certified firms in the industrial
packaging Lebanese market hope to accomplish
with their customers through their certification
and where reality stands when considering the outlook
of those same customers when it comes to the
ISO 9000 certification of their suppliers.
In order to achieve this end, a review of the literature was
carried out to elucidate what the ISO 9000 certification
calls for and how it is theoretically linked to customer
satisfaction. After that, an exploratory qualitative
study was performed. To this end, two separate openended
questionnaires were designed, one targeting the
suppliers and the other their customers.
From the perspective of the ISO 9000-certified supplying
firms, the application of the ISO 9000 standards
has definitely led to the enhancement of their customers’
expectations and trust towards them in addition
to the improvement in their perceived performance,
corporate image, and both perceived product and service
quality. They also judge that their customers are
willing to pay a slightly higher price without having
it affect customer satisfaction. Moreover, the majority
of the interviewed managers believe that the more
their customers know about ISO 9000, the stronger
will the variables listed above will end up being.
As to the responses of the purchasing managers
of the customer firms, they can generally be divided
into two distinct categories: the responses of
those Purchasing Managers working for ISO 9000-
certified organizations, on the one hand, and the
responses of those managers employed in non-certified
companies, on the other. The first category of
172

Alumni Profiles and Theses
(continuation)
managers concurred that the ISO 9000 certification
of their suppliers has resulted in the boosting of their
expectations of those suppliers and their trust in them
and in their improved perception of the performance
of those suppliers, of their image and of the quality of
their products and services. Most of those managers
have affirmed that they are not willing to pay a price
premium to obtain the products and services of ISO
9000-certified suppliers. It is also evident from their
replies that their expertise in ISO 9000 enables them
to view their suppliers from a different and positive
angle and to appreciate the difference the application
of the ISO 9000 standards have made on their professionalism.
As to the Purchasing Managers coming
from non-certified firms, they had an equal quasiconsensus
whenever they appraised the outcomes
of the ISO 9000 certification of their suppliers. They
all agreed that this certification has no bearing upon
how much they expect from their suppliers and how
much they trust them. They were also all of the same
opinion when considering the performance and quality
of their suppliers’ products as they perceive them.
Most of them were of the same mind when evaluating
the effect of the ISO 9000 certification upon their suppliers’
perceived image and perceived service quality.
When asked about how they would react to an ISO
9000-certified supplier who is charging higher prices,
they contended that they would definitely not pay the
premium, and if they have to do so for whatever reason,
this will surely lead to a reduction in the value
they deem to be receiving from the supplier and subsequently
in their satisfaction with this supplier. Obviously,
then, the degree of customer expertise in ISO
9000 plays a major role in the extent to which the ISO
9000 certification of suppliers impacts their customers.
Those customers that are not knowledgeable in
the specifics of ISO 9000 do not value this certification
at all and, consequently, do not value its bearers
more either.
Mini bio
Before completing her
DBA at Grenoble Ecole de
Management, Dr. Esther
Bassil Sleilati obtained a
BBA in Marketing (1995) and
an MBA (1997) from Notre
Dame University, Lebanon.
She acquired corporate
experience at the International
Training Network (ITN) as a
Marketing Researcher and
a Seminar Assistant and at
LibanCell as the Marketing
Intelligence Manager leading
a team of 96 researchers.
Since 2001, she has dedicated
herself to education; she
holds extensive experience
as an instructor in English,
marketing, management, public
speaking, public relations,
and preparation for the EET of
NDU, SAT, TOEFL and TSE.
She also administered
corporate training modules
(business English, financial
English and public speaking)
at the Ministry of Finance,
the Lebanese Chamber
of Commerce, ACAL-
Association des Companies
des Assurances au Liban,
and to the ABC Stores’
administrative employees. In
addition to that, she designed
and taught private courses.
In 2005, she joined NDU as a
part-time Marketing instructor
and was offered a full-time
position as a Lecturer in 2010.
She has been serving on
the Department Curriculum
Committee ever since.
Dr. Sleilati’s research interests
are mainly related to customer
satisfaction and loyalty in both
the business-to-consumer and
industrial Lebanese markets
given the scarcity of related
academic studies in Lebanon.
173

Doctoral Knowledge Factory – 2013 edition
Dr. Klas Eric SODERQUIST
Inside the tier model: Product development organization and strategies
in automotive expert supplier firms
Supervisor:
Dr. Jean-Jacques Chanaron
Program:
Grenoble-Henley Management
College DBA Program
Defense date:
September 1997
Current position:
Business Faculty, Higher Colleges
of Technology, Dubai, UAE
Memberships:
Academy of Management (since
2006), reviewer for Long Range
Planning and R&D Management
Thesis abstract
Much attention has focused on the implementation
of Japanese-inspired lean production in Western
manufacturing industries, in particular in the
automobile industry. Extant debate mostly has
focused on the carmakers’ outsourcing strategies
and the transformation of system suppliers. This
thesis instead analyses medium-sized expert suppliers,
which function in both first and second tiers
and explicitly aim to supply value-added components
derived from their own R&D efforts. With a
focus on product development from an operational
perspective, this study specifies the lean product
development context inside a tier model and conceptualizes
the product development process to
pinpoint essential factors for success for mediumsized
expert supplier firms.
The qualitative inductive research methodology
aims to develop ideas grounded in field observations.
Data were gathered through semi-structured
interviews with general and product development
managers in eight expert supplier companies; two
in-depth case studies included direct observations,
interviews, and documentary analysis. The
data reveal that the same supplier must manage a
continuum of customer relationships, each with a
specific raison d’être. Participation in the design
of components confirms their special interest in
product development.
The product development process consists of a
four-level model of operational design (individual,
group, project, and systemic) and four distinctive
phenomena related to operational design: means
of guidance, design support structures, learning,
and core capabilities. The content and coherence of
guiding visions and performance measurements
constitute means of guidance and determine how
people perform their work tasks and how individual
and collective mental models of development
work evolve. Design support structures, in terms
of product specifications, information systems,
174

Alumni Profiles and Theses
(continuation)
and technology scanning, influence the efficiency
of development work. Learning is a transversal issue
that comprises intracompany intrafunctional
learning, intracompany interfunctional learning,
and intercompany intrafunctional learning. Finally,
the core capability concept gains explicit meaning
in the model of capability emergence. The interrelationships
among these phenomena reveal
that learning links guiding visions and core capabilities;
design artifacts and support structures in
turn provide important means for realizing strategic
objectives and promoting learning.
Mini bio
Dr. Klas Eric Soderquist holds
a Doctorate of Business
Administration from Henley
Management College and
Brunel University UK, and a
BSc and MSc in Industrial
Engineering from the Royal
Institute of Technology,
Stockholm, Sweden. He is
currently a Business Faculty
member of the Higher
Colleges of Technology,
Dubai, UAE. Earlier positions
include Associate Professor
of Innovation and Knowledge
Management at the Athens
University of Economics and
Business (AUEB), Greece
and Associate Professor
at the Grenoble Ecole de
Management, France. His
academic interests are
in the areas of Innovation
and R&D Management,
Entrepreneurship,
Knowledge Management and
Organizational Change and
Development. Dr. Soderquist
has acted as a consultant and
analyst to various companies
in the manufacturing and
service industries, to the EU
on issues related to innovation
management and collaboration
between the EU and countries
of the Mediterranean rim, and
to UNIDO on issues related
to strategic alliances. He has
also worked as a consultant
for the Swedish Office of
Science and Technology in
Paris. Dr. Soderquist has
more than 25 publications
in peer reviewed journals
in his areas of expertise,
including Journal of Product
Innovation Management, R&D
Management, Omega, Long
Range Planning, Journal of
International Management
and International Journal of
Technology Management.
175

Doctoral Knowledge Factory – 2013 edition
Dr. Blaise SONNIER
Intellectual capital disclosure practices of US high technology companies
and their relationship to performance, value and size metrics
Supervisor:
Dr. Kerry Carson
Program:
Grenoble Ecole de Management
DBA Program
Defense date:
February 2007
Current position:
Assistant Professor and Director
of the Master of Science in
Taxation program, Florida
International University, Miami,
Florida, USA
Memberships:
American Accounting
Association, American Taxation
Association, Louisiana Society
of Certified Public Accountants,
American Institute of Certified
Public Accountants, Florida
Institute of Certified Public
Accountants
Mini bio
Dr. Blaise M. Sonnier earned a
Juris Doctorate from Louisiana
State University in 1985, then
engaged in the practice of law
in Louisiana, concentrating
in the areas of taxation,
commercial transactions,
estate planning, and corporate
law. He is also a Certified
Public Accountant in the States
of Florida and Louisiana. He
was awarded a Doctorate
of Business Administration
by Grenoble School of
Management in February
2007. His dissertation explored
the disclosure practices of
high-technology companies of
intellectual capital in annual
reports. Dr. Sonnier joined the
faculty of Florida International
University’s School of
Accounting in August 2007.
He is currently serving as the
Acting Director of its Executive
Master in Taxation program.
Thesis abstract
This study undertakes a longitudinal examination
of the intellectual capital disclosure practices of U.S.
publicly traded companies in high-technology and
traditional economic sectors to address the following
research questions:
1. Have publicly traded U.S. companies increased the
level of their intellectual capital disclosure in their
annual reports?
2. Do high-tech U.S. companies provide more intellectual
capital disclosure than traditional sector U.S.
companies?
3. Does a relationship exist between the performance
and/or value metrics of high-tech companies and
their level of intellectual capital disclosure?
The study is limited to public companies that filed an
SEC Form 10-K for both 2000 and 2004 fiscal years.
The sample frame includes 150 high-tech and 150
traditional sector companies. To determine the level
of intellectual capital disclosure of each sample firm,
a content analysis of their SEC Forms 10-K for 2000
and 2004 provides a proxy for the level of intellectual
capital disclosure. The resulting classification indicates
if firms report on customer capital (e.g., customer
loyalty, brands), supplier capital (e.g., distribution
channels, licensing), organizational capital (e.g., corporate
culture, networking systems), human capital
(e.g., training, competence), and intellectual property
(e.g., patents, trade secrets). Furthermore, the results
of the content analysis indicate whether there is an
increase in the level of intellectual capital disclosure
between 2000 and 2004. The comparison of the level
of intellectual capital disclosure by high-tech and traditional
sector companies in both years also indicates
if the former exhibit a higher level of disclosure.
Moreover, a correlation and multiregression analysis
reveals whether a relationship exists between the
level of intellectual capital disclosure and the value/
size metrics and the performance metrics of a firm,
though this investigation includes only the hightech
firms in the sample.
176

Alumni Profiles and Theses
Dr. Jovana STANISLJEVIC
The role of multi-national companies in Serbia
Thesis abstract
The main purpose of this study was to discover
whether known economic and international business
theories analyzed in the literature are sufficient
to explain the existence, role, and nature
of multinational companies operating in Serbia.
Furthermore, the study focused on the spillover effects
of multinational companies in Serbia with a
particular focus on their auxiliary role, referring to
the transfer of managerial, marketing and technical
skills, research, and development – local technological
advancement, Serbian industrial and
economic growth, employment of Serbian people
and other nationalities living in Serbia, human resource
development, consumer welfare, environment
protection and cultural understanding and
preservation. Furthermore, the study attempted to
determine all of the above stated via five case studies
conducted on different multinational companies
that conduct their business activities in Serbia.
Supervisor:
Dr. Jean-Jacques Chanaron
Program:
GEM DBA in Switzerland
(Webster)
Defense date:
December 2010
Current position:
Head of the Public Relations
Department, Cabinet of the
Prime-minister of the Republic of
Serbia, Serbia
Mini bio
Dr. Jovana Stanisljevic
completed her bachelor and
master studies at the Graduate
School of Geoeconomics at
the Megatrend University in
Belgrade, Serbia. During the
duration of her studies, she
was elected to be student
Vice-Rector of the Megatrend
University due to her excellent
score. She spent six years
working as the Head of the
International Cooperation
Department of the Megatrend
University and was the
youngest member of the
university’s top-management.
In January 2010, she became
a member of the Cabinet of
the Prime-minister of the
Republic of Serbia where she
currently occupies the position
of the Head of the Public
Relations Department. Her
doctoral dissertation concerns
the roles of multinational
companies in Serbia.
177

Doctoral Knowledge Factory – 2013 edition
Dr. Dominique STEILER
Translation and validation of the occupational stress indicator
for use in France
Supervisors:
Dr. Elisabeth Rosnet
and Dr. Steve Procter
Program:
Grenoble-Newcastle University
DBA Program
Defense date:
February 2005
Current position:
Associate Dean for Academics
and Director of the Center
for Personal and Managerial
Development, Associate
Professor of Management &
Behavior, Grenoble Ecole de
Management, France
Memberships:
IAAP (since 2004), IPPA (since
2009), AGRH (since 2006)
Mini bio
Dr. Dominique Steiler obtained
a Doctorate of Business
Administration (DBA) from
Newcastle University. He is
Associate Dean of Pedagogy
in charge of educational
competencies at Grenoble
Ecole de Management. He also
heads the Centre for Personal
and Managerial Development,
which provides personalized
counseling for both students
and personnel throughout
their careers. His teaching and
research focus on coaching
and leadership, the influence
of different personality
types in the workplace,
and the measurement and
management of occupational
stress. He also coaches
managers and corporate
executives. He completed
his studies by becoming
a jet fighter pilot officer in
the French Fleet Air Arm.
Thesis abstract
Although the costs of workplace stress are widely
recognised in France, little reserach and few methods
are available to assess the occupational stress
phenomenon. This study therefore bridges the gap
by making available an occupational stress assessmet
tool in French for consultants and reserachers,
to facilitate studies and the development of a global,
preventive stress management policy at organizational
and national levels.
This thesis provides a validation of the French version
of the Occupational Stress Indicator (OSI),
which consists of seven specific scales: sources of
pressures, Type-A behavior, locus of control, coping
strategies, mental health, physical health, and
job satisfaction. After a translation and back-translation
procedure, committee evaluation, and a pilot
trial on 20 managers, 460 volunteer managers
and assistant managers provided the data used to
test the psychometric qualities of the experimental
version.
Confronted with the difficulty of reproducing and
validating the original factorial structure and the
weakness of certain psychometric results in terms
of reliability, especially for the Type-A, locus of control,
and coping strategies scales, a complementary
procedure including exploratory and confirmatory
factor analysis helps improve the psychometric
qualities of the French version. Finally, a first pool
of normative data has been established.
The primary seven-factor structure remains, but
little similarity exists between the published 25
subscale score keys of the original English version
and the sparser 12 subscale structure that emerges
from this study. Althought the factorial structure
quality of one scale requires strengthening, major
psychometric improvements have created a version
that is as valid as any available and may help
consultants and researchers improve their occupational
stress assessments in a French work context.
178

Alumni Profiles and Theses
Dr. Eric STEVENS
Service innovation: Managing the interpretations and learning while
innovating, evidences from two longitudinal case studies
Thesis abstract
The present research has three aims: (1) to review
existing research on service innovation and
demonstrate the existence and relevance of an
innovation model, distinct from that previously
identified for products or processes; (2) to
demonstrate that a multistage organizational
learning model is relevant for describing the
nature of innovative processes in services; and (3)
to validate the relevance of this model through
application in case studies.
On the basis of a review of literature on service
innovation and individual and organizational
learning, this thesis tests the relevance of a model
by collecting data through two case studies that
represent banking and retailing. Longitudinal
methodologies validate the temporal dimension
of learning. Multiple interviews and triangulation
provide reliable empirical data. The results confirm
the relevance of multistage organizational learning
models. In particular, development process constitute
a learning process, realized by successive
interactions at different levels of an organization,
namely, individual, group, and organizational.
However, rather than being embedded in physical
features, the results of learning processes are “frozen”
into new organizational routines, procedures,
rules, and ex-post rationalizations. The proposed
model of new service development can contribute
to improving development processes.
Supervisors:
Dr. Sergios Dimitriadis
and Dr. Ian McLoughlin
Program:
Grenoble-Newcastle University
DBA Program
Defense date:
April 2002
Current position:
Professor of Marketing at ESCEM
Group, Tours-Poitiers, France
Memberships:
AFM, International Society for
Product Innovation, EMAC
Mini bio
Dr. Eric Stevens holds a DBA
from Grenoble and Newcastle
University, and a Master in
Marketing and Communication
from the CELSA, University
Pantheon Sorbonne.
He is currently acting as
Professor of Marketing, a
consultant and is mostly
interested in research on
e-communities and virtual
teams. His second field of
interest is in the development of
international links with research
institutions and with companies
for them to contribute to
enriching perceptions,
intellectual schemes and thus
enhance good practice.
He was also in charge
of managing the EQUIS
and AACSB accreditation
process as Associate Dean
for Quality improvement
and Accreditations at
the ESCEM Group.
179

Doctoral Knowledge Factory – 2013 edition
Dr. Nicole STRIEGEL
Reengineering in higher education administration — A case study
Supervisor:
Dr. Jean-Jacques Chanaron
Program:
Grenoble Ecole de Management
DBA Program
Defense date:
November 2005
Current position:
Vice President of Student Affairs,
Crowder College, Neosho,
Missouri, USA
Thesis abstract
This study attempt to reengineer higher education
administration by expanding the use of online
system teaching technologies in a two-year college
system. This effort takes into account factors
specific to higher education that might hinder the
implementation. Reengineering often suffers a
negative reputation, but by taking potential detriments
into account, this project reduces risk and
increases the chances of a successful implementation.
That is, process reengineering and redesign
should improvement performance measures and
maximize efficiency, effectiveness, and economy.
This thesis considers the expansion of online teaching
technologies into administrative student services,
such as records, registration, financial aid, admissions,
veterans affairs, academic credits, assessment,
disability services, international students, and residency.
In each area, a member of the administrative
body supervises processes step-by-step and determines
whether each step is necessary, redundant,
or valuable. Processes that span more than one area
require consensus; when a best practice is defined,
a parallel system allows pertinent staff members
to test it, provide feedback, and pinpoint problems.
Administrators work in parallel to create training
courses, and groups meet as often as necessary.
Mini bio
Dr. Nicole Striegel holds a BSc
and an MA in Biology from
the University of New Orleans
and a DBA from Grenoble
Ecole de Management. She
is currently Vice President of
Student Affairs at Crowder
College, Missouri, USA.
Comparisons involve subjective assessments and
various groups with different training venues, overall
or targeted scope, and task complexity. Trainers
can modify their teaching styles to adjust to online
teaching systems and develop a hybrid system.
The relevant input include time spent teaching
and grading assessments, time spent creating
the teaching materials, and costs per hour based
on salary standards. The overall training includes
employees in their positions for at least six months
who have proven deficiencies in all areas; targeted
training includes employees who have been at their
positions for a minimum of six months and who
show weaknesses in at least one area.
180

Alumni Profiles and Theses
The study of inter-organizational business process reengineering
in the apparel industry
Dr. Qin TANG
Thesis abstract
Since Michael Hammer and James Champ’s “Reengineering
the Corporation—A Manifesto for
Business Revolution” was published in 1993, business
process reengineering (BPR) has become a
widely discussed topic not only among academics
but also in the industrial world, where many enterprises
have started putting the concepts into
practice. However, most recent BPR studies have
focused only on the cases internal to organizations;
this thesis instead concentrates on the BPR
practice at an industrial level, that is, between cooperating
organizations within the same industry.
This research uses small to medium-sized enterprises
in the apparel trading industry in China as
its study subject. The research in an actual Sino–Japan
apparel enterprise network, within the general
setting of the Chinese apparel industry, reveals
the need for BPR in this industry and suggests an
ideal business model for reengineering process.
Finally, it offers recommendations regarding the
strategic development of China’s small to medium-sized
apparel trading companies and provides
further suggestions about related management
improvement issues.
Supervisors:
Dr. Dimitris Assimakopoulos
and Dr. Xinghui Lei
Program:
GEM DBA in China (Tongji)
Defense date:
January 2007
Current position:
Director, Shanghai Bundsun Co.,
Ltd., Shanghai, China
Mini bio
Dr. Qin Tang has 20 years of
experience in garment trading,
production and sales. He is
currently director of a garment
company in Shanghai which
represents five garment
factories in Jiangsu and
Anhui provinces of China. The
products are exported to Japan
and Australia. His company
maintains long-term stable
business relationships with
dozens of small and medium
sized garment companies.
Dr. Tang Qin got an MBA degree
from Tongji University in 2001.
In his DBA studies in Grenoble
Ecole de Management, he
focused on the business
process reengineering of small
and middle sized enterprises
in Chinese garment industry.
He studied the characteristics
and dynamics of the textile
industrial clusters in Yangtzi
river delta region and collected
empirical data from 65 garment
companies in Shanghai,
Jiangsu and Anhui provinces.
181

Doctoral Knowledge Factory – 2013 edition
Dr. Mohamed Nazir TARABAY
Mergers and acquisitions in Kuwait 2004–2009: Empirical evidence
of shareholder value creation and premium paid to integrate
Supervisor:
Dr. Michel Albouy
Program:
GEM DBA in Lebanon (LCU)
Defense date:
September 2010
Current position:
Head of the Business
Administration Department at
the American College of Middle
East, Kuwait
Thesis abstract
Despite voluminous literature about mergers and acquisition,
studies related to developing countries, especially
in the Middle East remain scarce. This thesis
endeavors to clarify the impact of mergers and acquisitions
on Kuwaiti firms’shareholder wealth creation,
identify the importance and role of various financial
variables for motivating the merger or acquisition decision,
and determine the valuation premiums.
A literature review establishes a conceptual framework
for the role of mergers and acquisitions in corporate finance
and their outcomes for participating firms. Reliable
and valid statistical methodologies test the various
hypotheses. An event study methodology measures
the impact of mergers and acquisitions on shareholder
wealth creation; Pearson correlations and multiple regression
analysis measure the role of various financial
variables in determining the event date abnormal returns
and merger premiums paid to target firms. The
experimental part of the study measures participating
firms’abnormal returns using a sample of 43 acquirers
and 30 target firms listed on the Kuwait stock exchange;
the sample for the determinants of merger premiums
was based on 37 targets operating in Kuwait.
Mini bio
Mohamed Nazir Tarabay
obtained his MBA from the
Lebanese American University
in 2004 before completing
the DBA at Grenoble Ecole
de Management. He is
currently Head of the Business
Administration Department at
the American College of Middle
East in Kuwait. He previously
taught at the Lebanese
International University and
American College of Science
and Technology in Lebanon. He
has published several academic
papers and participated
in various conferences.
The results reveal, with regard to the abnormal returns
to bidders and targets, acquiring firms earn statistically
negative abnormal returns, whereas target firm shareholders
earn statistically positive abnormal returns. Furthermore,
this study identifies significant financial variables
that explain the variation in the abnormal returns
of acquirers and targets. Finally, the financial variables,
correlated and regressed against price-book merger premiums,
also offer statistically significant variables for
explaining variations in merger premiums. Although
these results are consistent with previous studies, this
thesis finds a unique moral hazard problem in mergers
and acquisitions in Kuwait, due to specific Kuwaiti
laws and government regulation. Moreover, this study
introduces two new variables that explain variation in
merger premiums, namely, sustainable growth rate and
gross cash flows to current liabilities.
182

Alumni Profiles and Theses
Dr. François THÉRIN
Learning and innovation in high-tech small firms
Thesis abstract
Based on theoretical findings found in literature on
strategic and knowledge management, this study
develops a model of the links among organizational
learning, innovation, and company performance.
The derived constructs are validated using
a sample of high-tech ventures. The same sample
serves to test the model. The findings indicate a
positive relationship among organizational learning,
innovation, and company performance. The
age of the company moderates these results, but its
size does not. This thesis provides comments describing
how to capture and share knowledge, for
the benefit of new venture managers.
Supervisors:
Dr. Jean-Jacques Chanaron
and Dr. Steve Procter
Program:
Grenoble-Newcastle University
DBA Program
Defense date:
June 2004
Current position:
Dean, School of Business,
Curtin University, Sarawak, Miri,
Malaysia
Memberships:
AOM, reviewer for the
International Journal of
Technoentrepreneurship
Mini bio
Dr. Francois Thérin holds
a Master in Management
from Toulouse Business
School, an MPhil from the IAE
Aix-en-Provence and a DBA
from Newcastle University
and Grenoble Ecole de
Management. Dr. Thérin has
worked for 12 years at Grenoble
Ecole de Management, ending
as Associate Professor and
Assistant Dean. He has then
worked for a consortium
of universities developing
e-learning. He is now Professor
and Dean of the School of
Business for the largest branch
campus of Curtin University.
He manages a team of 45
academics and undergraduate
and graduate programs for
1500 students. He has lived
and worked in Canada, France,
Australia, Oman and Malaysia.
183

Doctoral Knowledge Factory – 2013 edition
Dr. Joseph TORBEY
Corporate governance structure in Lebanon
Supervisor:
Dr. Jean-Jacques Chanaron
Program:
GEM DBA in Lebanon (LCU)
Defense date:
December 2012
Current position:
General Director,
Government of Lebanon,
Lebanon
Thesis abstract
This thesis reviews the background of corporate
governance theories from different schools,
analyses the basic modes, and deepens the understanding
for these modes. The environment of
corporate governance for publicly listed companies
in Lebanon is changing significantly. These
corporate governance aspects have become increasingly
important for listed joint stock companies
in developed financial markets to ensure that
investors are willing to buy companies’ shares
such as equity investments or that they are willing
to lend money to these companies such as
debt financing. Companies that comply with corporate
governance standards are often in a better
position to attract financing than those who do
not comply with corporate governance codes.
With constant revision and completion on related
laws and regulations, the three most important
factors in internal corporate governance structure
must be studied carefully, in order to reveal
the true nature and specialty of corporate governance
structure of publicly listed companies in
Lebanon. The three factors are ownership structure,
composition of Board of Directors and financing
structure, which are the most influential
factors on corporate governance structure. The
thesis studies their correlation with operation
performance respectively and then puts forward
different theoretical hypotheses, trying to reveal
the basic specialty about the corporate governance
structure of publicly listed companies.
184

Alumni Profiles and Theses
(continuation)
The research results show several specialties of
corporate governance structure of publicly listed
companies in Lebanon, including stock conversion,
extreme low debt ratio, preference for equity
financing, opposite market performance and the
negative effect of independent directors. The empirical
analysis shows: debt to assets ratio is remarkably
negatively correlated to operation performance;
P/BV and independent directors’ ratio
in Board also notably negatively correlated to
operation performance; while assets size is positively
correlated with operation performance, but
other variables have no notable correlation with
operation performance.
Mini bio
Dr. Joseph Torbey works as a
General Director of Cooperative
and Mutual Fund. He looks
at 1500 cooperatives of all
kinds and 100 mutual funds of
various sizes. His educational
background essentially
includes an MSc in Urban
Planning, an MSc in Financial
Science (ESAESCP Europe)
and a DBA from Grenoble
Ecole de Management.
He used to work as a counselor
for a Social Hedge Fund in
Montreal, as an Investor
Banker for Private Credit
Fund in Beirut, before joining
the Lebanese Government.
Academically he is interested
in corporate governance
and its implication in the
developing environment.
185

Doctoral Knowledge Factory – 2013 edition
Dr. Francois ULLMANN
Toward managing intangible policy: Proposal for an information
technology center
Supervisors:
Dr. Jean-Jacques Chanaron
and Dr. Steve Procter
Program:
Grenoble-Newcastle University
DBA Program
Defense date:
February 2003
Current position:
President, INSHED (International
Network for Standardization
of Higher Education Degrees),
Geneva, Switzerland
Mini bio
Dr. François Ullmann received
his Doctorate of Business
Administration from Newcastle
University Business School.
He currently works for INSHED
(International Network for
Standardization of Higher
Education Degrees).
Previously he was the President
of Ingénieur du Monde in
Geneva, Switzerland. He also
has professional experience
as a computer engineer and
consultant for entrepreneurial
activities and has served as
an expert for different bodies
of the United Nations.
His educational background
also includes a Diploma
in electronics, a D.U.T.
(University Diploma) in
Marketing and Technology,
I.P.F. Engineer (Computer
Science), a Certificate in
Political Science and a post
graduate S.A.M.E. (High
Tech Management, U.S.A).
Thesis abstract
The policies in place for intangible capital management,
which creates wealth in the high-tech
world, is a determinant of whether companies in
this sector can develop high added-value activity.
This study shows that the notion of “intangible”
can work effectively in the business world. As a
first step, an approach that offers a classification
model of intangibles is essential and then can be
used by information technology (IT) professionals.
How can an IT company generate intangible
goods? Human resource management is at the
heart of this process and can play a catalyzing role
in promoting this potential to other departments
in a company. Exploiting the full value of the intelligence
and behavior that characterize a company
not only resolves various factual problems but can
also reveal hidden wealth. Starting from an experimental
case, this thesis proposes a new, innovative
method, called “Négociatique,” to expand perspectives
on a company’s human capital. It also is
necessary to develop a management policy for the
considerable potential created by such intangible
assets.
186

Alumni Profiles and Theses
Factors influencing TV drama taste diversity in mainland China
Dr. Hui WANG
Thesis abstract
Research into the Chinese market and Chinese
consumers did not start until the 1980s; no personal
interview–based national surveys existed prior
to 1994. This heterogeneous market demands segmentation,
but research experience is very limited.
To address these gaps, this thesis considers the context
of made-in-China television dramas, which
are very popular among Chinese families and earn
the highest advertisement revenues. Geographic,
demographic, and social culture—all key market
segmentation variables—may influence appreciation
for television dramas.
Supervisors:
Dr. Marianela Fornerino
and Dr. Jianxin You
Program:
GEM DBA in China (Tongji)
Defense date:
January 2007
Current position:
Vice-President, Shanghai Jiren
TV Program Company, Shanghai,
China
However, unlike prior research, this thesis considers
Chinese regional cultures, in line with the
theory of culture communication derived from
cultural anthropology. Each regional culture is
measured as an integration of different culture
traits. Accordingly, this research avoids the limitations
associated with measuring culture simply
by values. The analysis of differences in appreciation
for television dramas provides an opportunity
to assess the extent to which the regional culture,
geographic factors, or demographic characters are
important for market segmentation in mainland
China.
The data were collected using a questionnaire
survey and feature variables related to geographic
sectors, demographic factors, social cultures,
and appreciation indexes. The survey was
conducted in Shanghai, Beijing, Qingdao, Sian,
and Chengdu from July–October 2004, and
1009 qualified persons constitute the sample for
the statistical analysis.
Mini bio
Dr. Wang Hui is Vice President
of Shanghai Jiren TV Studio.
She holds an MBA from
Tongji University (China).
She received her DBA from
Grenoble Ecole de Management
(Tongji DBA Program).
187

Doctoral Knowledge Factory – 2013 edition
Dr. Rongxing WANG
A study on investment and schedule control of state-owned mega-projects
Supervisors:
Dr. Jean-Jacques Chanaron
and Dr. Sizong Wu
Program:
GEM DBA in China (Tongji)
Defense date:
January 2007
Current position:
Manager, Shangshi Group, Fujian
Quanzhou, China
Mini bio
Dr. Wang Rongxin is General
Manager of Shangshi Group,
Fujian Province. He holds a
Master in Economics from
Fudan University (China)
and a DBA from Grenoble
Ecole de Management.
Thesis abstract
The whole lifespan information integration control
model that this thesis proposes offers a new mode
that rests on an informational basis and thus directly
addresses the drawbacks associated with
traditional control modes. To resolve the problem
of the separation of constructors and operators
in the traditional project management, this study
proposes a whole lifespan information group that
is created during the initial stage of the project
and carries out centralized control of each stage
of project implementation, then integrates the information
produced by investments and schedule
controls at each stage to form an intact control system.
The thesis consists of three parts: (1) an introduction
and literature review that expounds on the
focus and motivation for this study, (2) the design
and test of the whole lifespan information integration
control mode, and (3) case studies. The central
chapters investigate the investment and schedule
control modules in the proposed mode, including
an innovative proposal for investment control that
consists of an analysis of bid, economy, contract,
organization, supervision, and technology (Be-
COST) elements. For schedule control, this study
suggests a system for optimizing overall and project
alteration schedules. The empirical investigation
centers on the relationship between schedule
control and investment control. Next, this thesis
introduces the overall process information integration
control method, which can be used to
realize information integration processing. The
case studies include a second-phase project of New
Harbor City, which supports the use of the whole
lifespan information integration control model by
offering evidence of its successful practical usage
in a real-world setting.
188

Alumni Profiles and Theses
Dr. Xinqiao WANG
The business model of online community based software development:
An action research
Thesis abstract
The software industry, lying at the core of the information
industry, has already grown into a focal point
for competition among countries. Now the developing
Chinese software industry is faced with problems such
as small scale, poor capacity of technological innovation,
and lack of competitive strength in the world,
which inhibit it from growing strong. The business
model of virtual online community based software
development is essentially an open innovation model
using and effectively concentrating dispersed resources
on the internet to form a powerful software development
capacity.
Therefore, a deep exploration into the business model
of online community-based software development is
of great theoretical and practical significance for the
development of the Chinese software industry.
This thesis took the software development practices by
misuland.com as a case for the research and applied
the qualitative research method to make concrete
and profound analysis of demands on the Chinese
software market, human resources and needs for new
development models; expatiate on the characteristics
and feasibility analysis of online community-based
software development model; and put forward a corresponding
software development model that was
proven in practice. In order to further assess the business
model, this thesis tracked, examined, and appraised
several cases of typical projects and rethought
the results. Finally, the feasibility and effectiveness of
the business model were demonstrated by these cases
and what to be improved was pointed out.
Supervisor:
Dr. Jie Yan
Program:
GEM DBA in China (Tongji)
Defense date:
September 2012
Current position:
General Manager, Shanghai
Juling Infotech Co. Ltd.,
Shanghai, China
189

Doctoral Knowledge Factory – 2013 edition
Dr. Xinqiao WANG (continuation)
The innovations of the thesis include: the online community-based
software development model from the
perspective of the open innovation theory, which is an
innovative model integrating the advantages of open
source community, online crowdsourcing software
development, and in-house research; the software
component library for the online community and a
newly constructed component library; and the business
model of community-based software development
including the specific plan of realization and the
profit-making mode and the actual operations and
profitability were proven in the action research in the
case of misuland.com.
190

Alumni Profiles and Theses
Dr. Yawei David WANG
The influence of personal relationship (Guanxi) and inter-organizational
relationships on marketing channel cooperation and conflict: An empirical
research
Thesis abstract
In fierce market competition, the marketing channel
plays an important role. A good marketing channel
determines if a company’s products can be successful
in the market or not. Therefore, the marketing
channel is a very important issue for the manufacturers.
In the marketing channel, the behaviors of the
channel members and their level of cooperation and/
or conflict are a central issue. Although many scholarly
articles have been published about the marketing
channel behavior, focusing either on the personal relationship
or the inter-organizational relationship, few
people combined these two variables in a study. This
dissertation investigates the personal relationship and
the inter-organizational relationship between channel
members in China as the research platform. We test
the influence on channel member‘s cooperation and
conflict if personal relationships and inter-organizational
relationships are mutually controlling variables.
This dissertation first presents a literature review about
the personal relationship, the inter-organizational relationship,
the marketing channel cooperation, and the
perceived marketing channel conflict. After that, the
research model is presented and its relationship with
previous research is highlighted. To test this model, six
hypotheses are proposed and tested through a survey
(n=508), statistical analysis using SPSS and AMOS
was used to test the model and the hypotheses. Finally,
a general discussion highlighting the main theoretical
and managerial contributions of this research is presented,
and limits and avenues for future research are
highlighted.
After the research, we noticed that the personal relationship
and the inter-organizational relationship are
positively correlated, and both have a positive influence
on the marketing channel cooperation between
the channel members. Also, they have no significant
influence on the perceived marketing channel conflict
between the channel members.
Supervisors:
Dr. Carolina Werle
and Dr. Guijun Zhuang
Program:
GEM DBA in China (Tongji)
Defense date:
December 2011
Current position:
Commercial Operation Manager,
Bayer Healthcare Co. Ltd.,
Shanghai, China
191

Doctoral Knowledge Factory – 2013 edition
Dr. Yawei David WANG (continuation)
These findings help us to unveil the mysteries of the
personal relationship with Chinese characteristics.
They also help us to better understand the influence of
the personal relationship and the inter-organizational
relationship that are controlling variables mutually on
the marketing channel behaviors. The research enriches
the marketing channel behavior theories and
provides a basis of theory on how to handle the marketing
channel relationship and resolve the marketing
channel conflict for Chinese enterprises and foreign
investors, and provide better service for the practice.
192

Alumni Profiles and Theses
Dr. Mary WEBER
Employer and employee implications for certifications:
An application for professional food servers
Thesis abstract
Increased demand for skilled, knowledgeable workforces
in many industries prompts searches for standards
and measures of occupation competency. Voluntary
certification programs thus have emerged for
non-managerial occupations, because they enable
employees to meet standardized practices, recognize
skills, and legitimize their occupation as a “profession.”
For example, a voluntary server certification
program might benefit to hospitality employees
through increased compensation and advancement;
management also might achieve benefits in terms of
employee recruitment, selection, and retention. This
thesis therefore analyses employee and manager perceptions
of voluntary certification for service occupation
employees.
Voluntary certification programs already exist for
restaurant management and culinary staff, but no nationally
recognized program is in place for the largest
employable non-managerial group in the restaurant
industry, namely, frontline servers. This study measures
employee and managerial perceptions among
fine dining establishments in Louisiana (USA) of a
newly established national server certification program,
established by the National Federation of Dining
Room Professionals (FDRP). The study offers
several hypotheses, predicting that the voluntary certification
program (1) elevates the occupational status
of employees and enhances employee commitment,
(2) increases occupation compensation and advancement,
(3) validates skills and knowledge and establishes
standards of practice, and (4) gives management a
positive means to recruit, select, and retain employees.
The research findings provide reliable data that validate
the intrinsic and tangible occupational benefits
of a voluntary certification program. This study therefore
is of interest to industry leaders, trade associations,
and restaurant managers who want a better understanding
of how employee recruitment, selection, and
retention can be affected by voluntary certification of
fine dining servers.
Supervisor:
Dr. Rusty Juban
Program:
Grenoble Ecole de Management
DBA Program
Defense date:
April 2006
Current position:
Area Chair at the University of
Phoenix, Louisiana campus,
LA, USA
Mini bio
Dr. Mary Weber has senior
management experience
in a private international
corporation, as well as
experience working for the
fifth largest state restaurant
association in the United
States. She developed that
association’s Education
Foundation, launched and
managed two state-certified
training programs, and
developed educational
programs in support of the
restaurant industry. Since
she defended her doctoral
dissertation in 2006,
Dr. Weber has published
several articles. She currently
holds an area Chair position,
mentors doctorate students,
and instructs online and ground
classes for the University of
Phoenix. She also is a lecturer
for the University of Wisconsin
Oshkosh and Green Bay.
193

Doctoral Knowledge Factory – 2013 edition
Dr. Ming Michael WEI
Research on diffusion of GSM subscribers in China
Supervisors:
Dr. Dimitris Assimakopoulos
and Dr. Jianxin You
Program:
GEM DBA in China (Tongji)
Defense date:
May 2007
Current position:
Deputy GM, Ericsson,
Shanghai (China)
Mini bio
Dr. Ming Wei is Deputy General
Manager of Sony-Ericsson
Shanghai Branch. He holds an
MBA from BI Norwegian School
of Management (Norway).
He received his DBA from
Grenoble Ecole de Management
(Tongji DBA Program).
Thesis abstract
This research focuses on the diffusion of digital mobile
telecom technology among users, operators, and
suppliers in China and thus tests the diffusion of innovation
model with respect to successive generations
of technology (i.e., 2G, 2.5G, and the new 3G).
The analysis of the macro-innovation environment
reveals key issues affecting the rate of mobile telecom
diffusion, such as country characteristics, digital
and analogue mobile phone industry characteristics,
and regulatory policies. A dual case study
explores the key dimensions of mobile telecom diffusion
in Shanghai and Chongqing, two areas with
distinct geographic and economic profiles. The
former is a showcase, high-growth area in southeast
China; the latter is a developing area in western
China. Four sets of variables help analyze the mobile
diffusion: per capital gross domestic product,
students in institutions of higher education, mobile
telecom tariffs, and mobile telecom infrastructure
investment. Over seven years, these four variables
represent independent variables, and the number of
mobile phone subscribers provides the dependent
variable. Multiple regression analyses to forecast the
dependent variable for both cities in the near future.
Correlation analyses indicate if the dependent variable
is correlated with the independent ones.
The more than 300 respondents to a survey questionnaire,
from both Shanghai and Chongqing,
constitute five adopter groups: pioneers, materialists,
sociable, achievers, and traditionalists. Through
semi-structured interviews, the author investigates
these adopter groups, which has considerable implications
for key suppliers that hope to target market
segments and help them to cope with the challenges
and opportunities represented by 3G functionality.
Finally, in multiple interviews with Chinese mobile
telecommunication experts, the author demonstrates
that the role of network externalities and
standardization is critical to the diffusion of mobile
telecommunication.
194

Alumni Profiles and Theses
EVA and MVA: A model to predict share performance
Dr. Henry WOJTKOW (WILD)
Thesis abstract
This thesis tests whether models based on the concepts
of economic value added (EVA) and market
value added (MVA) can predict future stock performance
and stock returns. The EVA (a proprietary
trademark of Stem Stewart and Co.) is the
return on capital minus the weighted average
cost of capital (WACC), multiplied by the capital
outstanding at the beginning of the year. It may
provide a fundamental gauge of corporate performance.
As a measure of market price performance,
MVA is the difference between the market
value of the firm and the capital it employs.
Supervisor:
Henley faculty
Program:
Grenoble-Henley Management
College DBA Program
Defense date:
April 1998
Current position:
N/A
This study offers a method that mechanistically
ranks and groups publicly quoted companies into
superior performing portfolios, based on their
EVA and MVA measures. Therefore, it develops
algorithms to duplicate EVA and MVA, which
then are applied to all firms in the COMPUSTAT
database except financial institutions (including
banks), construction/extractive industries, gas
utilities, real estate, and a few other categories.
The EVA’’, MVA, relative EVA” (REVA; or EVA divided
by the firm’s capital, to eliminate size bias),
and relative MVA (RMVA) are computed for
firms from 1976 to 1993. The results from these
algorithms produce values very close to those
published by Stem Stewart. For example, one-,
three-, and five-year holding period returns and
abnormal holding period returns calculated for
each firm during 1976–1993 can be regressed firm
against EVA”, MVA, REVA, and RMVA to determine
relationships. Next, the firms are sorted and
ranked into deciles in ascending order of REVA,
RMVA, and annual changes in REVA (CREVA)
and RMVA (CRMVA). The lowest deciles consistently
contain the smallest values, and the highest
deciles contain the largest values. The holding
period returns computed for each firm in each
decile provide the related means, which indicates
the return on an equally weighted dollar portfolio
195

Doctoral Knowledge Factory – 2013 edition
Dr. Henry WOJTKOW (WILD) (continuation)
for all firms in that decile. The annual number of
firms varied from 1,889 to 2,991 for each measure
and each year, providing a total of 173,259 observations.
Statistical tests find significant differences in
the mean holding period returns for each decile
according to the REVA, RMVA, CREVA and
CRMVA. For the one-year holding period return,
higher deciles outperform lower deciles according
to CREVA; for three- and five-year holding period
returns, lower deciles outperform higher deciles
according to RMVA. Furthermore, firms ranked
into deciles by CREVA, the newly proposed predictor
of stock performance, demonstrate statistically
significant higher stock performance for the
one-year holding period returns. Therefore, models
based on EVA and MVA may be used to form
portfolios with superior stock performance and
stock returns for a range of strategies and holding
periods.
196

Alumni Profiles and Theses
Discerning industrial activity in NE England Networks and cluster
through the lens of the Internet
Dr. John WILLIAMS
Thesis abstract
Research on industrial activity has taken many
forms, as both practitioners and academics have
sought to gain an understanding of the drivers of
the economy in any particular sphere of interest.
One facet of this research effort attempts to determine
industrial clusters or particular groupings
of economically linked firms. Although the tools
available to researchers have improved, they still
rely heavily on data gathered from databases that
describe the firm’s activity. These data sources
suffer significant shortcomings, especially if they
rely on standard industry classification (SIC)
codes.
However, the rise of the Internet and its vast capacity
as an information source has created the
possibility of gaining new insights into the activity
of firms and the way they interact. This
thesis therefore investigates the usefulness of
the Internet and World Wide Web as information
sources for the study of industry in general
and clusters and networks in particular. It begins
with an analysis of the practicality of using
a corpus of regional company URLs to extract
descriptive text from each firm’s Web site. The
resultant database of keywords and descriptors
of firms’activity, markets, and connections can
be investigate to determine industrial activity
across a region. This insight is much richer
in detail and depth than that obtained from
coarse-grained SIC descriptors.
Next, this study uses the definitions associated
with industrial clusters to investigate the
connections between firms and other non-traded
dependencies. Publicly available data sources
on the Internet reveal embedded links, visible
connections to external references, and webderived
in-links (i.e., third parties that reference
the firm on their own Web sites). Through this
effort, the author can draw graphic connecting
networks and derive the interesting conclusion
Supervisors:
Dr. David Charles
and Dr. Dimitris Assimakopoulos
Program:
Grenoble-Newcastle University
DBA Program
Defense date:
September 2008
Current position:
Director and Owner, Fabriam
Ltd., North Shields, UK
197

Doctoral Knowledge Factory – 2013 edition
Dr. John WILLIAMS (continuation)
that, at least in the North East of England, the
clustering pertains not so much to artifacts per
se but rather to competencies in a wide range
of sectors that share both common antecedents
and current practices, such as strong engineering
skills for the design and manufacture of large
structures that operate in difficult or even hostile
environments.
Overall then, the Internet offers additional insights
compared with more conventional forms
of determining industrial clusters. These insights
should be as complements, rather than substitute,
methods. The tools available for Internet searches
are continually evolving, as is the provision and
use of corporate Websites by all sectors of industry
and firm sizes. A logical conclusion of this
process implies that in the not-too-distant future,
the prospects for the gleaning of information
from Web-based processes will be significantly
enhanced.
Mini bio
Dr. John Williams has 25 years
of experience in engineering
and technology firms from
dockyard apprentice to
Managing Director (Marine,
Offshore, mechanical, nuclear
and electronics) and 15 years
of experience in management
consultancy in technologybased
firms and some nonprofitmaking
organizations.
He is currently an independent
consultant. His education
background includes a B.Sc., an
M.Sc. in engineering, an MBA,
a DBA and Chartered Engineer.
198

Alumni Profiles and Theses
The diffusion of VOIP technology in large Chinese companies
Dr. Tim Herman WU
Thesis abstract
Voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) is a technology
that allows voices to be transmitted in packet
form, such that voice and data traffic can share the
same “pipe” through the same network. Although
VoIP technology is a relatively new technology in
China, it is gaining popularly. The local operators
of multinational corporations were among the first
group of users of VoIP applications, and more and
more local companies are turning to this option.
This thesis explores the key factors that influence
the diffusion of VoIP applications in Chinese large
companies, using a dual case study approach and
triangulation with archival data, in-depth interviews
with key stakeholders, and a questionnaire
survey.
Supervisors:
Dr. Dimitris Assimakopoulos
and Dr. Jianxin You
Program:
GEM DBA in China (Tongji)
Defense date:
May 2009
Current position:
Adjunct Assistant Professor,
Hong Kong Institute of
Technology, Hong Kong
Mini bio
Dr. Herman Wu received
his Doctorate degree from
Grenoble Ecole de Management
and his MBA/BBA from the
University of Wisconsin –
Madison. He is a qualified
accountant and IT professional
with numerous qualifications.
He was the Assistant Professor
and Director of DBA program
for the joint venture of the
Hong Kong Institute of
Technology and Australian
Southern Cross University.
Dr. Wu has strong industry
experience in the USA and
Greater China Region. He was
formerly the Chief Operating
Officer & Sales VP of Avaya
(former Lucent Technology)
greater China region. Before
Avaya, he was the Finance
Director of American Standard
Air Conditioning Systems
(Jiangsu) Co. Ltd. Dr Wu’s
research interests include
Strategic Management,
Management Accounting
and Diffusion of Innovation.
199

Doctoral Knowledge Factory – 2013 edition
Dr. Chengxi Charles XU
Influence of Guanxi orientation and relationship marketing orientation on
the control behaviors in marketing channels: An empirical research
Supervisors:
Dr. Olivier Trendel
and Dr. Guijun Zhuang
Program:
GEM DBA in China (Tongji)
Defense date:
November 2008
Current position:
General Manager, Shanghai
Shen-Luck, Shanghai, China
Thesis abstract
This dissertation defines a Guanxi orientation
(GXO) as face preserving, affecting, and reciprocal
favoring; this definition therefore regards GXO as
an individual skill that a person can use to build
a relationship with target others. By arguing that
there are no obvious difference between GXO and
individual relationships, this thesis takes a different
perspective than extant literature pertaining to
guanxi, which provides insights into the topic but
also neglects several aspects of guanxi and create
some confusion with regard to its definition, principles,
classification, nature, and roles.
This thesis also defines a construct of personal relationship
quality (PRQ) to test and evaluate the
strength of individual relationships. In turn, it explore
whether there are connections between Chinese
GXO and relationship marketing orientations
(RMO) in a marketing channel, to determine how
a RMO might influence marketing channel member
behaviors and mitigate their opportunism.
Marketing channel mechanisms might help mitigate
such opportunistic behaviors by members.
Mini bio
Dr. Chengxi Xu is General
Manager of Shanghai
Shen-Luck Co. Ltd. He
holds an MBA from Xi’an
Jiaotong University (China)
and a DBA from Grenoble
Ecole de Management.
The results reveal that (1) GXO has no direct influence
on RMO but instead works by building greater
PRQ among boundary spanners who represent
marketing channel members, though it does not
provide a significant contribution; (2) PRQ mediates
between GXO and RMO, and GXO’s weak
influence on RMO only occurs through PRQ; (3)
RMO has a significant impact on mitigating opportunistic
behaviors among marketing channel
members; and (4) marketing control mechanisms
such as dependence, contracting, and norms contribute
to inhibit opportunistic behaviors by marketing
channel members, but this contribution disappears
when controlling for RMO.
200

Alumni Profiles and Theses
Essays on momentum and contrarian strategies in China’s stock market
Dr. Jie XU
Thesis abstract
The modern U.S. credit and liquidity crisis contributed
to global market volatility, yet China’s
stock market performance, as measured by the
Shanghai A-Share index, has remained relatively
uncorrelated with the wider events. Consequently,
the Chinese stock market has attracted great attention
as a means to increase returns and possibly
diversify portfolio risk. Can such investment
strategies earn abnormal returns adjusted for risk,
or does the efficient market hypothesis hold true
for China? Building on prior literature, this study
probes the value of momentum and contrarian
investment strategies with respect to the increasingly
influential but volatile Chinese stock market.
Supervisors:
Dr. Dominique Thévenin
and Dr. Weizhong Chen
Program:
GEM DBA in China (Tongji)
Defense date:
September 2008
Current position:
Executive Vice President, China
Minsheng Banking Corp. Ltd.,
Suzhou Branch, China
This thesis contains four sections: a literature review,
an investigation of price momentum in the
Chinese market; consideration of style-level momentum
strategies; and an analysis of contrarian
(price/value) strategies. Regarding the price momentum
strategy, this study considers the “naïve”
and volume-based price momentum strategies.
The empirical findings show that price momentum
exists in the low volume portfolio of the
Chinese stock markets. Specifically, holding a low
volume winner portfolio can outperform the market
portfolio in the medium horizon. Risk factors
are not sufficient to explain the abnormal returns,
and the empirical results are consistent with the
gradual information diffusion model. “Style momentum
trading funds” act as momentum traders
when entering the market but as contrarian
traders when exiting. The rapid trading behavior
of funds also accelerates stock prices toward their
fundamental intrinsic value. However, multiple
and simple style momentum strategies can earn
statistically significant profits. A buy-and-hold
approach for a style winner portfolio significantly
outperforms the market portfolio in Chinese
markets. Institutional investors may benefit
from a style momentum approach that involves
201

Doctoral Knowledge Factory – 2013 edition
Dr. Jie XU (continuation)
the largest 50% of Chinese stocks. Traditional risk
factors cannot explain the style momentum, and
the decomposition of strategy profits implies a
predictability of stock return.
For the price contrarian strategy, this study compares
short-term, long-term, and parametric versions.
There are statistically significant profits for
a short-term contrarian strategy; overreaction to
firm-specific information is the most important
source of short-term contrarian profits. The introduction
of turnover shock significantly optimizes
the contrarian strategy. A long-term contrarian
strategy can earn statistically significant
profits, and buying and holding losing portfolios
can significantly outperform the market portfolio.
A single, time-varying risk cannot explain
long-term contrarian results, though Fama and
French’s (1998) three-factor model explains it well.
For the parametric contrarian strategy, evidence
confirms the long-term reversal effect; a one-step
ahead portfolio with the highest expected return
significantly outperforms the market portfolio.
An additional investigation of one- and twodimensional
value contrarian strategies reveals
that strategies based on book-to-market ratios are
the most successful; a value contrarian strategy is
more successful when applied to the largest 50%
of stocks. Finally, this study shows that value stock
portfolios outperform growth stock portfolios,
jointly determined by risk and market overreaction
on the Chinese stock market.
Mini bio
Dr. Jie Xu holds an MBA from
Oklahoma City University,
a M.S. from Virginia Tech
and a DBA from Grenoble
Ecole de Management. In
addition to his activities as
Executive Vice President at
China Minsheng Banking
Corp, Dr Jie XU is also visiting
professor of China University
of Political Science and Law.
202

Alumni Profiles and Theses
Dr. Luhai Fred XU
Factors influencing employees’ working motivation in mainland China:
Culture values and relational exchange
Thesis abstract
This thesis presents an analysis of the hospitality
industry in Hong Kong. Tourism in China has
experienced continuous growth, especially as a
result of some key international events such as the
Olympic Games and the world expo. This study
focuses particularly on increasing hotel room
demand and its effect on the need for skilled labor
who can accommodate the influx of tourists.
The shortage of skilled and qualified people
has increased human resource costs for many
hospitality firms. This thesis therefore considers
service quality and its linkages with “face people”
who deliver service on the front lines. Most prior
research is based in Western cultural experiences,
so this study investigates the applicability of
Western approaches to motivating employees in
a Chinese context.
This study combines both qualitative and
quantitative methodologies to answer questions
about the motivation of front-line employees
in the hospitality industry. The results reveal
no substantial effects of the motivational
preferences of Chinese employees. Similar to
Western employees, Chinese employees are
interested in salaries, job stability, job autonomy,
and accomplishment. However, some differences
emerge, related to the working environment
and the relationship between superiors and
subordinates.
Supervisors:
Dr. Charles-Clemens Rüling
and Dr. Xiubao Yu
Program:
GEM DBA in China (Tongji)
Defense date:
October 2009
Current position:
Board Board chairman and
General Manager, Shanghai
Gezhouba Hospitality
International Corporation,
Shanghai, China
Mini bio
Dr. Luhai Fred Xu studied
hotel management at the
Shanghai Institute of Tourism.
He obtained his Master of
Science in 2001 from Hong
Kong Polytechnic University,
before completing his DBA at
Grenoble Ecole de Management
in 2009. He has been working
as General Manager and
Board Chairman of Shanghai
Gezhouba Hospitality
International Corporation,
a worldwide hotel alliance
and tourism company.
203

Doctoral Knowledge Factory – 2013 edition
Dr. Xiong YIN
The concept of corporate executive ability: Proposition of a conceptual
model and a methodology of measurement
Supervisors:
Dr. Philippe Le
and Dr. Sizong Wu
Program:
GEM DBA in China (Tongji)
Defense date:
May 2008
Current position:
Deputy General Manager, Daya
Bay nuclear power operational
management company, Shen
Zhen, China
Thesis abstract
Execution and executive ability have become
heated topics, especially in the corporate world.
But trendy theories are not the solution to elementary
problems, so efficient, effective execution
methods still are required. To achieve its
strategic goals, a corporation must achieve execution,
by continually discovering and nurturing its
executive ability.
The academic community has not agreed on an
executive ability theory, or even a precise definition
or measurement scales. This thesis reviews
existing literature to define executive ability as a
talent for efficient decision making and effective
decision execution. Executive ability includes all
capabilities and means from both the corporation
and its employees, which are susceptible to various
internal and external factors. Therefore, this
thesis proposes the independent variables that influence
corporate executive ability (CEA), including
strategic, institutional, cultural, motivation,
and competence factors. Individual differences
among staff and differences across organizational
characteristics lead to significant differences in
the cognition of these variables.
The hypotheses tests include a field study with 12
nuclear power companies in China, which included
1,096 valid responses. The scale developed for
this research achieves good internal consistency
reliability and construct validity. Furthermore,
the results show that 57.1% of the variance in CEA
can be explained by six independent variables:
organizational learning, organizational structure,
corporate values, performance management,
marketing, and human relations. Differences in
individual and organizational characteristics
produce significant differences in cognition of
the independent and dependent variables, which
establishes the theoretical foundation for relevant
management measures to improve CEA.
204

Alumni Profiles and Theses
(continuation)
The basic model of CEA provides a good definition
of the concept of CEA, its basic structures,
and key factors. In a case study, this thesis documents
the key factors of executive ability in the
Chinese nuclear power industry, which should
further current management, leadership, and executive
ability theories. Finally, using the conclusions
in this research, it is possible to establish an
assessment indicator system for CEA, which can
support the quantitative measurement of the status
and improvement needs for CEA. This thesis
also points out some limitations and prospects
for further research that can deepen and broaden
this field.
Mini bio
Dr. Yin Xiong graduated
from Lanzhou University
with a Master’s degree in
Nuclear Physics and Nuclear
Technology in 1988 and earned
his Doctorate of Business
Administration degree in 2008.
He has worked for the China
Nuclear Intelligence Center
and China National Nuclear
Corporation; since September
2001, Dr. Xiong has worked
for the China Guangdong
Nuclear Power Group.
205

Doctoral Knowledge Factory – 2013 edition
Dr. Ning ZHANG
Process of consumer decision-making on critical illness insurance:
Factors affecting purchase decision
Supervisors:
Dr. David Gotteland
and Dr. Xiubao Yu
Program:
GEM DBA in China (Tongji)
Defense date:
May 2008
Current position:
General Manager, Welhealth
Health Management Co., Ltd.,
Shanghai, China
Thesis abstract
As China’s economy has grown constantly and
rapidly in recent decades, medical expenses in the
country are also soaring, for both the government
and individual consumers. The social medical insurance
system, mainly sponsored by employers
and regulated by the Chinese government, leaves
large numbers of uninsured people. Considering
the financial costs of major medical crises, critical
illnesses often result in financial trauma. The
direct and indirect costs often lead to significant
deterioration in patients’quality of life, including
negative financial consequences. Therefore, critical
illness insurance has significant meaning for
insured people who now see themselves as survivors
rather than as decedents.
Most health insurance studies come from the
United States, which has may not apply to other
countries, considering the differences in the social
security systems, economic environments, cultural
environments, and customers’characteristics.
Virtually no studies focus on the decision-making
process for critical illness insurance and
the factors that affect the purchasing decision,
so insurance providers, both local and international,
continue to call for investigations of
consumer decisions to purchase critical illness
insurance.
Mini bio
Before starting up his own
business, Dr. Ning Zhang
served as the senior manager
for CRM in one of the biggest
insurance companies in China
(China Pacific Life Insurance
Co., Ltd.) for several years.
His research interests mainly
focus on consumer behavior
and quantitative marketing.
This thesis constructs, on the basis of former studies,
a model of purchasing behavior for critical
illness insurance and attempts to define relevant
factors and the related role of the process. With a
survey in Shanghai, in which 1200 questionnaires
were distributed by 200 agents of the China Pacific
Life Insurance Company, this study identifies
the process of consumers decision making about
critical illness insurance, how different background
factors affect consumers’purchase behaviors
in this industry, and whether “new” factors
that pertain specifically to China’s environment
influence consumers’decision making.
206

Alumni Profiles and Theses
Dr. Xinrong ZHANG
Exploring the specialty of governance structure of publicly listed companies
in China
Thesis abstract
In the early 1990s, the first listed company went
public in China; just 15 years later, the number
of publicly listed companies in China reached to
1287. Furthermore, their corporate governance
mode dominates Chinese corporate culture, so research
into their corporate governance structures
has become an important focus in both academic
and business fields.
Supervisors:
Dr. Jean-Jacques Chanaron
and Dr. Jianxin You
Program:
GEM DBA in China (Tongji)
Defense date:
September 2007
Current position:
Founder & CEO, Beijing Sweet
Angel Technology Limited,
Beijing, China
This thesis therefore first reviews the background
of corporate governance theories, analyses some
basic modes, and clarifies understanding for these
modes. The external environment of corporate
governance for publicly listed companies in China
continues to change dramatically, which suggests
the need to study three critical factors that
describe internal corporate governance structures:
the ownership structure, composition of
the board of directors, and financing structure.
By considering their correlations with operational
performance, this thesis offers theoretical hypotheses,
then tests them with data from 350 publicly
listed companies.
The results indicate several unique elements of the
corporate governance structure of publicly listed
companies in China: state-owned shares that
dominate ownership structures, stock conversion,
extreme low debt ratios, preference for equity financing,
opposite market performance, and negative
effects of independent directors. The empirical
analysis reveals that the debt-to-assets ratio
is negatively correlated with operational performance;
P/BV and the independent directors’ratio
on the board also correlate negatively with operational
performance; but assets correlate positively
with it. The other variables have no notable
correlation.
The dominance of state-owned shares reflects the
complicated historical background and prevalent
issues in China. Only one-third of these shares
207

Doctoral Knowledge Factory – 2013 edition
Dr. Xinrong ZHANG (continuation)
can be traded on markets, which is a unique
feature of the corporate governance structure of
publicly listed companies in China. Although this
analysis offers some relevant results, the defects in
the external corporate governance environment
may not allow those conclusions to offer suggestions
for the future development and implementation
of corporate governance. Instead, it is urgent
to undertake deeper reforms to the governance
structure, complete related legislative systems,
and encourage the active participation of related
market parties in reform. The profound reforms
of the external environment, with added measures
for diversifying ownership structure and
reducing the separation of control and ownership,
imply that the corporate governance structure
will be totally different in the future. This thesis
predicts the changes and offers some suggestions
for policymakers and researchers.
Mini bio
Dr. Xinrong Zhang started
his career in a large
pharmaceutical company,
and became the CEO of a
publicly listed company. He
was engaged in financing,
capital investment, mergers
and acquisitions for many
years, with deep understanding
of the governance of China
companies, and profound
insight into capital investment,
strategy planning and
globalization. During his
research for the doctorate
degree, he put forward
innovative thoughts, having
a passion for persistent
and reliable academic
research . He has now
founded a new company to
engage in developing dental
health care in China.
208

Alumni Profiles and Theses
Dr. Bill ZIMMERMANN
Benchmarking cross-industry employee perception
of managerial effectiveness
Thesis abstract
Regardless of the level of technology or size of
any given organization, employees have common
expectations of management. This study gauges
management’s success in meeting these expectations,
using statistically valid and reliable managerial
effectiveness benchmark scores, derived
from the management perception survey (MPS).
The benchmark reflects average scores for organizations
in southeast Louisiana, in the United
States. The study substantiates several hypotheses.
First, there is a significant mathematical correlation
across the eight categories of constructs in
the survey. Second, there is little significant difference
among persons with varying amounts of
management training or experience when it comes
to employees’perceptions of their managerial effectiveness,
as it regards the company’s organizational
climate and culture. This finding also features
a weak dependency on the type of industry
and employees’impression of the profitability of
the organization. Third, typical employee perception
scores involving the company’s organizational
climate and culture have remained relatively constant
since 1995.
The MPS also provides information to guide inhouse
or external consultants in their study and
training of managers and leaders. There is value
in comparing a specific company’s management
effectiveness against a geosocial benchmark. The
scores awarded by employees provide a reliable indication
of the strengths and weaknesses of management
within a firm.
Supervisor:
Dr. Jean-Jacques Chanaron
Program:
Grenoble Ecole de Management
DBA Program
Defense date:
March 2004
Current position:
Visiting Professor at DeVry
University, Adjunct Professor at
University of Phoenix and Central
Michigan University, Author and
management consultant, Dr. Bill,
LLC, Kenner, Louisiana USA
Memberships:
Southern Management
Association (since 2002),
conference paper reviewer (since
2003)
Mini bio
Dr. Bill Zimmermann is the
sole-proprietor of Dr. Bill,
LLC, a diversified professional
consulting and marketing
company specializing in the
hospitality, construction,
industrial, and education
industries. He provides
administrative, financial,
marketing, and project
management consulting
services as well as expertwitness
services in building
construction. He was formerly
a licensed Real Estate Broker
and a State of Louisiana
Commercial Contractor,
certified in «Building
Construction” for many years.
In addition to owning his own
businesses since 1965, he
has also held several senior
executive positions for several
regional corporations.
He received his BS from LSU,
his MBA from the University of
New Orleans and his Doctorate
of Business Administration
from Grenoble Ecole de
Management. He is the author
of several books and articles
on organizational behavior
and hospitality management.
209

Doctoral Knowledge Factory – 2013 edition
Dr. Yunlong (Andy) ZHU
How does new product development influence product safety?
Supervisors:
Dr. Dimitris Assimakopoulos
and Dr. Max von Zedtwitz
Program:
GEM DBA in China (Tongji)
Defense date:
June 2011
Current position:
Chief Operating Officer,
Goodbaby International Holdings
Ltd, Kunshan, China
Thesis abstract
Product safety is a hallmark of modern society and
thus carefully monitored and managed by manufacturing
firms, consumer organizations, and
regulatory bodies. The recent concern for declining
product safety has heightened the attention to
product safety globally and led to an increase of
public awareness about product safety with some
high-profile cases.
In spite of all stakeholders’ tremendous interest on
product safety improvement, academic research
on NPD (New Product Development) practices has
produced little empirical evidence on their implications
on product safety. The purpose of this research
is to fill the gap by analyzing and quantifying all
relevant relationships between product safety strategy,
product safety culture, concurrent engineering,
NPD process, and product safety performance
with SEM (Structural Equation Modeling) and to
provide actionable insights for academics, managers,
and regulators. Grounded on theoretical models
of national quality award, (e.g., EFQM (European
Foundation for Quality Management) excellence
model, a conceptual model), product innovation
and product safety was developed and tested with
data collected from 255 respondents at 126 firms in
the durable juvenile product industry worldwide.
Semi-structured in-depth interviews with 40 senior
managers at 33 firms worldwide provide great
insights into understanding the dynamics of product
safety in the juvenile product industry.
The findings of this dissertation reveal that top
management is the main driver for product safety.
Product safety strategy affects a firm’s product safety
culture in NPD and the NPD process practices
that the firm adopts. Product safety culture has a
strong and direct relationship with concurrent engineering
and the NPD process, and the NPD process
determines product safety performance. Concurrent
engineering only shows a weak effect on
210

Alumni Profiles and Theses
(continuation)
the NPD process. Both product safety strategy and
product safety culture have very strong indirect effects
on product safety. However, the hypothesis on
the relationship between product safety strategy
and concurrent engineering is not supported, and
there is no evidence that concurrent engineering
affects product safety either. In general, product
safety strategy, product safety culture, and NPD
process are three cornerstones for product safety.
In addition, this dissertation also reveals that beside
manufacturers, governments and consumers also
play a very important role to ensure product safety
in this ultra-competitive environment. Although
most of the best performers claimed that they have
more stringent requirements than the regulatory
standards, and they are not affected by external factors,
in the absence of government intervention and
consumers’ (and retailers’) focus on product safety,
the goal to improve overall product safety performance
in the market remains elusive. On the other
hand, this dissertation identified a couple of major
issues facing the industry and a big gap between the
safety community and industry to manage product
safety. If these issues cannot be addressed, improvements
on product safety are difficult.
Finally, this dissertation supplements the NPD literature
by integrating product safety dimension
as a dependent variable and incorporating safety
management practices into the NPD process. It
also provides empirical evidence to support the
largely prescriptive literature in the safety community.
The product innovation and product safety
model represents one of the first reported attempts
to empirically investigate the implications among
the five constructs. The findings of this dissertation
can guide a firm to develop products that are
safe — with obvious benefits for manufacturing
firms and their consumers; they can also provide
empirical guidance for governments to regulate
industries properly and effectively.
Mini bio
Dr. Yunlong (Andy) Zhu’s
educational background
includes a DBA from Grenoble
Ecole de Management; an
MBA from Southern Illinois
University, Carbondale;
and a BSc from Shanghai
Jiao Tong University.
He holds more than 20 years
of professional experience
in R&D management,
quality management,
operations management,
and general management.
His research interests
focus on innovation
management, quality, and
operations management.
211

2nd
2013
edition

DBA
PUBLICATIONS
AND OTHER
INTELLECTUAL
CONTRIBUTIONS OF
DBA GRADUATES
213

Publications
I. PUBLICATIONS
Books
Baydoun M. (2012), Ecotourism as an Alternative Development Option for
Rural Sites, Lambert Academic Publishing, Germany.
Baydoun M. (2012), Risk Management during Preconstruction Phases of Large
Scale Development Projects in Developing Countries, Lambert Academic
Publishing, Germany.
Gandellini G., Pezzi A. and Venanzi D. (2012), Strategy for Action, volumes I
and II, Springer.
Le Loarne S., Cupillard V., Shelton L., Nikina A., Benhida B. (2012), Femme et
Entrepreneur: c’est possible ! Paris, Village Mondial.
Davila A., Elvira M., Ramirez J., Zapata-Cantu L. (2012), Understanding
Organizations in Complex, Emergent and Uncertain Environments, Palgrave
Macmillan.
Ramirez J. (Ed.) (2012), Trade Relations between Denmark and Latin America
– Challenges and Opportunities: The Cases of Argentina, Chile, Brazil, Mexico
and Venezuela, Bloomsbury Publishing.
Steiler D. (2012), Adaptation française de l’inventaire de stress professionnel
d’Osipow - revised version, Paris, Hogrefe.
Zimmermann B. (2012), Extraordinary Lives of Ordinary People, Create Space.
Davila A., Ramirez J., Zapata-Cantu L. and Blasco M. (2011), European and
Latin American Caribbean Strategic Partnerships: Unleashing the Potential,
New Delhi, Macmillan Ltd.
Sadowsky J. (2011), Email, Social Marketing, and the Art of Storytelling, Altal
Editions.
Sadowsky J. (2011), Evaluating a Leadership Coaching System: Using Storytelling
for Leadership Self-Expression, Lambert Academic Publishing, 304 p.
Thérin F. (2011), Management of Technology and Innovation: An International
Perspective, Edward Elgar Publishing.
Zimmermann, B. (2011), Jerk-Stories, Tales of Torture at the Office by Managers
Gone Wild, Create Space.
Ming Q. (2010), Technical Requirements of Huangpu River flood Prevention
Wall Project Design.
Steiler D. (2010), Prévenir le stress au travail: de la mesure à l’intervention,
Paris, Retz.
Steiler D., Sadowsky J. and Roche L. (2010), Eloge du bien-être au travail: le
slow management, Grenoble, PUG.
Thérin F. (2010), Managing Innovation in a Knowledge Economy: A Guidebook
for SMEs in Asia and the Pacific, published by the United Nations Economic
and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, Asian and Pacific Centre for
Transfer of Technology, New Delhi, India.
214

Books
Chatelain Y. (2009), RESISTANZ: hackers, les maquisards de l’innovation,
Grenoble, L’Harmattan.
Sadowsky J. and Roche L. (2009), Les 7 règles du Storytelling: inspirer et
transformer vos équipes par un leadership authentique, Paris, Pearson.
Steiler D. (2009), Assessing occupational stress: transcultural validation of an
occupational stress tool for use in France, Saarbrücken, Germany, Lambert
Academic Publishing.
Peelen E., Jallat F., Stevens E. et al. (2009), Gestion de la relation client, 3e éd.,
Paris, Pearson Education, 397 p.
Thérin F. (2009), Handbook of Research on Technoentrepreneurship, Edward
Elgar Publishing, Paperback Edition.
Corrales Estrada M., Ramirez J. and Schmalzer T. (2008), Building Bridges
across Educational Communities: World Class Practices in Higher Education,
New Delhi, Macmillan Ltd.
Lang A., Schmalzer T., Beinhauer R. and Ramirez J. (2008), Business
Succession in Europe: Business Transfer Programme - A Way to Success, FH
JOANNEUM, Graz.
Zimmermann L.F. “Bill” (2008), Wake up, wise up, win! 2 nd Ed., New Orleans,
Pontalba Press.
Chatelain Y. (2007), World Wild Women, Grenoble, L’Harmattan.
Goldwasser R. (2007), Electronic Fan Relationship Management: How a
Professional Sports Team Can Successfully Use the Internet to Manage and
Develop Fan Relationships, BookSurge Publishing, Paperback Edition.
Nuq P. and Boland R. (2007), Exploring Marketing: A Creative Learning
Approach, Sigel Press.
Le P. and Rivet P. (2007), Piloter et réussir l’innovation en entreprise : aider
l’entrepreneur à être stratège, Paris, Maxima Laurent du Mesnil.
Soparnot R. and Stevens E. (2007), Management de l’innovation, Paris,
Dunod.
Thérin F. (2007), Handbook of Research on Technoentrepreneurship, Edward
Elgar Publishing, Hardcover Edition.
Chatelain Y. (2006), Qui veut la mort d’internet ? Paris, L’Harmattan.
Schilling M. A. and Thérin F. (2006), Gestion de l’innovation technologique,
Paris, Maxima Laurent du Mesnil.
Bahous V. (2005), Stock Trade in the Lebanese Emerging Market, Notre Dame
University Press.
Boada A. and Mont O. (2005), Desmaterialización: sistemas producto-servicio
una manera diferente de hacer negocios (Dematerialization: product-service
systems, a different way of doing business), Universidad Externado de
Colombia, Facultad de Administración.
Boada A., Rocchi S. and Kuhndt M. (2005), Negocios y sostenibilidad : más allá
de la gestión ambiental (Business and sustainability: Beyond environmental
management), Editorial Politécnico Grancolombiano, 155.
215

Publications
Chatelain Y. (2005), Ordinateur et vie privée, manuel d’autodéfense à l’usage de
l’honnête homme, Paris, ESKA.
Chatelain Y. (2005), In bed with the Web, Internet et le nouvel adultère, Paris,
Chiron.
Chatelain Y. and Roche L. (2002), Hackers le cinquième pouvoir, Paris, Maxima.
Chatelain Y. and Roche L. (2002), Internet 2002, le webmarketing en action,
Paris, Maxima.
Nellore R. (2001), Managing Buyer Supplier Relations – The Winning Edge
through Specification Management, Routledge.
Book Chapters
Torres O. and Enrico G. (forthcoming 2013), Petitesse des entreprises et GRH:
Le rôle de la proximité, La Gestion des ressources humaines dans les PME,
Villette M.A. and Louart P., 2eme édition, Vuibert.
Enrico G. (forthcoming 2013), The denaturation of SMEs in a competitive
context, Producing New Knowledge in Entrepreneurship, Chanaron J.J.
(Ed.), PUG Grenoble.
Né I. (forthcoming 2013), Le Slow Management des personnes : La dignité
comme variable essentielle de l’entreprise responsable, Slow Management,
Ed. Claudio Vitari, Pearson, collection Village Mondial.
Le Loarne S., Nikina A., Shelton L. (2013), L’impact de l’entrepreneuriat
féminin sur l’identité du conjoint en tant que chef de famille, PME,
dynamiques entrepreneuriales et innovation, Hamdouch A., Reboud S. and
Tanguy C. (Eds.), Paris, Economica.
Baydoun M. (2012), Impact of risk on terms of private-public partnership for
large scale development projects in developing countries, Producing New
Knowledge on Innovation Management, Chapelet B. and Le Berre M. (Eds.),
Presses Universitaires de Grenoble, 41-57.
Chami Malaeb R. (2012),Talent management as a key driver to employees
performance, Producing New Knowledge on Innovation Management,
Chapelet B. and Le Berre M. (Eds.), Presses Universitaires de Grenoble, 209-
221.
Chrabieh M. (2012), How to transform HR into a global function? A case study
on Lebanese banks, Producing New Knowledge on Innovation Management,
Chapelet B. and Le Berre M. (Eds.), Presses Universitaires de Grenoble, 127-143.
Barrand J., Sanséau P.Y. and Ferrante G. (2012), The leader-member
relationship at the core of innovation development: Member perceptions,
positions, expectations, Knowledge Perspectives of NPD: A Comparative
Approach, Assimakopoulos D., Carayannis E. and Dossani R. (Eds.), Springer.
216

Book Chapters
Goldwasser R. (2012), Electronic fan relationship management: How can the
Internet be successfully used by a professional sports team to manage and
develop their fan relationships?, Producing New Knowledge on Innovation
Management, Chapelet B. and Le Berre M. (Eds.), Presses Universitaires de
Grenoble, 193-203.
Gotszch J. (2012), Designing product charisma: Product meaning,
functionality and aesthetics, Producing New Knowledge on Innovation
Management, Chapelet B. and Le Berre M. (Eds.), Presses Universitaires de
Grenoble, 279-294.
Grossecker T.C.F. (2012), Implementing and delivering internal service quality
in multicultural environments, Producing New Knowledge on Innovation
Management, Chapelet B. and Le Berre M. (Eds.), Presses Universitaires de
Grenoble, Grenoble, France, p. 59-79.
Holloman D., Klieb L. and Bates I. (2012), Will the spin-off’s inheritance of
particular entrepreneurial orientation behaviours from the parent company
have positive effects on its financial performance during the post spin-off
phase? Producing New Knowledge on Innovation Management, Chapelet B.
and Le Berre M. (Eds.), Presses Universitaires de Grenoble, 223-232.
Holloway B. (2012), Micro small business owner resistance to IT, Producing
New Knowledge on Innovation Management, Chapelet B. and Le Berre M.
(Eds.), Presses Universitaires de Grenoble, 149-156.
Jelavic M. (2012), The brain drain: Implications for regional economic
integration in the expanding European Union, Producing New Knowledge
on Innovation Management, Chapelet B. and Le Berre M. (Eds.), Presses
Universitaires de Grenoble, 99-111.
Lagrana F. (2012), When information and communication technologies
disrupt established role boundaries: The need for work/life balance policies?
Producing New Knowledge on Innovation Management, Chapelet B. and Le
Berre M. (Eds.), Presses Universitaires de Grenoble, 239-258.
Maamari B. E. and Smith M. (2012), What is the impact of the use of
information systems on job satisfaction in the commercial bank sector in
Lebanon, Producing New Knowledge on Innovation Management, Chapelet B.
and Le Berre M. (Eds.), Presses Universitaires de Grenoble, 159-173.
Nikina A., Shelton L. and Le Loarne S. (2012), The husband of an entrepreneur
– Traditional leader or modern follower? The impacts of a wife’s role as an
entrepreneur on the husband’s role as a leader and a provider, Producing New
Knowledge on Innovation Management, Chapelet B. and Le Berre M. (Eds.),
Presses Universitaires de Grenoble, 261-276.
Provost D. (2012), Towards economies-of-scene, Producing New Knowledge
on Innovation Management, Chapelet B. and Le Berre M. (Eds.), Presses
Universitaires de Grenoble, 81-97.
Saad R. (2012), The prevalence of vendor support over other factors in the
implementation of core systems in Lebanese retail banks, Producing New
Knowledge on Innovation Management, Chapelet B. and Le Berre M. (Eds.),
Presses Universitaires de Grenoble, 175-190.
Scaringella L. (2012), Cost reductions along the global innovation scheme,
Producing New Knowledge on Innovation Management, Chapelet B. and Le
Berre M. (Eds.), Presses Universitaires de Grenoble.
217

Publications
Soderquist K.E. and Kostopoulos K. (2012), Factors affecting performance
of new product development teams: Some European evidence, Knowledge
Perspectives of New Product Development, Assimakopoulos D.G., Carayannis
E.G. and Dossani R. (Eds.), pp. 29-48, New York: Springer.
Steiler D. (2012), La mindfulness en entreprise: bien-être et performance,
Psychologie positive et bien-être au travail, Cottraux J. (ed.), 133-152, Paris,
Masson.
Thérin F. (2012), “Innovation diffusion” and “Entrepreneurs in Technologies”,
entries for the Encyclopedia of New Venture Management, Marvel M. and
Golson G. (Eds.), Sage Publishing.
Thérin F. (2012), Entrepreneuriat Technologique, Encyclopedie de
l’Entrepreneuriat, Fayolle A., Editions EMS.
Zhu Y. A., Assimakopoulos D. and von Zedtwitz M. (2012), How leading firms
manage product safety in NPD’, Knowledge Perspectives of New Product
Development, Assimakopoulos D., et al. (Eds.), Springer, 287-306.
Jenster N. and Steiler D. (2011), Turning up the volume in inter-personal
leadership: Motivating and building cohesive global virtual teams during
times of economic crisis, Advances in Global Leadership, Mobley W. H., Li
M. and Wang Y. (Eds.), pp. 267-297, London, Emerald Group Publishing
Limited.
Lagrana F. (2010), Ethical issues arising from the usage of electronic
communications in the workplace, Ethical Issues in E-Business, Models and
Frameworks, Daniel Palmer (Ed.), Business Science Reference.
Nikina A. (2010), Work-family interface of female entrepreneurs in
comparative cultural and instituational context, PME, dynamiques
entrepreneuriales et innovation, Hamdouch A., Rebound S., Tanguy C. (Eds.),
Elsevier Publications.
Zapata-Cantú L., Ramirez J., Pineda J.L. (2010), HRM adaptation to knowledge
management initiatives: Three Mexican cases, Knowledge Management in
Emerging Economies: Social, Organizational and Cultural Implementation,
273, Igi Publishing.
Stevens E. (2010), Knowledge as a guiding principle in the organization of
international marketing departments in service firms, Managing Economies,
Trade and International Business, O’Connor A. (Ed.), Basingstoke, Palgrave
MacMillan, Part III, 16, pp. 307-321.
Gotzsch J. (2009), Innovation through design, Fast Track to Success, Innovation,
Bruce A. and Birchall D., Harlow, Pearson Education, 152-153.
Guerrier G. (2009), Le marketing Business to Business ou le marketing
interentreprises, Mercator - Théorie et pratique du marketing, Lendrevie J.,
Lévy J. and Lindon D., Paris, Dunod.
Nuq P. (2009), E-health conceptual framework in developing countries,
Global Telemedicine and eHealth Updates, Jordanova M. and Lievens F. (Eds.),
Volume 2.
218

Book Chapters
Muñiz C., Ramirez J. and Castillo J. M. (2009), Tratamiento informativo de la
inversión empresarial española en la prensa mexicana, Análisis exploratorio
de la carga emocional de las noticias (Information about Spanish business
investment in the Mexican press, Exploratory analysis of the emotional charge
of the news), La metamorfosis del espacio mediático (The metamorphosis of
the media space), Medina A., Rom J. and Canosa F. (Eds.), Barcelona, Servei
de Disseny i Publicacions Blanquerna.
Pineda J. L., Zapata L. and Ramirez J. (2009), Strengthening knowledge
transfer between university and enterprise: A conceptual model for
collaboration, Cultural implications of knowledge sharing, management and
transfer: Identifying competitive advantage, Harorimana (Ed.), Hershey, PA.
Ramirez J. and Dieck Assad M. (2009), Violence and ungovernability in
Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC): The Mexican case, Comparative
Perspectives on Leadership, Maganda C. and Harlan H. (Eds.), Brussels, P.I.E.
Peter Lang.
Aubert B. and Duymedjian R. (2008), Structurer et communiquer les résultats
de sa recherche, Méthodologie de la Recherche: réussir son mémoire ou sa
thèse en sciences de gestion, Gavard-Perret M. L., Gotteland D., Haon C. and
Jolibert A., Paris, Pearson Education, 313-349.
Nuq P. (2008), E-health market segmentation framework in developing
countries, Global Telemedicine and eHealth Updates, Jordanova M. and
Lievens F. (Eds.), Volume 1.
Nuq P., Androuchko V., Malik A., Omaswa C. and Lungten L. (2008), The role
of education for the introduction of e-health services in developing countries,
Global Telemedicine and eHealth Updates, Jordanova M. and Lievens F. (Eds.),
Volume 1.
Ogilvie K. (2008), Innovation Networks and Knowledge Clusters: Findings
and Insights from the US, EU and Japan (Hardcover), Carayannis E. G.,
Assimakopoulos D., and Kondo M. (Eds.), Palgrave Macmillan.
Ramirez J. and Fornerino M. (2008), Introducing the impact of technology: A
‘neocontigency’ HRM Anglo-French comparison, Globalizing International
Human Resource Management, Rowley C. and Warner M. (Eds.), London,
Routledge.
Ramirez J. and Zapata-Cantu L. (2008), HRM systems in Mexico: Case Novo
Nordisk, Best Human Resource Management Practices in Latin America,
Davila A. and Elvira M. M., London, Routledge.
Ramirez J., Zapata-Cantu L., and Gonzalez H. (2008), Students perception of a
new educational model on the academic performance: An exploratory study,
Building Bridges Across Educational Communities: World Class Practices in
Higher Education, Estrada Corrales M., Ramirez J. and Schmalzer T. (Eds.),
New Delhi, Macmillan Ltd.
Rovai S. (2008), Education management in China: New opportunities in the
sector, Due anni di Cina, Weber M., ETAS Editions.
Chatelain Y. and Chanaron J. J. (2007), Another step and new actors in
innovation: Hacking creative destruction, Rediscovering Schumpeter,
Carayannis E. G. and Ziemnowicz C., Hardback, Grenoble, Palgrave.
219

Publications
Doak S. and Assimakopoulos D. (2007), The tacit dimensions of collaborative
network traffic, Establishing the Foundation of Collaborative Networks,
Camarinha-Matos L., Afsarmanesh H., Novais P., Analide C. (Eds.), Springer-
Verlag, International Federation for Information Processing Series, 425-433.
Ogilvie K. and Assimakopoulos D. (2007), Social network analysis of team
dynamics and intraorganizational development in an aerospace firm, Establishing
the Foundation of Collaborative Networks, Springer, Boston, 417-424.
Assimakopoulos D. and Ogilvie K. (2007), K-cores, team dynamics and intraorganizational
development in an aerospace firm, Innovation Networks
and Knowledge Clusters, Findings and Insights from the US, EU and Japan,
Carayannis E.G., Assimakopoulos D. and Kondo M. (Eds.), Palgrave Macmillan.
Corrales Estrada M. and Ramirez J. (2007), Effective in distance learning,
Intercultural Communication Competence : Implications for Learning and
Teaching in a Globalized World, Schmalzer T., Apfelthaler G., Hansen K., and
Singh R. (Eds.), New Delhi, Macmillan Ltd.
Sadowsky J. and Roche L. (2007), A sense of deeper purpose, Smart Is not
Enough, Guarino A., New York, John Wiley & Sons.
Sadowsky J. (2007), How transformational leadership happens, Smart is not
enough,Guarino A., New York, John Wiley & Sons.
Kyrgidou L. and Soderquist, K.E. (2007), Sustainable entrepreneurial
advantage, L’entrepreneuriat: théories, acteurs, pratiques, Zghal R. (Ed.),
Sanabilmed, Tunisia, 41-70.
Jallat F., Volle P. and Stevens E. (2007), Redécouvrir le potentiel client, L’art de
la croissance, Barraux J. (Ed.), Village Mondial, Paris, 107-113.
Stevens E. (2007), Réorganiser la fonction marketing vente pour optimiser la
relation client, Marketing des services, Callot P. (Ed.), Vuibert, Paris, 107-118.
Stevens E., and Dimitriadis S. (2007), New service development through
the lens of organisational learning: Evidence from longitudinal case studies,
Millson M. R. and Wilemon D. (Eds.), The Strategy of Managing Innovation
and Technology, Upple Saddle River, Pearson Education, 497-511.
Aubert B. (2005), La formation des consommateurs, Développer un nouveau
produit, Gotteland D. and Haon C., Paris, Pearson Education, 221-225.
Aubert B. and Ray D. (2005), La formation des consommateurs: une démarche
innovante à la croisée des ressources humaines et du marketing, Moderniser
la gestion des hommes dans l’entreprise, Gavard-Perret M. L., Gotteland D.,
Haon C. and Jolibert A., Paris, Liaisons, 105-123.
Sadowsky J. and Roche L. (2005), Narrations, histoires et légendes: techniques
de management des entreprises high-tech, Moderniser la gestion des hommes
dans l’entreprise, Leberre M., Matmati M., Paris, Liaisons sociales.
Vakola M., Prastacos G. P. and Soderquist K. E. (2005), OTEnet - The role of leadership
in the implementation of radical change, Managing Change – Practical Applications,
Vakola M., Athens I. Sideris (Eds.), Greek Business Case Studies, 41-60.
Nellore R., Soderquist K. E., Siddall G. and Motwani J. (2001), Specifications,
do we really understand what they mean? The Quality Yearbook, Cortada J.W.
and Woods J.A. (Eds.), McGraw-Hill, 451-462.
220

Academic Journal Articles
Humbert M., Jolly D. and Thérin F. (2000), Le développement de la société
GEMPLUS, Les start-up high tech, in Bernasconi M. and Monsted M. (Eds.),
Paris, Editions Dunod.
Nellore R. (1999), Cross functional integration in Japanese firms, Japanese
Production Management in Sunrise or Sunset, EFI, Sweden.
Nellore R. (1999), Pioneer electronics corporation, Japan, Japanese Production
Management in Sunrise or Sunset, EFI, Sweden.
Soderquist K. E. (1999), Frankrike vaknar upp – Knowledge Management
fyller viktigt behov (France is waking up - Knowledge Management fills
and important need), Knowledge Management: Kunskapsarkivering eller
kunskapsaktivering (Knowledge Management: Archiving or Activating
Knowledge), Widlöf E. (Ed.), Swedish Office of Science and Technology
Yearbook, 48-59.
Academic Journal Articles
Kidwell D. K. (2013), Principal investigators as knowledge brokers: A multiple
case study of the creative actions of PIs in entrepreneurial science, Technology
Forecasting and Social Change, Volume 80, Issue 2, pp. 212–220.
Nuq P. A. and Aubert B. (2013), Towards a better understanding of the intention
to use e-health services by medical professionals: The case of developing
countries, International Journal of Healthcare Management.
Ogilvie K. and Jelavic M. (2013), Grade inflation in the U.S. higher educational
environment: A faculty perception study, International Journal of
Management in Education, 7(4), 406 – 416.
Sidani Y. and Al Hakim Z. (2012), Work-family conflicts and job attitudes of
single women: A developing country perspective, International Journal of
Human Resource Management, 23 (7), 1376-1393.
Alfred S. R. (2012), The theory of planned behavior in applied research: An
examination of the location selection decisions of independent filmmakers
in the USA, Swiss Business School, Journal of Applied Business Research.
Alfred S. R. and Lambert J. (2012), Management factors influencing location
selection decisions of independent filmmakers: An exploratory case study,
Systemic Practice and Action Research, 25(4), 323-354.
Bahhouth V., Maysami R. and Thomas S. (2012), Does technology reduce
the working capital requirements of businesses? An exploratory study,
International Journal of Business, Accounting, and Finance.
Bahhouth V., Ziemnowicz C. and Zgheib Y. (2012), Effect of culture and
traditions on consumer behavior in Kuwait, International Journal of Business,
Marketing, and Decision Sciences.
Bahhouth V., Maysami R. and Yan S. (2012), An empirical study of the
financial characteristics of firms showing positive price movements
during declining markets, International Journal of Business and Economics
Perspectives, Volume 1.
221

Publications
Baker D. S. and Delpechitre D. (2012), Collectivistic and individualistic
performance expectancy in the utilization of sales automation technology
in an international field sales setting, Journal of Personal Selling and Sales
Management.
Baker D. S. and Stewart G. (2012), Adaptive behavioral outcomes: Assurance
of learning and assessment, American Journal of Business Education, 5(1),
pp. 55-60.
Guidry B.N., Carson P.P., and Haon C. (2012), Economic implications of
FTTH networks: A cross-sectional analysis, Journal of Economic and Social
Policy, 15(1), 5.
Stevens D., Guidry B.N. and Aiken P. (2012), The systems analysis and design
course: A practitioners’ assessment of the importance and coverage of topics,
International Journal of Innovation and Learning.
Guidry B.N. and Totaro M (2012), MIS students and the systems analysis
and design course project: A proposed experiential approach, International
Journal of Innovation and Learning.
Harrell A. and Lambert J. (2012), Environmental Jolt of Hurricanes Katrina
and Rita: The Realignment and transformation of the Louisiana Senior
Assisted Living Industry, Business Studies Journal, 4(2), 55-76.
Kidwell D. K. (2012), Navigating the role of the principal investigator: A
comparison of four cases, The Journal of Technology Transfer, DOI: 10.1007/
s10961-012-9276-5
Lambert J., Peyrefitte J. and Duhon D. (2012) Research methods amid chaos:
Special tactics used to discover answers along the US Gulf Coast in the
aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and the B.P. Oil Spill, SBS Journal of Applied
Business Research, 1:48-66.
Lambert J., Duhon D. and Peyrefitte J. (2012), 2010 BP Oil Spill and the
Systemic Construct of the Gulf Coast Shrimp Supply Chain, Systemic
Practice and Action Research, 25, 223–240.
Canaan Messarra L. and Maamari B. E. (2012), An empirical study of the
relationship between organizational climate and organizational citizenship
behavior, European Journal of Management.
Nikina A., Shelton S., Le Loarne S. (2012), Does he have her back? A look at
how husbands support women entrepreneurs, The Entrepreneurial Practice
Review, 12, 50.
Khanin D., Ogilvie K. and Leibsohn D. (2012), International entrepreneurship,
venture capital networks, and reinvestment decisions, Journal of International
Entrepreneurship, Volume 10, Number 1, pp. 1-24.
Ogilvie K. (2012), Social network mapping and analysis of the Southern
California aerospace industry, International Journal of Management in
Education, Volume 6, Number 1, pp. 7-17.
Pulcrano J. (2012), You must own your reputation - Networking,
entrepreneurship and reputation, European Business Review.
Miles R.E. and Scaringella L. (2012), Designing the Firm to Fit the Future,
Journal of Organization Design, 1 (2), 69-74.
222

Academic Journal Articles
Trousselard M., Steiler D. and Claverie D. (2012), Relationship between
mindfulness and psychological adjustment in soldiers according to their
confrontation with repeated deployments and stressors, Psychology, 3, 1, online.
Bahhouth V., Spillan J. and Khoueiri R. (2011), Students’ perception of sales
profession in Lebanon, The Journal of International Business Research and
Practice, Volume 5.
Bahhouth V., Maysami R. and Bahhouth J. (2011), Significance of e-learning
in traditional classes, International Journal of Education Research, 6, 2.
Bahhouth V. and Maysami R. (2011), A cross sectional study of financial
measures in predicting stocks’ riskiness during year 2008 crash period,
Academy of Accounting and Financial Studies Journal, Volume 15, Special
Issue Number 1.
Bahhouth V., Spillan J. and Josefowski B. (2011), Predictive power of personal
factors in studying students’ perception of sales profession in Poland, Journal
of East-West Business, 17, 4, Taylor and Francis Group (Routledge).
Bahhouth V., Mensah, E. and Ziemnowicz C. (2011), Ethnocentrism and
purchase decisions among Ghanaian consumers, Journal of Applied Business
Economics, 12, 4.
Denise J. J., Joby J. and Baker D. S. (2011), Control and participation at the
service encounter: A cultural values based perspective, International Journal
of Business and Social Science, 2(22), pp. 7-14.
Baydoun M. (2011), A Risk management system for preconstruction phases of
large scale development projects in developing countries, Business Leadership
Review, 8: DBA, pp. 1–16.
Baydoun M. (2011), Risk management of large-scale development projects
in developing countries: Cases from MDI’s projects, International Journal
of Technology Management and Sustainable Development, 9(3), pp. 237–249.
Manikoth N., Chami Malaeb R., Verkhohlyad O. and Lazányi K. (2011),
Reflections on the 11 th International Conference on HRD Research and
Practice across Europe, Pécs, Hungary: Looking through the Lens of Global
Mobility, Human Resource Development International.
Gandellini G. (2011), Searching for an e-Learning Readiness Indicator: A
Research Itinerary, Business Leadership Review, September 2011.
Guidry B.N., Stevens D. and Totaro M. (2011), The systems analysis and design
course: An educators’ assessment of the importance and coverage of topics,
Journal of Information Systems Education, 22(4), pp. 333-348.
Slatten L.A.D., Guidry B.N. and Austin W. (2011), Accreditation and
certification in the nonprofit sector: Organizational and economic
implications, Organization Management Journal, 8, pp. 112-127.
Guidry B.N. (2011), Economic implications of fiber-to-the-home infrastructure
networks in the United States: A community-level analysis, International
Journal of Technology, Knowledge, and Society, 7(1), pp. 115-136.
Guidry B. N. and Totaro M. (2011), Convention Center Management: A
systems analysis & design course project, Journal of Information Systems
Education, 22(1), pp. 15-17.
223

Publications
Jelavic M. (2011), Socio-technical knowledge management and epistemological
paradigms: Theoretical connections at the individual and organizational
level, Interdisciplinary Journal of Information, Knowledge, and Management,
6(1), 1 – 16.
Khanin D. and Ogilvie K. (2011), The experts, explorers and brokers: How
do U.S. venture capitalists choose partners when they expand into Europe?
Journal of Marketing Development and Competitiveness, 5(2), pp. 11-28.
Bobulescu R. and Pizarro N. (2011), Salliance des parties prenante dans
le processus de renouvellement organisationel: le “modele Evergreen”,
Economies et Sociétés, XLV (4), 699-717.
Sadowsky J. (2011), Historias de liderazgo, branding y narraciones
(Leadership stories, branding and storytelling) Harvard Business Review,
Edición América Latina, May 2011, 84-85.
Scaringella L. and Vidal D. (2011), The Satisfaction of DBA Graduates, a
matter of return on investment and promotion, Business Leadership Review,
VIII Papers in Refereed Conference.
Sleilati, E. (2011,) Toward a better understanding of the impact of ISO 9000
certification on customer satisfaction: New perspectives from the businessto-business
market in Lebanon, Business Leadership Review, Vol. 8, 1-11.
Manolopoulos D., Soderquist K.E. and Pearce R. (2011), Coordinating
decentralized research and development laboratories: A survey analysis,
Journal of International Management, 17(2): 114-129.
Steiler D. and Rosnet E. (2011), La mesure du stress professionnel: différentes
méthodologies de recueil, Revue des Sciences de Gestion, 271-279.
Dimitriadis S. and Stevens E. (2011), Learning strategies, behaviours and
outputs during the service innovation process, International Journal of
Innovation and Learning, 10, 3, pp. 285-309.
Aubert B. and Gotteland D. (2010), Former les consommateurs à l’usage des
produits: intérêt et principes de mise en œuvre, Décisions marketing, 59, 7-16.
Bahhouth V., Mensah E. and Ziemnowicz C. (2010), Use of logistic strategy
among small manufacturing firms: The case of Ghana, International Journal
of Business, Marketing, and Decision Sciences, 3, 2.
Maysami R. and Bahhouth V. (2010), Foreign banks in China: Critical factors
and lesson learned, The Journal of International Business Research and
Practice, Volume 0.
Bahhouth V., Maysami R. and Khoueiry R. (2010), The significance of beta
and financial measures in predicting the riskiness of S&P 500 stocks during
the downturn of Year 2008, International Journal of Business, Accounting,
and Finance, 04, 02.
Bahhouth, V. and Maysami R. (2010), Risk prediction capabilities of P/E
during market downturns, Academy of Accounting and Financial Studies
Journal, 14, 02.
Baker D. S. and Carson K.D. (2010), The two faces of uncertainty avoidance:
Attachment and adaptation, The Journal of Behavioral and Applied
Management, 12(2), pp. 128-141
224

Academic Journal Articles
Barrand J., Deglaine J. and Ferrante G. (2010), Etude exploratoire de
l’utilisation de l’intelligence collective dans six entreprises internationales,
Gestion 2000, 5: pp. 173-189.
Austin W.A. and Guidry B.N. (2010), Alcohol use and the propensity for selfemployment,
Small Business Institute Journal, pp. 126-148.
Jelavic M. and Ogilvie K. (2010), Cultural perspectives on knowledge
management in Central and Eastern Europe: The SECI model of knowledge
conversion and ‘Ba’, Journal of Information and Knowledge Management, 9,
2, 161-169.
Jelavic. M. and Ogilvie K. (2010), Knowledge management views in Eastern
and Western cultures: An integrative analysis, Journal of Knowledge
Globalization, 3(2), 51 – 69.
Lambert J. and Harrell A. (2010), Imported product acceptance when national
origin is not an issue: The influence of personal choice in a low CETSCALE
environment, Journal of International Business Research, 9 (1), 57-70.
Nikina A. (2010), Psychological contracts in female entrepreneurship,
Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice.
Ogilvie K. (2010), Understanding the technical workforce a case study:
Learning and working in a development aerospace community, Issues in
Innovation Journal, 4(1), 37-42.
Ogilvie K. (2010), Highly effective technical personnel strategies: Best
practices for success, Graziadio Business Review, 13(2), 16-24.
Soderquist K. E., Papalexandris A., Ioannou G. and Prastacos G. (2010), From
task-based to competency-based: A typology and process supporting a
critical HRM transition, Personnel Review, 39, 3, 325–346.
Soderquist K.E., Papalexandris A., Ioannou G. and Prastacos, G.P. (2010),
From task-based to competency-based: A typology and process supporting a
critical HRM transition, Personnel Review, 39(3): 325-346.
Sonnier B. M. (2010), Utopia Home Health, Inc.: A case study on C corporation
taxation from cradle to grave, Accounting Education, November, 2010.
Sonnier B. M. (2010), IRS victory jeopardizes workpaper confidentiality,
Journal of Corporate Accounting and Finance, 21(4), 43-51.
Sonnier B. M. (2010), The impact of Textron on state and local tax administration
and practice, Journal of State Taxation, 28(3), 39-42 and 58-60.
Sonnier B. M. and Lassar S. (2010), Tax court allows valuation discount for
membership interest in disregarded entity, Journal of Taxation, 112(1), 45-52.
Trousselard M., Steiler D., Raphel C., Cian C., Duymedjian R., Claverie D.,
Canini F. (2010), Validation of a French version of the Freiburg mindfulness
inventory - short version: Relationships between mindfulness and stress in
an adult population, Biopsychosocial Medecine, 4, 1-11.
Steiler D. (2010), Les effets du stress au travail, Les Cahiers de l’Actif,
406/407/408/409, 25-34.
Steiler D. and Ruling C. C. (2010), Stress et stratégie d’ajustement: analyse en
situation de fusion-acquisition, Management & Avenir, 34, 40-62.
225

Publications
Stevens E. and Mauleon F. (2010), Régulation de la vie privée: stratégie
gagnant-gagnant, Revue Française du Marketing, 226, pp.31-44.
Thérin F. (2010), Learning for innovation in high-technology new ventures,
International Journal of Technology Management, 50, 1.
Thérin F. (2010), Learning for innovation in high-technology new ventures,
International Journal of Technology Management, Vol. 50, n°1, 64-79. (ISI,
SCOPUS)
Assimakopoulos D. and Wu H. T. (2010), Diffusion of VoIP in Chinese large
enterprises: The cases of Air China and Harvest Fund, Journal of Knowledgebased
Innovation in China, 2, 1, 7-24.
Bahhouth V. and Maysami R. (2009), Risk prediction capabilities of P/E during
market downturns, Academy of Accounting and Financial Studies Journal.
Bahhouth V., Hamadeh M. and Kaheita N. (2009), Studying the characteristics
of S&P 500 risky stocks during negative swings, International Journal of
Business Accounting and Finance, 3, 1.
Baker D. S., Carson K. D. and Carson P. P. (2009), An individual level
examination of the impact of cultural values on organizational identification,
Journal of Applied Management and Entrepreneurship.
Doak S. and Assimakopoulos D. (2009), Tacit knowledge: a needed addition
to SOPs, in a forensic science environment, Forensic Science Policy &
Management: An International Journal, 1, 4, 171-177.
Lanier P. A., Tanner J. R., Guidry B. N. (2009), A comparison of gender
and gender-related issues in the business disciplines, Public Personnel
Management, 38, 3, 51-70.
Lanier P. A., Tanner J. R., Guidry B. N. (2009), A systems’ perspective of
assessment based on business students’ perception of prior preparation:
Ready or not, here they come, Journal of Business Inquiry: Research,
Education and Application, 8, 1, 26-36.
Boudreaux D., Lambert J., Ward D. and Ward S. (2009), The costs of home
ownership and the deductions allowed for calculating federal income taxes:
The debate continues, Journal of Social and Behavioral Sciences, 42, 1, 59-73.
Lambert J. (2009), Pursuit of the elusive antecedents: Action research unveils
factors influencing technology adoption by small law firms, Systemic Practice
and Action Research, 23, 3, 251.
Ogilvie K. and Reza E. (2009), Business student performance in traditional vs.
honors course settings, Business Education Innovation Journal, 1(2), 12-29.
Anuradha N. S., Ramirez J. and Hansen K. (2009), Cultural differences in
business management programmes - implications for teaching and learning,
International Journal of Learning and Change, 3, 2, 338-354.
Muñiz C., Ramirez J., Murgan A. and Castillo J. M. (2009), Framing
investment in Mexico: An exploratory content analysis of the news frames
of the main Spanish companies in the Mexican press, European Journal of
International Management, 3, 2, 216-231.
Ramirez J., Blasco M., Davila A. and Zapata-Cantu L. (2009), Introduction,
European Journal of International Management, 3, 2, 131-145.
226

Academic Journal Articles
Menessa E., Safi M. and Chaar B. (2009), A pilot study of university professors
and students’ perception regarding accreditation of business schools in
Lebanon, International Journal of Business Research, 9(2), 129-140.
Sekulović A. (2009), Activities of a Raiffessenbank in the Russian Federation
Market, Industrija, No 04/2009, Belgrade, Serbia.
Sekulović A. (2009), Commercial Banks in the Russian Federation, Industrija,
No 03/2009, Belgrade, Serbia.
Lassar S. and Sonnier B. M. (2009), Warning: Offshore payments watched
more closely, Journal of Corporate Accounting and Finance, 20(6), 47-53.
Sonnier B. M. (2009), The amazon law: Will you pay web sales tax? Journal of
Corporate Accounting and Finance, 21(1), 41-46.
Sonnier B. M. and Lassar S. (2009), Can the attorney-client and work product
privileges survive the annual audit? Journal of Corporate Accounting and
Finance, 20(4), 9-16.
Sonnier B. M. (2009), Taxation and the first amendment collide in Kentucky:
Bellsouth Telecommunications, Inc., et al. vs. John Farris, et al., Journal of
State Taxation, 27(1), 25-28.
Sonnier B. M. (2009), Accounting for well costs and well cost adjustments in
Louisiana, Loyola Law Review, 55(1), 79-124.
Sonnier B. M., Carson K. D. and Carson P. P. (2009), An examination of the
impact of firm size and age on managerial disclosure of intellectual capital by
high-tech companies, Journal of Business Strategy, 26(2), 167-190.
Steiler D. and Paty B. (2009), Developing a French version of the Occupational
Stress Indicator, European Review of Applied Psychology, 59, 113-122.
Stevens E., Karkkainen H. and Lampela H. (2009), Contribution of virtual
teams to learning and knowledge generation in innovation-related projects,
International Journal of Product Development, 8(1), 1.
Stevens E. (2009), Co-création de valeur et communautés d’utilisateurs:
vers un renouvellement des modèles de chaine de valeur et d’innovation,
Management et Avenir, 28, 230-244.
Stevens E. and Mauleon F. (2009), L’éthique comme condition de
développement des réseaux sociaux: le rôle des codes de conduite, Revue
Française du Marketing, 222, pp.51-67.
Bahhouth V., Ziemnowicz C. and Maysami R. (2008), Effects of lifestyle,
culture, and tradition on consumer behavior in a developing nation – The
case of Lebanon, International Journal of Business, Marketing, and Decision
Sciences, 1, 1.
Gotzsch J. (2008), Key aspects of product attraction: a focus on eco-friendliness,
International Journal of Environment and Sustainable Development,
1, 37-52.
Lambert J. (2008), Ethics of U.S. government action and inaction: Is Louisiana
being treated like a colony of the United States? Journal of Legal, Ethical and
Regulatory Issues, 11, 1, 65.
227

Publications
Lambert J., Klieb L. and Weber M. (2008), Regional influences upon the
selection of imported versus domestic seafood, Academy of Marketing
Studies Journal, 12, 1, 17.
Chanaron J. J., Lambert J. and Klieb L. (2008), When markets are unfamiliar:
Comparing the market for presentation technology in the French and U.S.
legal systems, Cahiers du Management Technologique (Les), 15, 2, 5-21.
Lambert J. and Harrell A. (2008), Management dilemna for healthcare
providers in the wake of hurricane Katrina, Academy of Health Care
Management Journal, 4, 1, 69.
Ogilvie K. (2008), Technical communities and social dynamics: Innovation
driven through internal champions and best practices, European Journal of
Social Sciences, 7(4), 153-172.
Ramirez J. and Zapata-Cantu L. (2008), E-HR adoption by firms in Mexico:
An exploratory study, Rio´s International Journal on Sciences of Industrial
and Systems Engineering and Management, 2, 44-73.
Rovai S. (2008), Recruitment of local high-tech talents in foreign
multinationals: An institutional perspective, Journal of Technology
Management in China.
Rovai S. (2008), From the iron-lady to the Chinese business woman,
Connexions.
Sekulović A. (2008), The Russian Federation in the world oil market, Industrija,
No 01/2008, Belgrade, Serbia.
Sekulović A. (2008), Trade relations between EU and the Russian Federation,
Teme, No 02/2008, Nis, Serbia.
Sekulović A. (2008), Impact of transition process in the Russian Federation
on conditions in social sphere, Socijalna misao, No 58/2008, Belgrade, Serbia.
Argyropoulou M., Ioannou G., Soderquist K. E. and Motwani J.(2008),
Managing ERP system evaluation and selection in SMEs using the siximperatives
methodology, International Journal of Procurement Management,
1, 4, 430–452.
Philippidou S., Karageorgiou M., Tarantilis C, Soderquist K. E. and Prastacos
G. P. (2008), Meeting the challenge of technology-driven change within an
institutional context: The Greek case, Public Administration, 86, 2, 429-442.
Sonnier B. M. (2008), An analysis of recent changes to the Louisiana tax code,
Journal of State Taxation, (26)4, 49-54.
Sonnier B. M. and Lassar S. (2008), Florida adds portability to its save our
homes tax relief measure and inflation protection for non-homestead real
property, Journal of State Taxation, (26)6, 23-28 and 45-46.
Sonnier B. M., Carson K. D. and Carson P. P. (2008), Intellectual capital
disclosure by traditional U.S. companies: A longitudinal assessment, Journal
of Accounting and Organizational Change, 4(1), 67-80.
Sonnier B. M. (2008), Intellectual capital disclosure: High tech versus
traditional sector companies, Journal of Intellectual Capital, 9(4), 705-722.
228

Academic Journal Articles
Dimitriadis S. and Stevens E. (2008), Integrated customer relationship
management for service activities: An internal/external gap model, Managing
Service Quality, 18, 5, 496-511.
Bahhouth V. and Maysami R. (2007), The cross validity of Altman’s modified
measure in identifying risky stocks, International Journal of Business
Accounting and Finance, 1, 1.
Boada A. (2007) Ecoinnovación: de la producción limpia al consumo
sustentable (Eco-innovation, from the clean production to the sustainable
consumption), Revista Innovación y Ciencia (Innovation and Science
Magazine), 14, 1.
Doak S. and Assimakopoulos D. (2007), How do forensic scientists learn
to become competent in casework reporting in practice: A theoretical and
empirical approach, Forensic Science International, 167, 2 and 3, 201-206.
Doak S. and Assimakopoulos D. (2007), How forensic scientists learn to
investigate cases in practice, R&D Management, 37, 2, 113–122.
Bushardt S., Lambert J. and Duhon D. (2007), Selecting a better carrot:
Organizational learning, formal rewards and culture - a behavioral
perspective, Journal of Organizational Culture, Communication and Conflict,
11, 2, 67.
Nuq P. and Androuchko V. (2007), Global marketing strategies for eHealth
services in developing countries, Journal of eHealth Technology and
Application, Volume 5, Number 2.
Ramirez J. and Fornerino M. (2007), Introducing the impact of technology: A
‘neocontingency’ HRM Anglo-French comparison, International Journal of
Human Resource Management, 18, 5, 924-949.
Olivas-Lujan M., Ramirez J. and Zapata L. (2007), E-HRM in Mexico:
Adapting innovations for global competitiveness, International Journal of
Manpower, 28, 5, 418-434.
Rovai S. (2007), Il mercato del lavoro ed il ruolo del sistema universitario:
sfide ed opportunita (Labour markets and the university system: Challenges
and opportunities), Economia & Management.
Sekulović A. (2007), The proportions of the Russian Federation’s regions
economic, Industrija, No 03/2007, Belgrade, Serbia.
Sekulović A. (2007), The potential of natural resources of the Russian
Federation - Regional aspect, Poslovna politika, No 11/2007, Belgrade, Serbia.
Sekulović A. (2007), The structure of the Russian Federation economy and
methods of sectoral-economic justification of production distribution,
Poslovna politika, No 03/2007, Belgrade, Serbia.
Sekulović A. (2007), Demographic structure in the Russian Federation during
period of economic transition, Socijalna misao, No 54/2007, Belgrade,
Serbia.
Vakola M., Soderquist K. E. and Prastacos G. P. (2007), Competency
management in support of organizational change, International Journal of
Manpower, 28, 3/4, 260-275.
229

Publications
Brachos D., Kostopoulos K., Soderquist K. E. and Prastacos G. P. (2007),
Knowledge effectiveness, social context and innovation, Journal of Knowledge
Management, 11, 5, 31-44.
Sonnier B. M., Carson K. D. and Carson P. P. (2007), Accounting for
intellectual capital: The relationship between profitability and disclosure,
Journal of Applied Management and Entrepreneurship, 12(2), 3-14.
Steiler D. (2007), Etudiants en école supérieure de management: types de
personnalité et orientation professionnelle, Carriérologie, 1/2, 299-318.
Steiler D. and Duymedjian R. (2007), La rationalité occidentale à l’épreuve de
l’intelligence pratique du coach, Revue Humanisme et Entreprise, 282, 81-98.
Roy M. J. and Thérin F. (2007), Knowledge acquisition and environmental
commitment in SMEs, Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental
Management, 15, 5, 249.
Thérin F. (2007), Absorptive capacity: An empirical test of Zahra and George’s
contribution in small business settings, Gestion 2000, n°4.
Jolly D. and Thérin F. (2007), New ventures’ technology sourcing: Exploring
the effect of absorptive capacity, learning attitude and past performance,
Innovation: Management, Policy and Practice, 9, 3-4, 235-248.
Zimmermann L.F. “Bill”, Chanaron J. J. and Klieb L. (2007), A benchmark
for managerial effectiveness, International Journal of Human Resources
Development and Management, 7, 2, 119 -138.
Bahous V. et. al. (2006), The predictive power financial measures in testing
stocks’ irrational exuberance in traumas, International Journal of Business
and Public Administration, 3, 2.
Bahous V. (2006), Reliability of Altman’s modified measure in identifying risky
stocks, International Journal of Business and Economics Perspectives, 1, 2.
Carson P. P., Carson K. D., Birkenmeier B. and Toma A. G. (2006), Looking
for loyalty in all the wrong places: A study of union and organization
commitments, Public Personnel Management, 35(2), 137-151.
Gotzsch J. (2006), Product talk, The Design Journal, 9, 2, 16-24.
Gotzsch J., Chanaron J. J. and Birchal D. (2006), Product development
with a focus on attractive product expression: An analysis of case studies,
International Journal of Product Development, 3, 3/4, 467-476.
Sekulović A. (2006), Characteristics of regional economics, Ekonomika, No
03-04/2006, Nis, Serbia.
Sekulović A. (2006), Regional aspects of the Russian Federation industrial
development, Industrija, No 04/2006, Belgrade, Serbia.
Sekulović A. (2006), The Russian Federation in the world economy, Teme, No
04/2006, Nis, Serbia.
Sekulović A. (2006), Activities of a foreign company in the Russian Federation
market - a case study of Nike company, Marketing, No 37/2006, Belgrade, Serbia.
Sekulović A. (2006), Economic development of the Russian Federation’s
regions: East-Siberian, far East and North economic regions , Poslovna
politika, No 07-08/2006, Belgrade, Serbia.
230

Academic Journal Articles
Sekulović A. (2006), Economic development of the Russian Federation’s
regions: Volga-Viatski, Central-Czernozhemny and North-Caucasian
economic regions, Poslovna politika, No 06/2006, Belgrade, Serbia.
Sekulović A. (2006), Regional policy of the Russian Federation, Poslovna
politika, No 04/2006, Belgrade, Serbia.
Soderquist K. E. (2006), Organising knowledge management and
dissemination in new product development: Lessons from 12 global
corporations, Long Range Planning, 39, 5, 497-523.
Steiler D. (2006), Evaluation du stress professionnel: intérêts et limites des
différents outils de recueil (Evaluation of occupational stress: interest and
limits of the different collection tools), Revue Gestion 2000, 4, 293-309.
Soparnot R. and Stevens E. (2006), Le développement de nouveaux services:
le levier d’apprentissage organisationnel, Revue des Sciences de Gestion:
Direction et Gestion, 217, 111-121.
Rao R. and Stevens E. (2006), The firm’s cost of capital, its effective marginal
tax rate, and the value of the government’s tax claim, Topics in Economic
Analysis & Policy, 6, 1, 1.
Bahous V. (2005), Does the personal profile of people play a significant
role in defining a country’s specific factors in emerging markets: Case of
the Lebanese stock market? International Journal of Business and Public
Administration, 2, 2.
Mont O. and Boada A. (2005), Producto produccióin y consumo. Los frentes
de la sostenibilidad (Product, production and consumption. The fronts of
sustainability), Revista Sotavento 11 (Sotavento 11 Magazine), Universidad
Externado de Colombia, Facultad de Administración de Empresas.
Gotzsch J. (2005), De la performance technique à la valeur symbolique
(From the technical efficience to the symbolic value), Design Management
Magazine, 8, 21-24.
Ramirez J. (2005), Neo-contingency analysis of recruitment and selection:
An Anglo-French study of high-tech and mid-tech vs. low-tech firms,
International Journal of Technology Management, 31, 3 and 4, 288-316.
Rovai S. (2005), HRM practices in foreign multinationals in the PRC: A new
hybrid form? International Journal of Human Resource Development and
Management, 5, 3, 284-304.
Sadowsky J. and Roche L. (2005), La féminisation du leadership, Revue
Humanisme et Entreprise, 274, 89-100.
Sekulović A. (2005), The Russian Federation: Foreign trade relations and their
geographic direction, Management, 40/2005, Belgrade, Serbia.
Sekulović A. (2005), The influence of Russian economy on situation in social
sphere, Poslovna politika, No 02/2005, Belgrade, Serbia.
Prastacos G. P., Vakola M. and Soderquist K. E. (2005), A strategic forward
looking approach to competency modelling, Business Leadership Review.
Papalexandris A., Ioannou G., Prastacos G. P. and Soderquist K. E. (2005),
An integrated methodology for putting the balanced scorecard into action,
European Management Journal, 23, 2, 214-227.
231

Publications
Brachos D., Philippidou S. and Soderquist K. E. (2005), The CULTURE model
as a mediation framework between managerial cognitions and actions: How
communities of practice can drive strategic change, International Journal of
Information Technology and Management, 4, 3, 217 -230.
Steiler D. (2005), Lecture d’une pratique de coaching: un détour par la pensée
chinoise, Communication et Organisation, 28.
Steiler D. (2005), Une mesure du stress professionnel: fidélité et validité
factorielle de la version française de l’Occupational Stress Indicator (A
measurement of occupational stress: Reliability and factorial validity of the
French version of the Occupational Stess Indicator) Stress et Société, 2: 89-122.
Stevens E., and Dimitriadis S. (2005), Managing the new service development
process: Towards a systemic model, European Journal of Marketing, 39, n°1-2,
175-198.
Stevens E., Dimitriadis S. (2005), Learning during developing and
implementing new bank offerings, International Journal of Bank Marketing,
23, 1, 54-72.
Gotzsch J. (2004), Managing product charisma, InnKnow Forum, 6.
Sadowsky J. and Roche L. (2004), Stories and Storytelling: An example of
leadership best practices in a high-tech environment, Business Leadership
Review, 1, 3.
Sadowsky J. and Roche L. (2004), Leadership best practice: Providing a deeper
sense of purpose, Business Leadership Review, 2, 3.
Sadowsky J. and Roche L. (2004), The power of stories: A discussion of why
stories are powerful, International Journal of Information Technology and
Management, 2, 4, 377-388.
Sekulović A. (2004), Distinctiveness of the Russian Federation banking
system, Management, 33/2004, Belgrade, Serbia.
Sekulović A. (2004), Foreign investments in the Russian Federation,
Management, 36/2004, Belgrade, Serbia.
Sekulović A. (2004), Integration of the Russian Federation into WTO,
Poslovna politika, No 10/2004, Belgrade, Serbia.
Sekulović A. (2004), Position of the Russian Federation in the new world order,
Poslovna politika, No 03/2004, Belgrade, Serbia.
Philippidou S. S., Soderquist K. E. and Prastacos G. (2004), Towards new public
management in Greek public organizations: Leadership vs. management,
and the path to implementation, Public Organization Review, 4, 4, 317.
Philippidou S., Soderquist K. E. and Prastacos G. P. (2004), Towards new public
management in Greek public organizations: leadership vs. management and
the path to implementation, Public Organization Review, 4, 4, 317-337.
Soderquist K. E. and Godener A. (2004), Performance measurement in R&D
and new product development: Setting the scene, International Journal of
Business Performance Management, 6, 2, 107-132.
Godener A. and Soderquist K. E. (2004), Use and impact of performance
measurement results in R&D and new product development: An exploratory
study, R&D Management, 34, 2, 191-219.
232

Academic Journal Articles
Steiler D. and Cooper C. L. (2004), French version of the Occupational Stress
Indicator (OSI): preliminary assessment of reliability and validity, Stress and
Health, 20, 4, 231-237.
Stevens E., and Dimitriadis S. (2004), New service development through the
lens of organisational learning: Evidence from longitudinal case studies,
Journal of Business Research, n°57, 1074-1084.
Thérin F. (2004), Learning-based strategy, toward a new model of strategic
behaviour, Gestion 2000, 1, 85-96.
Thérin F. (2004), Toward a dynamic model of product innovation for hightech
small firms, Innovation: Management, Policy and Practice, 6, 1, 98-105.
Gotzsch J. (2003), Designed to be loved: The art of product charisma, European
Business Forum, 13, 10.
Gotzsch J. (2003), Managing product charisma, Cahiers du management
technologique (Les), 13-2, 10.
Sekulović A. (2003), Characteristics of foreign trade in Russia, Poslovna
politika, No 07-08/2003, Belgrade, Serbia.
Sekulović A. (2003), Current course in civil engineering in Russian market,
Poslovna politika, No 03/2003, Belgrade, Serbia.
Sekulović A. (2003), Foreign economic relations between Serbia and
Montenegro and the Russian Federation, Poslovna politika, No 09/2003,
Belgrade, Serbia.
Sekulović A. (2003), Foreign investments in the economy of the Russian
Federation, Poslovna politika, No 01/2003, Belgrade, Serbia.
Thérin F. (2003), Learning, strategy and innovation: A literature review and
research proposal, Innovation: Management, Policy and Practice, 5, 1, 79-85.
Prastacos G., Soderquist K. E., Spanos Y. and Van Wassenhove L. (2002),
An integrated framework for managing change in the new competitive
landscape, European Management Journal, 20, 1, 55-71.
Chanaron J. J., Jolly D. and Soderquist K. E. (2002), Technological management :
a tentative research agenda, International Journal of Technology Management,
23, 6, 618-630.
Gotzsch J. (2001), Designing products with personality, Cahiers du
management technologique (Les), 11, 3, 10.
Nellore R. and Balachandra R. (2001), Factors influencing success in
Integrated Product Development (IPD) projects, IEEE Transactions on
Engineering Management, 48, 2, 164-175.
Nellore, R. (2001), Validating specifications: A contract-based approach, IEEE
Transactions on Engineering Management, 48, 4, 491-505.
Nellore, R. (2001), The impact of supplier visions on product development,
Journal of Supply Chain Management, 37, 1, 27-36.
Nellore R., Soderquist K. E. and Chanaron J.J (2001), Lean supply and pricebased
global sourcing - the interconnection, European Journal of Purchasing
and Supply Management, 7, 2, 101-110.
233

Publications
Provost, D. (2001), Sustaining economies of scene, Journal of Change
Management, Henry Stewart Publications, London, 1, 4, 301-312.
Godener A., Soderquist K. E. (2001), What is the actual use of performance
measurement in R & D and new product development ? Cahiers du
Management Technologique (Les), 11, 1.
Soderquist K. E., Chanaron J. J. and Birchall D. (2001), Automotive components
suppliers facing the learning challenge, International Journal of Automotive
Technology and Management, 1, 2-3, 252-268.
Nellore R. and Taylor J. E. (2000), Using portfolio approaches to manage
engineering-purchasing-supplier interaction, Production and Inventory
Management Journal, 41, 1, 6-12.
Nellore R. and Soderquist K. E. (2000), Portfolio approaches to procurement:
Analyzing the missing link to specifications, Long Range Planning,
33, 2, 245-267.
Nellore R. and Soderquist K. E. (2000), Strategic outsourcing through
specifications, Omega - The International Journal of Management Science, 28,
5, 525-540.
Provost D. (2000), Towards Complementing Economies of Scale and Scope,
Journal of Change Management, Henry Stewart, Publications, London, 1, 2,
101-115
Chanaron J. J., Jolly D., Soderquist K. E. (2000), Technological management: A
tentative research agenda, Cahiers du Management Technologique (Les), 10, 1.
Duymedjian R., Soderquist K. E. (2000), La gestion des connaissances : points
de repères et évolution dans quelques grands groupes français, Cahiers du
Management Technologique (Les), 10, 1.
Godener A., Soderquist K. E. (2000), Rationales and metrics for performance
measurement in R&D and new product development: A litterature review,
Cahiers du Management Technologique (Les), 10, 3.
Soderquist K. E. and Nellore R. (2000), Information systems in fast cycle
development: Identifying user needs in integrated automotive component
development, R&D Management, 30, 3, 199-211.
Gotzsch J. (1999), Creating products with symbolic value, Cahiers du
management technologique (Les), 9, 1, 10.
Nellore R. (1999), Procurement commodity structures : issues lessons and
contributions, European Journal of Purchasing and Supply Management,
21, 1.
Nellore R., Soderquist K. E., Siddall G. and Motwani J. (1999), Specifications,
do we really understand what they mean?, Business Horizons, 63-69.
Nellore R., Soderquist K. E. and Eriksson K. A. (1999), A specification model
for product development, European Management Journal, 17, 1, 50-63.
Rigault D., Soderquist K. E. (1999), Organisational learning in automotive
production systems, Cahiers du Management Technologique (Les), 9, 1, 55-72.
Motwani J., Dandridge T., Jiang J. and Soderquist K. E. (1999) ,Managing
innovation in French small and medium-sized enterprises, Journal of Small
Business Management, 37, 2, 106-114.
234

Academic Journal Articles
Soderquist K. E. and Motwani J. (1999), Quality issues in lean production
implementation: A case study of a French automotive supplier, Total Quality
Management, 10, 8, 1107-1122.
Karlsson C., Nellore R., Soderquist K. E. (1999), System suppliers: Myths and
realities, Cahiers du Management Technologique (Les), 9, 2.
Bouvard J., Guerrier G., Lynne S. K., Thérin F., Munos A., Rieu O., Jolly D.
(1998), Marketing et technologie, Gestion 2000.
Nellore R. (1998), The superweight manager and team, International Journal
of Innovation Management, 2, 3.
Nellore R. (1998), Improved development by strategic specification processes,
International Journal of Vehicle Design, 21, 1.
Karlsson C., Nellore R. and Soderquist K. E. (1998), Black-Box engineering:
Redefining the role of product specifications, Journal of Product Innovation
Management, 15, 6, 534-549.
Karlsson C., Nellore R., Soderquist K. E. (1998), Visions and performance
measurements in automotive product development, Cahiers du Management
Technologique (Les), 8, 2.
Motwani J., Nellore R, Soderquist K. E. (1998), An empirical analysis
of intellectual activities impacting product development, Cahiers du
Management Technologique (Les), 8, 3.
Soderquist K. E., Nellore R. (1998), Information systems in a mature industry:
Identifying user needs in integrated automotive component development,
Cahiers du Management Technologique (Les), 8, 1.
Gotzsch J. (1997), Design effectiveness, Cahiers du management technologique
(Les), 21, 10.
Guerrier G. (1997), Specific aspects of the distribution of complex industrial
products, Cahiers du Management Technologique (Les), 21.
Soderquist K. E., Chanaron J. J. and Motwani J. (1997), Managing innovation
in French small and medium-sized companies: An empirical study,
Benchmarking for Quality Management and Technology, 4, 4, 259-272.
Motwani J., Soderquist K. E. (1997), Information technology: A critical element
for business process reengineering, Cahiers du Management Technologique
(Les), 19, 47-59.
Soderquist K. E. (1997), Learning situations in product development work:
Understanding the basic mechanisms for building core capabilities, Cahiers
du Management Technologique (Les), 20.
Humbert M., Jolly D. and Thérin F. (1997), Building strategy on technological
resources and commercial proactiveness: The Gemplus case, European
Management Journal.
Birchall D., Chanaron J. J., Soderquist K. E. (1996), Le management
de l’innovation dans les PME : une comparaison de trois régions
en France, Grande-Bretagne et Portugal, Cahiers du Management
Technologique (Les), 16.
235

Publications
Chanaron J. J., Soderquist K. E. (1996), Les facteurs de développement des
entreprises : enquête de 1995 sur le sillon alpin, Cahiers du Management
Technologique (Les), 17.
Soderquist K. E. (1996), Reflective production, an alternative global production
model ?, Cahiers du Management Technologique (Les), 18, 28-40.
Soderquist K. E., Birchall D. and Chanaron J. J. (1996), Managing innovation
in SMEs : a comparison of three regions in France, Great Britain and Portugal,
International Journal of Technology Management, 12, 3, 291-305.
Soderquist K. E. (1996), Car component suppliers face new design demands,
Logistics Technology International, 56-59.
Soderquist K. E. (1995), Car component design : new demands facing middle
sized expert suppliers, Cahiers du Management Technologique (Les), 14.
Soderquist K. E. (1994), Strategic alliances and new organisation for product
development : A litterature review, Cahiers du Management Technologique
(Les), 11.
Professional Journal Articles
Duval G. and Portal A. (2013), Communication interne : la dictature de l’email,
Alternatives Economiques, n° 321, février 2013.
Portal A. (2013), Expression des émotions au travers des mails professionnels:
stratégies efficaces? Le Journal des Grandes Ecoles, n°65, Février, Mars, Avril
2013.
Thouvenot C., Gotteland D. and Aubert B. (2012), Les retours produit
augmentent : tant mieux !, Expansion Management Review (L’), 145, pp. 120-
128.
Baydoun M. (2012), Formulating programs of large scale development
projects in Saudi Arabia, PM World Journal, 1(2), 1-13.
Gandellini G. (2012), Mettiamo un po’ d’ordine nell’approccio Blue Ocean?”
(Let’s rearrange the Blue Ocean approach), Harvard Business Review Italia,
June 2012.
Jelavic M. and Vincenti M. (2012), The neurobiology of experience: Memoryprediction
and its role in the management decision-making process, The
Canadian Manager, 36(4), 26 – 27.
Vincenti M. and Jelavic M. (2012), Chaos theory: Attractors, strange attractors
and organizational decision making, The Canadian Manager, 37(2), 27 – 28.
Jelavic M. (2012), Management education and research: Cultural and
philosophical differences between east and west, The Canadian Manager,
37(3), 26 – 27.
Pulcrano J. (2012), Networking as an Entrepreneur: Some tips for Swiss
Entrepreneurs, IMD’s Tomorrow’s Challenges, January 2012.
Pulcrano J. (2012), Réseautez et prenez le contrôle de votre réputation !
(Network and own your reputation), Expansion Management Review (L’),
146, 110-118.
236

Professional Journal Articles
Sleilati E. and Aubert B. (2012), Le label «Certifié ISO» peut-il séduire vos
clients, Expansion Management Review (L’), 146, 10-17.
Sonnier B. (2012), Circular 230, Section 10.21, and SSTS No. 6: Standards
Relating to Taxpayer Errors and Omissions, Tax Practice Responsibilities,
The Tax Adviser, Purcell T. J. (Ed.).
Baydoun M. (2011), Risk mitigation for preconstruction phases of large scale
development projects in developing countries, PM World Today, 8(11), 1-16.
Vincenti M. and Jelavic M. (2011), Management consulting: Understanding
the process using concepts in neuroscience, The Canadian Manager, 35(4),
22 – 23.
Jelavic M. (2011), Competence management in high-technology organizations,
The Canadian Manager, 36(1), 21 – 22.
Jelavic M. (2011), Tacit knowledge and personal competitive advantage:
An autopoietic framework for knowledge management in human resources,
The Canadian Manager, 36(3), 22 – 23.
Pulcrano J. (2011), What Gets Respect in Silicon Valley, IMD’s Tomorrow’s
Challenges, May 2011.
Sadowsky J. (2011), Socialise the story, ADMAP, October 2011, 25-27
Gotteland D. and Aubert B. (2010), Comment transformer ses clients en
clients pilotes, Expansion Management Review (L’), 138, 22-30.
Aubert B. and Gotteland D. (2010), Trois questions clés pour améliorer la
performance d’un programme de formation des consommateurs, Newsletter
Académie du Service, 4-5.
Enrico G. and Aubert B. (2010), Quand les PME jouent dans la cour de grands,
Expansion Management Review (L’), 139, pp. 106-113.
Jelavic M. and Ogilvie K. (2010), Maslow and management: Universally
applicable or idiosyncratic? The Canadian Manager, 34, 4.
Jelavic M. and Ogilvie K. (2010), Globalization, knowledge workers and the
expanding European Union: A lesson for North America? The Canadian
Manager, 35(1), 26 – 27.
Lagrana F. (2010), Les sept péchés capitaux du courriel, Expansion
Management Review(L’), 136, pp. 46-55.
Ogilvie K. and Jelavic M. (2010), Social network mapping and analysis in the
global aerospace industry, The Canadian Manager, 35, 2, 20-21.
Pulcrano J. (2010), Pitch your way to funding: Tips to presenting your venture,
IMD’s Tomorrow’s Challenges, November 2010.
Everett J., Hennig C., Lassar S., and Sonnier B. M. (2010), The reversal of
Textron: Anatomy of a bad decision, Taxes – The Tax Magazine, 88(2), 85-96.
Chatelain Y. (2009), Quel avenir pour le sexe on line ? Sciences Humaines, 10, 6.
Gotzsch J. (2009), Design et Managers, Magazine DesignPlus, 34, 37-41.
Jelavic M. (2009), CIM national accreditation process launches! The Canadian
Manager, 34, 2.
237

Publications
Jelavic M. (2009), Reinvigorating Chartered Manager, The Canadian Manager,
33, 3.
Jelavic M. and Ogilvie K. (2009), Interorganizational macrocultures in the
North American automotive manufacturing industry, The Canadian
Manager, 34, 2.
Nuq P. (2009), E-health users’ behavioural intention in developing countries,
IUG Business Review.
Ogilvie K. (2009), Up, up, and away...Innovation strategies in aerospace
communities, Business Journal for Entrepreneurs, 3, 18-29. 4
Sonnier B. M. and Lassar S. (2009), The estate of Jelke built-in gain valuation
discount method: Proceed with caution, Taxes – The Tax Magazine, 87(2),
81-87.
Lambert J. (2008), Attorneys and their use of technology, Entrepreneurial
Executive (The), 13, 83-99.
Ogilvie K. (2008), Today’s Techies: Social Environments and Technical
Communities, Business Journal for Entrepreneurs, 3, pp. 65-75.
Ogilvie K. and Jelavic M. (2008), Multidisciplinary technical teams: A case
study, The Canadian Manager, 33, 3, 18-19.
Sonnier B. M., Hennig C., and Lassar S. (2008), Tax accrual workpapers and the
work product doctrine after Textron, Taxes – The Tax Magazine, 86(4), 53-62.
Chatelain Y. (2007), Cultivez l’esprit pirate (Develop the hacker spirit),
L’Expansion, 45.
Gotzsch J. (2007), Les perspectives du développement écologique des produits
(The perspectives of ecological development of products), MIT Technology
Review, French edition, 4, 80-83.
Bahous V. (2006), Corporate social responsibilities: An imminent challenge,
The Certified Accountant, 3 rd quarter, year 2006, 27, The Association of the
Lebanese Certified Public Accountants.
Bahous V. (2006), The heterogeneity of the financial markets in the Middle
East, The Certified Accountant, 1 st quarter, year 2006, 25, The Association of
the Lebanese Certified Public Accountants.
Aubert B. and Ray D. (2005), Former ses clients pour les fidéliser, Expansion
Management Review (L’), 117, 100-105.
Rovai S. and Von Zedwitz M. (2005), Expatriates in China, IO New
Management.
Rovai S. and Von Zedwitz M. (2005), Leading and managing Chinese
employees, IO New Management.
Ray D. and Aubert B. (2004), Comment rentabiliser les programmes de CRM,
Expansion Management Review (L’), 115, 82-89.
Bahous V. (2004), Hidden Resources Key Elements to Gain Competitive
Advantage in IT, The Certified Accountant, 20, 48-61.
Duymedjian R. and Aubert B. (2003), Les enjeux de la formation des clients (The
issues of customers education), Expansion Management Review (L’), 109, 76-80.
238

Conference Proceedings
Sekulović A. (2003), Foreign investments - an interest for Russian market,
Ekonomska politika, No 09/2003, Belgrade, Serbia.
Sekulović A. (2003), Position of the Russian Federation in new world order,
Ekonomska politika, No. 03/2003, Belgrade, Serbia.
Sekulović A. (2003), Poverty reduction - Preferred direction of socioeconomic
development of the Russian Federation, Ekonomska politika, No
07/2003, Belgrade, Serbia.
Sekulović A. (2003), The privatization - Peculiarities in Russian Market,
Ekonomska politika, No 01/2003, Belgrade, Serbia.
Sekulović A. (2003), The role of Russian commercial banks, Ekonomska
politika, No 04/2003, Belgrade, Serbia.
Sekulović A. (2003), The Russian Federation and WTO, Ekonomska politika,
No 06/2003, Belgrade, Serbia.
Aubert B. (2002), Former ses clients sur le Net pour mieux les fidéliser,
L’Expansion, 163, 154-155.
Nellore R. (2001), Managing systems suppliers - An uphill task, Purchasing
Today - A publication of the National Association of Purchasing Management.
Conference Proceedings
Baydoun M. (2012), Using innovation research to achieve sustainability
in urban developments: the case of Masdar, Proceedings of Conference on
Innovation Systems and the New role of Universities, March 2012.
Nikina A., Shelton L., Le Loarne S. (2012), Spousal support and female
entrepreneurs, EGOS, Helsinki, Finland.
Nikina A., Shelton L., Le Loarne S. (2012), A look at husbands, ventures and
the psychological contrats of women entrepreneurs, Babson Conference, Fort
Worth, USA.
Nikina A., Shelton L., Le Loarne S. (2012), Does he have her back? A look at
how husbands support women entrepreneurs, United States Association for
Small Business Entrepreneurship (USASBE), New Orleans, USA.
Scaringella L. (2012), Exploration of geographical scope: The cluster of
Grenoble, International Days of Statistics and Economics, ISBN-978-80-
86175-79-9.
Soderquist E. and Baydoun M. (2012), Energy-neutral cities: The case of Masdar,
Abu Dabhi, AUEB Energy & Sustainability Club, 2012, 2-3.
Chatelain Y. (2011), Employees face the media and social networks. What are
the rules for what purposes?, Centre des Jeunes Dirigeants Entreprises usages
des réseaux et médias sociaux, Businesses, Centre des Jeunes Dirigeants,
Grenoble, France
Chatelain Y. and Oudet B. (2011), Final Conference of Join-MED , Tunis,
Tunisia
239

Publications
Chatelain Y. (2011), Achat & community management, Forum Achats - Time
to anticipate: Le management des achats dans l’Entreprise 2.0, Grenoble Ecole
de Management, France
Gandellini G. and Venanzi D. (2011), Purple Ocean Strategy: How to Support
SMEs’ Recovery, Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 24, Elsevier.
Gotzsch J. (2011), Managing Design, Designing Managers, The Endless End,
European Academy of Design, Porto, Portugal.
Dagher G. K. and Maamari B. E. (2011), Personality traits and cultural
intelligence: an empirical investigation, Advances in Business-Related
Scientific Research Conference, Olbia, Italy, September 2011.
Maamari B. E. and Dagher G. K. (2011), Job satisfaction in Lebanon – A
comparative study, Advances in Business-Related Scientific Research
Conference, Olbia, Italy, September 2011.
Nikina A., Shelton L., Le Loarne S. (2011), The husband of an entrepreneur
– Traditional leader or modern follower? The impacts of a wife’s role as an
entrepreneur on the husband’s role as a leader and a Modern Follower?
Academy of Management Conference, San Antonio, USA.
Nuq P.A. (2011), Market study of innovative services in health care: Towards
a better understanding of medical staff acceptance in two case studies,
Proceedings of the Conference Med-e-Tel, Luxembourg, April 6-8, 2011.
Amatucci M.F., Pizarro N. and Friedlander J. (2011), Sustainability: A
paradigmatic shift in entrepreneurship education, International Council for
Small Business (ICSB 2011) World Conference, Stockholm, Sweden.
Pizarro N. (2011), An educational model that models entrepreneurship, The
U.S. Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship, Hilton Head Island,
SC.
Scaringella L. (2011), Motives and barriers for bridging mass customization
and open innovation in high tech industry, The 2011 World conference on
Mass Customization, Personalization, and Co-Creation (MCPC 2011).
Scaringella L. and Chami Malaeb R. (2011), Talent management and knowledge
management challenges within organisations, 12 th International Conference
on HRD Research and Practice across Europe, Gloucestershire University UK.
Sleilati, E. (2011), The effect of the ISO 9000 certification on the satisfaction
of the industrial customers in the Lebanese market, Proceedings of the third
DBA AMBA Symposium, France.
Stevens E. (2011), Fuzzy front end learning strategies of high tech industry,
The XXII ISPIM Conference on Sustainability in Innovation: Innovation
Management Challenges, June 12-15, 2011, Hamburg, Germany, 15 p.
Chami Malaeb R. (2010), Talent Management DNA, 11 th International
Conference HRD Research and Practice across Europe, Conference Proceedings
in AHRD.
Chatelain Y. (2010), Le logiciel libre et la crise, opportunité ? menace ?
Alternative? (Free software and the crisis, opportunity? threat? alternative?),
Grenoble Ecole de Management.
Enrico G. and Aubert B. (2010), Dénaturation de la PME et dynamiques
d’évolution sectorielle, Xi ème CIFEPME, octobre 2010.
240

Conference Proceedings
Barrand J., Deglaine J. and Ferrante G. (2010), Représentations de
l’Intelligence collective, Organisations privées lucratives et organisations de
l’économie sociale et solidaire, Gouvernance, Management et Performance
des Entreprises de l’Économie Sociale et Solidaire. Quelles spécificités?, IAE
Lyon, ESDES, Université Ca, Lyon, France.
Barrand J., Sanséau P.Y. and Ferrante G. (2010), The leader-member
relationship at the core of innovation development, The XXI ISPIM
Conference - The Dynamics of Innovation, ISPIM, Bilbao, Espagne.
Gotzsch J. (2010), Design: appreciating green and ethical borderlines,
Borderline - Pushing Design over the Limits, Genk, Belgique, Cumulus, 26 -29
Mai 2010.
Jenster N. and Steiler D. (2010), Compassionate leadership: impact on
motivation and cohesiveness in virtual teams, 26 th AOM Conference,
Montreal, Canada.
Nikina A., Shelton L., Le Loarne S. (2010), The impacts of a wife’s role as an
entrepreneur on the husband’s role as a leader and a provider, Academy of
Management Conference, Montreal, Canada.
Nuq P.A. (2010), How medical staff in developing countries is ready to
accept e-health solutions, a research study made in developing countries,
Proceedings of the Conference Med-e-Tel, Luxembourg, April 13-15, 2010.
Téllez N., Muñiz C., Ramirez J. (2010), The discourse function in televised
debates: A cross-cultural study of political debates in Mexico, Spain and the
United States, Palabra Clave, 13, 2, 251-270, 2010, Universidad de La Sabana.
Scaringella L., Chanaron J. J. (2010), From public incentive driving the
industrial economy to science 2.0 driving the knowledge-based economy
toward open innovation, Proceedings of the 14 th World Multi-Conference
on Systemics, Cybernetics and Informatics, June 29 th – July 2 nd 2010, Orlando,
Florida, USA , Jorge Baralt, Nagib Callaos, Hsing-Wei Chu, Norbert Jastroch,
William Lesso (Eds), III, 279-284.
Patel T., Steiler D. and Trousselard M. (2010), Mindfulness and research in
business schools, 26 th EGOS (European Group for Organization) Colloqium,
Lisbon, Portugal.
Stevens E. (2010), Lead user’s theory adapted to services: The case of intangible
offerings, The XXII ISPIM Conference on the Dynamics of Innovation, June
6-9, 2010, Bilbao, Spain, 17 p.
Williams J. and Assimakopoulos D. (2010), Discerning industrial networks,
clusters and competences: an alternative view using Web mining techniques,
10 th International Federation of Information Processing Working Conference
on Virtual Enterprises, Saint Etienne, France, PRO-VE’10.
Zhu Y. A., Von Zedtwitz M. and Assimakopoulos D. (2010), How product
development impacts product safety? AoM (Academy of Management)
Annual Conference, Montreal, Canada. Aug 6 -10, 2010.
Zhu Y. A., Von Zedtwitz M. and Assimakopoulos D. (2010), What are NPD
practices of best-in-class product safety firms? The 10 th EURAM (European
Academy of Management) Conference, Rome, Italy, May 19-22, 2010.
241

Publications
Aubert B., Trendel O. and Ray D. (2008), The unexpected impact of user
manual at the pre-purchase stage on product evaluation and purchase
intention: an exploratory study, Advances in Consumer Research, 36, 944-
946, North American Conference Proceedings, San Francisco, Etats-Unis,
Association for Consumer Research.
Nikina A., Shelton L. and Le Loarne S. (2009), A husband of an entrepreneur
- The impacts of a wife’s role as an entrepreneur on the husband’s role as a
leader and a provider, EGOS (The European Group of Organizational
Studies) Colloquium, Esade, Barcelona, Spain, July 2009.
Dimitriadis S. and Stevens E. (2009), Customer’s perceptions of their
relationship with a service provider: A preliminary investigation of purpose,
benefits and costs, University of Macedonia, 2 nd Biennal International
Conference on Services, Orchestrating the service experience: Music to the ears
of our customers, November 4-6, 2009, Thessaloniki, Greece, 9 p.
Stevens E. (2009), Governance of joined new product development projects:
enablers and limitations for inter-organisational learning, The XX ISPIM
Conference on the future of innovation, June 21-24, 2009, Vienna, Austria, 16
p.
Williams J., Assimakopoulos D. (2009), Discerning regional industrial
networks : an Internet based approach, 10 th International Federation of
Information Processing, Working Conference on Virtual Enterprises, PRO-
VE09, Thessaloniki, Grèce, October, 2009.
Assimakopoulos D. and Wu T. H., Key factors of VOIP adoption in Chinese
large companies : the cases of Air China and Harvest Fund, the 8 th Wuhan
International Conference on E-Business (WHICEB09), organized by the
Center for International Cooperation in E-Business (CICEB) of the China
University of Geosciences, Wuhan, China, May 2009.
Guidry B.N. (2008), Studying the economic impact of FTTH infrastructure:
A literature review and preliminary research agenda, Business Research
Yearbook: Proceedings of the Annual International Academy of Business
Disciplines Conference.
Lambert J. and Harrell A. (2008), Imported vs. domestic perfume in a low
CETSCALE environment, Proceedings of the Allied Academies International
Conference, 8, 1, 31, Academy for Studies in International Business, Tunica,
Mississipi, April 2008.
Nuq P. (2008), Services marketing in higher education, IACBE, Barcelona,
Spain.
Aubert B. (2007), Toward a better understanding of the effects of customer
education on usage behavior and satisfaction, Advances in Consumer
Research, 35, 920-921, Memphis, Etats-Unis, Association for Consumer
Research.
Chatelain Y. (2007), Génération Internet, Rencontres d’Autrans, France.
Gotzsch J. (2007), The balancing act of product discourse and performance,
Dancing with Disorder - Design, Disorder and Disaster, Izmir, Turkey,
European Academy of Design.
242

Conference Proceedings
Boudreaux D. and Lambert J. (2007), Should home mortgage interest and
property taxes be deductible for federal income taxes?, Allied Academies
International Conference, Proceedings of the Academy of Accounting and
Financial Studies, 12, 1 , 9, Jacksonville, Florida, April 2007.
Boudreaux D., Lambert J., Ward D. and Ward S. (2007), The costs of home
ownership and the deduction allowed for calculating federal income taxes:
The debate continues, Proceedings of the Allied Academies International
Conference, 12, 2, Academy of Accounting and Financial Studies, Reno,
Nevada, October 2007.
Lambert J. (2007), Lawyers : micro-firm entrepreneurs and their use of
technology, Allied Academies International Conference, Proceedings of the
Academy of Entrepreneurship, 13, 1, 29, Jacksonville, Florida, April 2007.
Lambert J., Klieb L. and Weber M. (2007), Regional influences upon the
selection of imported versus domestic seafood, Proceedings of the Allied
Academies International Conference, Academy for Studies in International
Business, 7, 2, 9. Reno, Nevada, October 2007.
Nuq P. and Androuchko V. (2007), Role of international organization in
the promotion and marketing of e-health services for developing countries,
Proceedings of the Conference Med-e-Tel, Luxembourg, April 18-20, 2007.
Chatelain Y. (2006), Internet en 2016, Rencontres d’Autrans, France.
Gotzsch J. (2006), Product attraction and sustainability, Wonderground, The
Design Research Society, Lisbon, Portugal.
Lambert J. (2006), The “new coke” Catholic church - A church management
failure to correct a rejected reformulation of the faith, Allied Academies
International Conference, Proceedings of the Academy of Strategic
Management, 5, 2, 15-19, Reno, Nevada, October 2006.
Lambert J. (2006), Are the U.S. Governments actions that impact Louisiana
fair and ethical? Allied Academies International Conference. Proceedings of
the Academy of Governmental and Not for Profit Issues, 2, 2, 11-16, Reno,
Nevada, October 2006.
Rovai S. (2006), HRM challenges in high-tech MNCs in China: The contextual
determinants, IAMOT Conference and Proceedings, Beijing.
Steiler D. and Duymedjian R. (2006), Le coaching : une pratique universelle ?
(Coaching: a universal practice?), 8 ème Université de Printemps de l’Institut
d’Audit Social (IAS), 365-372, Dakar, Senegal.
Aubert B., Khoury G. and Jaber R. (2005), Enhancing customer relationships
through customer education: An exploratory study, First international
conference on e-business and e-learning EBEL, 194-201, Amman, Jordanie,
PSUT / MEDFORIST (EUMEDIS).
Hennig-Thurau T., Honebein P. and Aubert B. (2005), Unlocking product
value through customer education, AMA 2005 Winter Marketing Educators’
Conference, San Antonio, Texas, Etats Unis.
Gotzsch J. (2005), Designed to be loved ... or not, University of Central
England, Birmingham, UK.
243

Publications
Argyropoulou M., Ioannou G., Prastacos G. P. and Soderquist K. E., A
structured methodology for ERP system evaluation and selection,
Proceedings of the Networking and Electronic Commerce Research Conference,
31-52, Lake Garda, Italy, October 2005.
Steiler D. (2005), L’évaluation du stress au travail : méthodes et outils
(Evaluation of occupational stress: methods and tools), 7ème université de
Printemps de l’Institut d’Audit Social (IAS), 613-624, Marrakech, Morocco.
Soparnot R. and Stevens E. (2005), Peut-on opérationnaliser l’apprentissage
organisationnel ? Une analyse du processus d’innovation de services, ASAC
Case Track, May 28, 2005, Toronto, Canada, ASAC, 190-208.
Gotzsch J. (2004), Designed to be loved... or not. 4 th International Conference
on Design and Emotion, Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey.
Gotzsch J. (2004), Developing a classification of product expression, 3 rd
Nordcode seminar, DTU Technical University, Lyngby, Danemark.
Rovai S. (2004), HRM in China: an institutional perspective, IESE
Globalization and MNCs Conference and Proceedings, Barcelona, Spain, 20-
22 July 2004.
Rovai S. and Von Zedwitz M. (2004), Personnel localization in China: Is
technology a determinant? PICMET 2004 Conference and Proceedings, Korea,
July 2004.
Philippidou S., Brachos D. and Soderquist K. E. (2004), From managerial
cognitions to managerial actions: A “community of practice” approach,
Proceedings of the Fourth European Academy of Management Conference
(EURAM), St. Andrews, UK, May 2004.
Gotzsch J. (2003), Managing product charisma: Fine-tuning the development
of meaningful products, 5 th European Academy of Design Conference,
University of Barcelona, Spain.
Brachos D., Kostopoulos K. and Soderquist K. E. (2003), Digital divide and
the future of the information society, Proceedings of the IFIP International
Conference: Information Systems Perspectives and Challenges in the Context
of Globalization, AUEB, June 2003.
Steiler D. and Rüling C. C. (2003), Fusion, stress et stratégies d’ajustement:
vers une perspective de recherche et d’innovation (Merger, stress and
adjustment strategies: Towards a perspective of research and innovation),
Congrès de l’AGRH, 3, 2247-2272. Grenoble, France.
Thérin F. (2003), Organizational learning and innovation in high-tech small
firms, Proceedings of the 36 th Hawaiian International Conference on System
Sciences, Computer Society Press.
Gotzsch J. (2002), Product charisma, Common Ground Design Research
Society International Conference, Brunel University, London, UK.
Soderquist K. E. and Prastacos G. P. (2002), Knowledge transfer in NPD
projects: Lessons from 12 global corporations, Proceedings of the Third
European Conference on Organizational Knowledge, Learning and
Capabilities, Greece, April 2002.
Thérin F. (2002), Learning organization and innovation performance in hightech
small firms, Proceedings of International Council for Small Business
Conference, Puerto Rico.
244

Conference Proceedings
Godener A. and Soderquist K. E. (2001), What is the actual use of performance
measurement in R&D and New Product Development?, Proceedings of the 8 th
International Product Development Conference, 333-347, Twente University,
Enschede, Netherlands, June 2001.
Jolly D., Chanaron J. J. and Soderquist K. E. (2001), Technological management:
A tentative research agenda, Proceedings of the Founding Conference of the
European Academy of Management, IESE Business School, University of
Navarra, Spain, April 2001.
Gotzsch J. (2000), Beautiful and meaningful products, Design plus Research
International Symposium on the Dimensions of Industrial Design Research,
Politecnici di Milano, Italy.
Gotzsch J. (1999), Design orientation in new product development, Quantum
Leap Design Research International Conference, University of Central
England, Birmingham, UK.
Gotzsch J. (1999), Creating products with symbolic value, Design Culture
3 th European Academy of Design Conference, Sheffield Hallam University,
Sheffield, UK.
Karlsson C., Nellore R. and Soderquist K. E. (1998), Visions: Do we really
understand their effects and consequences? Second EUROMA Conference on
Supply Management, 249-245, Dublin, June 1998.
Soderquist K. E. (1997), Learning situations in product development work:
Understanding the basic mechanisms for building core capabilities,
Proceedings of the 4 th International Product Development Conference, 747-766,
Stockholm School of Economics, Sweden, May 1997.
Soderquist K. E. (1996), Car component design: New demands facing
medium sized expert suppliers, Proceedings of The 3 rd International Product
Development Conference, 651-664, INSEAD, April 1996.
245

ohter Intellectual Contributions
II. OTHER INTELLECTUAL
CONTRIBUTIONS
Conferences without Proceedings
Bahhouth V., Maysami R. and Thomas S. (2012), Investigating the effect
of technology in reducing the working capital, International Academy of
Business and Public Administration Disciplines, April 2012.
Bahhouth V., Ziemnowicz C., and Zgheib Y. (2012), Are the Lebanese firms
copying with the global pressure? International Academy of Business and
Public Administration Disciplines, April 2012.
Bahhouth V., Ziemnowicz C., and Zgheib Y. (2012), Effect of culture and
traditions on consumer behavior in Kuwait, International Academy of
Business and Public Administration Disciplines, April 2012.
Bahhouth V., Spillan J., Khoueiri R, and Bahhouth J. (2012), An exploratory
study of students’ perception of international business curriculum – Case
of Lebanon, the 42 nd Annual Conference of Southeastern Decision Sciences
Institute, Columbia, March 2012.
Bahhouth V., Spillan J., Maysami R. and Randolph-Macon G. (2012),
Predictive power of personal factors in studying students’ perception of sales
profession in China, the 42 nd Annual Conference of Southeastern Decision
Sciences Institute, Columbia, March 2012.
Bahhouth V., Maysami R. and Yan S. (2012), An empirical study of the
financial characteristics of firms showing positive price movements
during declining markets, International Academy of Business and Public
Administration Disciplines, January 2012.
Davila-Ruiz D. (2012), The influence of place-of-origin on agricultural
products evaluation and the implications for purchase decisions: A Mexican
case, International Conference Place Branding, Special Edition Roots-
Politics-Methods, Utrecht, Netherlands, 20-21 January 2012.
Davila-Ruiz D. (2012), El escepticismo hacia la publicidad en jóvenes rumbo a
las elecciones, ANFECA Award 2012.
Davila-Ruiz D. (2012), El Escepticismo hacia la Publicidad en los Jóvenes, la
Búsqueda de un Marketing Inteligente: El Caso México, CLADEA 2012.
Lagrana F. (2012), Idiosyncratic distances and e-proximity: How close is too
close? The 7 th Organization Studies Summer Workshop: Organizations as
spaces of work, Rhodes, Greece, May 2012.
Bahhouth V., Spillan J. and Khoueiri R. (2011), Exploring students’ view of
the sales profession Lebanon, the 47 th Annual Conference of Southeastern
Chapter of the Institute for Operations Research and Management Sciences -
SE INFORMS,Myrtle Beach, October 2011.
246

Conferences without Proceedings
Bahhouth V., Maysami R. and Yan S. (2011), Examining the features of
resilient firms, the 47 th Annual Conference of Southeastern Chapter of the
Institute for Operations Research and Management Sciences - SE INFORMS,
Myrtle Beach, October 2011.
Bahhouth V. and Maysami R. (2011), Significance of the financial measures of
firms moving ip the stream, the Academy of Finance – International MBAA
Conference, Chicago, March 2011.
Bahhouth V. and Maysami R. (2011), Strategies to enhance effective delivery
of financial services: Customer relationship management of financial
services revisited, the Academy of Business Economics – International MBAA
Conference, Chicago, March 2011.
Bahhouth V., Spillan J. and Khoueiri R. (2011), Students’ perception of sales
profession in Lebanon, the Academy of International Business of the 47 th
MBAA Conference, Chicago, March 2011.
Brau-Mouret A., Kidwell D., Sabatier V., Walsh S. and Mangematin V.
(2011), A 4Ps convergence: from medical triage to holistic healthcare,
Commercialization of Micro-Nano Systems Conference (COMS 2011), August
28-31, 2011, Greensboro, North Carolina, USA.
Lagrana F. (2011), When e-mail crosses role boundaries, Third Annual DBA
Symposium, Grenoble Ecole de Management, 1 st -2 nd February 2011.
Bahhouth V. and Maysami R. (2010), A cross sectional study of financial
measures in predicting stocks’ riskiness during year 2008 crash period,
Allied Academies International Conference, New Orleans, April 2010.
Bahhouth V. and Maysami R. (2010), The significance of Altman measure
in explaining US stock price movement during 2008 stock crash period – A
cross sectional study, MBAA International conference, Chicago, March 2010.
Bahhouth V., Maysami R. and Bahhouth J. (2010), Significance of e-learning
in traditional classes, The International Academy of Business and Public
Administration Disciplines Conference, Dallas, April 2010.
Bahhouth V., Maysami R. and Khoueiry R. (2010), The relevance of beta and
financial measures in predicting the riskiness of S&P 500 stocks during the
downturn of year 2008, The International Academy of Business and Public
Administration Disciplines Conference, Dallas, April 2010.
Bahhouth V., Mensah E. and Ziemnowicz C. (2010), Are Ghanaian firms
copying with global pressure to improve logistic strategies? MBAA
International Conference, Chicago, March 2010.
Bahhouth V., Mensah E. and Ziemnowicz C. (2010), Effects of lifestyle, culture,
and tradition on consumer behavior in Ghana, The International Academy
of Business and Public Administration Disciplines Conference, Dallas, April
2010.
Bahhouth V., Mensah E. and Ziemnowicz C. (2010), Relevance of
ethnocentrism on Ghanaian buying habits, Southeast Decision Sciences
Institute, Wilmington, February 2010.
Bahhouth V., Mensah E., and Maysami R. (2010), Use of logistic strategy
among small manufacturing firms in Ghana, The American Institute of
Higher Education’s 4 th International Conference, Williamsburg, March 2010.
247

ohter Intellectual Contributions
Bahhouth V., Gonzalez R. and Khoueiry R. (2010), Assessing the validity of
financial measures in predicting the riskiness of NASDAQ stocks during the
market downturn of year 2008, SE-Informs, Myrtle Beach, October 2010.
Ogilvie K. and Planck B. (2010), Social network analysis of the Southern
California aerospace industry, iBAM Institute of Behavioral and Applied
Management 2010, October 2010.
Ogilvie K. (2010), Roundtable facilitator: Grade inflation and its effect on
academic institutions, iBAM Institute of Behavioral and Applied Management,
October 2010.
Ogilvie K. (2010), Closing the loop and continuous improvement with today’s
AACSB standards and expectations, 14 th Annual Assessment Conference,
March 2010.
Ogilvie K. (2010), Graduate human resources course from a traditional
setting to an online setting, Annual Technology in Education International
Conference (Tech Ed 2010), April 2010.
Bahhouth V. and Maysami R. (2009), Is the price earning ratio a better risk
indicator than beta during negative price swings? The Academy of Finance,
MBAA International Conference, Chicago, March 2009.
Bahhouth V. and Maysami R. (2009), Risk prediction capabilities of P/E
during market downturns, Allied Academies Conference, New Orleans, April
2009.
Bahhouth V. and Ziemnowicz C. (2009), A consumer behavior and
ethnocentricity in Lebanon and Kuwait, The Academy of International
Business, MBAA International Conference, Chicago, March 2009.
Doak S. and Assimakopoulos D. (2009), Knowledge renewal in social
networks, EURAM 2009, 9 th Conference, Renaissance & Renewal in
Management Studies, Liverpool, United Kingdom, 11-14 th May 2009.
Doak S. and Assimakopoulos D. (2009), Tacit knowledge: a needed addition
to standard operating procedures, EAFS 2009, Glasgow, Scotland, 9 th
September 2009.
Gotzch J. (2009), Education at undergraduate level in the present crisis, local
responses to global crisis, 17 th CEEMAN Annual Conference, Riga, Latvia, 24-
26 September 2009.
Harrell A. and Klieb L. (2009), What factors influence residential care/assisted
living facilities to reopen or stay closed after Hurricane Katrina/ Rita? SMA.
Ramirez J. and Lauren T. (2009), Social cohesion: An exploratory study of
foreign nurses in Denmark, ICN 24 th Quadrennial Congress, Leading Change:
Building Healthier Nations, Durban, South Africa, 27 June-4 July 2009.
Steiler D. (2009), Gestion du stress et recherche d’équilibre en coaching
(Stress management and search for balance in coaching), Colloque
Coaching de l’AEC, Association Européenne de Coaching, Grenoble, France,
16 juin 2009.
Wu T. H. (2009), Key factors of VoIP adoption in China large companies:
The cases of Air China and Harvest Fund, Eighth Wuhan International
Conference on e-Business, May 2009.
248

Conferences without Proceedings
Bahhouth V. and Maysami R. (2008), Are financial measures good predictors
of stock price movements? Evidence from stock market downturns, The
Academy of Finance, MBAA International Conference, Chicago, April 2008.
Bahhouth V. and Ziemnowicz C. (2008), A comparative analysis of
ethnocentricity in the Middle East, The 44 th Annual Conference of Southeastern
Chapter of the Institute for Operations Research and Management Sciences
Conference, Myrtle Beach, October 2008.
Bahhouth V. and Ziemnowicz C. (2008), Looking for a change : using financial
ratios to predict distressed stocks, The 44 th Annual Conference of Southeastern
Chapter of the Institute for Operations Research and Management Sciences
Conference, Myrtle Beach, October 2008.
Bahhouth V., Hamadeh M. and Khaita N. (2008), Studying the characteristics
of S&P 500 risky stocks during negative swings, International Academy of
Business and Public Administration Disciplines Conference, Dallas, April
2008.
Bahhouth V., Ziemnowicz C. and Maysami R. (2008), Effects of lifestyle,
culture, and tradition on consumer behavior in a developing nation, Results
from Lebanon, International Academy of Business and Public Administration
Disciplines Conference, Dallas, April 2008.
Bahhouth V., Ziemnowicz C. and Zgheib Y. (2008), Relevance of
ethnocentricity among consumers in Kuwait, SEDSI Conference, Orlando,
February 2008.
Bahhouth V., Ziemnowicz C. and Zgheib Y. (2008), The use of logistic
strategies by small manufacturing firms in developing countries: Case of
Lebanon, MBAA International Conference, Chicago, April 2008.
Davila D., Trendel O. (2008), The impact of c-executives’ babyfacedness on
purchase intention, Advances in Consumer Research, 37, Pittsburg, United
States of America, Association of Consumer Research.
Hui W., Fornerino M. (2008), The Chinese regional cultures subdivide the
television market, AMS Cultural Perspectives in Marketing Conference, New
Orleans.
Ogilvie K. and Khanin D. (2008), Social network effects on the internationalism
of venture capital firms, Academy of Management, August 2008, Anaheim
California.
Ramirez J. (2008), Educational institutions: A comparative management
study of England and France, Academy of Management Annual Meeting 2008,
Management Education and Development Division, Anaheim, California,
USA, 12-15 August 2008.
Ramirez J. and Dieck Assad M. (2008), Mexico’s war on/of violence and its
economic impacts, comparative perspectives on leadership, RISC -Regional
Integration and Social Cohesion, Université du Luxembourg, 12-15 November
2008.
Lampela H., Karkkainen H. and Stevens E. (2008), Effect of virtual teams for
learning in innovation: contributing and inhibiting factors, 5 th International
Conference on Intellectual Capital, Knowledge Management & Organisational
Learning, October 9-10, 2008, New-York City, USA.
249

ohter Intellectual Contributions
Stevens E. (2008), Service innovation, organisational learning and virtual
teams for learning, LMBS & Escem Research Workshop Developments in
Globalization, November 6-7, 2008, London, United Kingdom.
Bahhouth V. and Maysami R. (2007), Examining stocks price stability during
stock crash periods, The Academy of Economics and Finance Conference
(AEF), Jacksonville, Florida, February 2007.
Bahhouth V. and Maysami R. (2007), The cross validity of Altman’s modified
measure in identifying risky stocks, The International Academy of Business
and Public Administration Disciplines, Orlando, January 2007.
Bahhouth V., Ziemnowicz C. and Zgheib Y. (2007), The relevance of
ethnocentrism on consumer behavior in Lebanon, SEINFORMS Conference,
Myrtle Beach, October 2007.
Doak S. and Assimakopoulos D. (2007), The tacit dimensions of collaborative
network traffic, PRO-VE 2007, 8 th IFIP Working Conference on Virtual
Entreprises, Guimarães, Portugal, 10-12 th September 2007.
Ramirez J., Neubauer M. and Schmalzer T. (2007), Building bridges across
educational communities: World class in higher education, 4 th International
Conference on Intercultural Communication Competence.
Sekulović A. (2007), Economic Relations between the Russia Federation
and EU, European Union-Russia–the Challenges of a New Communication,
Association of the Foreign Policy, Germany, November 2007.
Sekulović A. (2007), The characteristics of Russian and Japanese business
- Comparative approach, Science, Education and Diplomacy in Function
of Euro-Atlantic Integrations, The European Academy of Science, Vienna,
Austria, April 2007.
Kyrgidou L., Hughes M., Prastacos G. P. and Soderquist K. E. (2007),Towards
a process model of strategic entrepreneurship, Academy of Management
Annual Meeting, Philadelphia, USA, August 2007.
Stevens E. (2007), An integrated perspective for CRM in service activites:
An internal/external gap model, 1 st Biannual International Conference on
Strategic Developments in Services Marketing, September 27-29, 2007, Chios
Island, Greece.
Stevens E. and Soparnot R. (2007), Analysing the conditions of emergence
of innovative projects: evidence from upstream stages of the NPD, 33 rd
European International Business Academy Annual Conference, December 13-
15, 2007, Catania, Italy.
Stevens E. and Soparnot R. (2007), Creating the conditions of the emergence
of innovative projects: evidence from upstream stages of the NPD, 18 th ISPIM
Conference on Innovation for Growth: the Challenges for East & West, June
17-20, 2007, Warsaw, Poland.
Stevens E., and Dimitriadis S. (2007), Antecedents of the relationship
expectations in the bank sector: proposal of a measurement procedure, 4 th
EIASM International Congress on Customer Relationship Management,
November 28, 2007, Brussels, Belgium.
Bahhouth V. (2006), Reliability of Altman’s modified measure in identifying
risky stocks, The International Academy of Business and Public Administration
Disciplines, Dallas, 2006.
250

Conferences without Proceedings
Bahhouth V., Hamadeh M. and Remeili (2006), The predictive power
financial measures in testing stocks’ irrational exuberance in traumas, The
International Academy of Business and Public Administration Disciplines,
Dallas, 2006.
Chatelain Y. (2006), Quelles attentes des salariés et des clients internes de
demain ? (What are the expectations of the employees and internal customers
of the future?), 23 November 2006, Lyon, France.
Doak S. and Assimakopoulos D. (2006), A tacit knowledge perspective on the
knowledge dynamics occurring within/beyond communities of practice in a
knowledge intensive environment, EuroMOT 2006, Aston Business School,
Birmingham, United Kingdom, September 2006.
Doak S. and Assimakopoulos D. (2006), How do forensic scientists learn
to become competent in casework reporting in practice: a theoretical and
empirical approach, European Academy of Forensic Sciences 2006, Helsinki,
Finland, June 2006.
Lambert J. (2006), Report 2004 Louisiana State Bar Association Legal
Technology Survey, Louisiana State Bar Association Board of Governor’s
Conference, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, January 2006.
Ortloff N. (2006), Encouraging international e-commerce through a realtime
landed cost engine, International Business Information Management
Association Conference, Brescia, Italy, December 2006.
Corrales M. and Ramirez J. (2006), Assessing effectiveness in distance
learning, 2 nd International Conference on Intercultural Communication
Competence, Implications for Learning and Teaching in a Globalized World,
Graz, Austria, 6-7 April 2006.
Hansen K., Ramirez J. and Anuradha N. H. (2006), Cultural differences
in three educational systems: A focus on the GLOBE scores for societies,
Academy of Management Annual Meeting 2006, Atlanta, Georgia, USA, 11-
16 August 2006.
Olivas-Lujan M., Ramirez J. and Zapata L. (2006), Electronic HRM in Mexico
- a tentative research agenda, First European Academic Workshop on e-HRM,
University of Twente, The Netherlands, 25-26 October 2006.
Brachos D., Prastacos G. P. and Soderquist K. E. (2006), Can knowledge
transfer be effective in organizational units? Organizational context and
innovation, Academy of Management Meeting, Atlanta, USA, July 2006.
Soderquist K. E., Katsikis I. and Prastacos G. P. (2006), Innovation hot spots:
The case of the computer services sector in the region of Attica, Greece, 46 th
Congress of the European Regional Science Association (ERSA), Volos, Greece,
September 2006.
Soderquist K. E., Papalexandris A., Ioannou G. and Kyrgidou L., Implementing
a competency framework in the maritime sector, Academy of Management
Meeting, Atlanta, USA, July 2006.
Stevens E., Karkkainen H. and Lampela H., Learning and knowledge
generation in virtual innovation teams, 17 th ISPIM Conference, June 11-14,
2006, Athens, Greece.
251

ohter Intellectual Contributions
Stevens E. (2006), Les technologies interactives: impact sur la relation, gestion
multi-canal, éthique, Conférence ANVIE, September 26, 2006, Paris, France.
Stevens E., Innovation et innovations : une entreprise innovante est une
entreprise apprenante, Conférence CCIT Innovation de Services, March 27,
2006, Paris, France.
Stevens E., Potentiel contributions and pitfalls of virtual teams for new
product development, ST Micro Electronics, March 23, 2006, Tours, France.
Stevens E., Quelques éléments d’une économie de la relation, 2ème forum de
partage d’expérience entre utilisateurs d’applications de CRM, June 21, 2006,
Paris, France.
Bahhouth V. (2005), Does the personal profile of people play a significant
role in defining a country’s specific factors in emerging markets: Case of the
Lebanese stock market? The International Academy of Business and Public
Administration Disciplines, Dallas, May 2005.
Doak S. and Assimakopoulos D. (2005), How do forensic scientists learn to
investigate murder, arson and drugs cases in practice? The R&D Management
Conference 2005, Pisa, Italy, July 2005.
Olivas-Lujan M., Ramirez J. and Zapata L. (2005), Human resources and
information technology in Mexico – a tentative research agenda, Academy
of Management Professional Development Workshop, Hawaii, USA, 5-10
August 2005.
Soderquist K. E., Ioannou G., Kyrgidou L. and Papalexandris A., What do
competencies look like? Developing and applying a typology of job-related
competencies, Managing Global Trends and Challenges in a Turbulent
Economy – An International Conference, The University of the Aegean, Hios,
Greece, 13-15 October 2005.
Soderquist K. E., Papalexandris A., Prastacos G. P., Vakola M. and Vozikis
G., Olympic Games 2004 : when the old values met the new, 11 th Meeting of
the Eastern Academy of Management, Cape Town, South Africa, June 2005.
Soderquist K. E., Philippidou S. and Prastacos G.P., Towards a holistic
theoretical framework for the unfolding of planned change, Academy of
Management Annual Meeting, Honolulu, Hawaii, August 2005.
Stevens E. (2005), Sensemaking and learning processes while innovating in
retailing, 16 th ISPIM Conference, June 19-22, 2005, Porto, Portugal.
Stevens E., Extension of the concept of design for new service development:
the design of experiences, Integrated Marketing Seminar: Managing Markets
in Turbulent Times, January 14-15, 2005, Ahmedabad, India.
Ramirez J. (2004), Neo-contingency theory of technology, culture and
training policies and practices: An Anglo-French study, International
Symposium on Human Resources and Economic Success: Contribution from
Different Disciplines and Different National Environments, University of
Paderborn, Germany, 27-28 February 2004.
Ramirez J. and Flores M. (2004), Change in the educational scheme from a
traditional to a collaborative education system : case study of the management
department at the ITESM campus Monterrey, 4 th International Conference on
Networked Learning, Lancaster University, UK, 5-7 April 2004.
252

Conferences without Proceedings
Ramirez J. and Fornerino M. (2004), A neo-contingency HRM Anglo-French
comparison, XVII International Congress International Association for
Cross-Cultural Psychology, Xi’an, China, 2-6 August 2004.
Ramirez J. and Loa H. (2004), The effect of manager´s motivation and school
education shaping managerial behavior, XVII International Congress
International Association for Cross-Cultural Psychology, Xi’an, China, 2-6
August 2004.
Sadowsky J. (2004), Entrepreneur to leader: making the transition, Europe
Unlimited Nordic Venture Academy, Copenhagen, Denemark, 26 September
2004.
Sadowsky J. (2004), Leadership and power: some fresh perspectives,
Universidad Catolica Leadership Forum, Buenos Aires, Argentina, 19 August
2004.
Soderquist K. E., Vakola M., Papalexandris A. and Prastacos G. P., Compete:
The development of an integrated, forward-looking approach to competency
management for the banking sector, CRANET International conference:
Human Resource Management in a Knowledge Based Economy, Ljubljana,
Slovenia, June 2004.
Stevens E. (2004), Organising the organisational learning for supporting new
service development, from research to consultancy, Annual Conference of
ISPIM, June 20-24, 2004, Oslo, Norway.
Ramirez J. (2003), Divergent and convergent theories: An Anglo-French study
of recruitment and selection in high-tech vs. low-tech firms, Second Techno
& HRM International Conference, CERAM, Sophia-Antipolis, France, 19-23
May 2003.
Rovai S. (2003), Managing people in the PRC in the international HRM
scenario, EIASM HR Conference.
Rovai S. (2003), Recruitment and retention for MNCs in the PRC, IAMOT –
International Association for the Management of Technology, Nancy, France,
May 2003.
Sekulović A. (2003), Foreign Investments in the Russian Market, Modern
Economy of Russia, Megatrend University, Belgrade, International Press
Center, April 2003.
Soderquist K. E., Brachos D. and Prastacos G. P., Knowledge sharing networks’
(KSNs) critical success factors: A comprehensive study of knowledge work,
4 th European Conference on Knowledge Management, Oxford University, UK,
September 2003.
Soderquist K. E., The transformation of public management and the effects on
leadership vs. management: A Greek example, American Society for Public
Administration (ASPA) Conference: The power of public service, Washington
DC, USA, March 2003.
Jolly D. and Thérin F. (2003), New ventures’ technology sourcing: Exploring
the effect of absorptive capacity, learning attitude and past performance,
Frontiers of Entrepreneurship, Babson College.
Zimmermann L. F. “Bill”, Klieb L. and Chanaron J. J. (2003). A cross-industry
benchmark for managerial effectiveness, Southern Management Association
2003 Annual Conference, Clearwater Beach, Florida, November 2003.
253

ohter Intellectual Contributions
Ramirez J. (2002), Academic-industry interaction two examples found in
Mexico, 4 th Triple Helix Conference, Copenhagen Business School, Denmark,
6-9 November 2002.
Ramirez J. (2002), Changes in Mexican human resources management
practices due to technology, 11 th International Conference on Management
of Technology, IAMOT 2002, Miami Beach, Florida, USA, 10-14 March 2002.
Ramirez J. (2002), Translation of a questionnaire for cross-cultural research,
16 th IACCP 2002 Congress, Yogyakarta, Indonesia, 15-19 July 2002.
Soderquist K. E., Prastacos G. P. and Philippidou S., Exploring the organization
– Environment link: Change as coevolution, Second European Academy of
Management Conference, Stockholm School of Entrepreneurship, Sweden,
May 2002.
Soderquist K. E., Prastacos G. P. and Spanos I., Understanding organizational
capabilities : an architectural perspective, 22 nd Annual International
Conference of the Strategic Management Society, Paris, France, September
2002.
Nellore R., Karlson C. and Soderquist K. E. (1999), Systems suppliers: Myths
and realities, IEEE EMS International Engineering Management Conference,
1-35, Puerto-Rico, May 1999.
Nellore R., Motwani J. and Soderquist K. E. (1998), The intellectual work
of product development, Eighth International Forum on Technology
Management.
Dimitriadis S. and Soderquist K. E., Communication activities in European
firms : the case of France , International Conference on Communication
Activities in European Firms, 154-168, University of Venice, Italy, December
1995.
Chanaron J. J. and Soderquist K. E., Research partnership between business
and business schools in France : from traditional to innovative practices, First
EDAMBA Euroconference, 1-11, Rotterdam, The Netherlands, April 1994.
Working Papers
Important notification: Please note that for some of the working papers
listed below we were not able to collect the release dates.
Baker D.S and Chanaron J.J., A comparative examination of collective
performance expectancy and individual performance expectancy related to
technology utilization within an organizational sales setting, Working paper.
Baker D.S. and Carson K.D., Organizational attachment, achievement
oriented adaptability and individual long term orientation in the workplace,
Working paper.
Baker D.S., A second order latent model of contextual utilization of technology,
Working paper.
Baker D.S., A social influence model of multidimensional technology utilization
within a multinational business-to-business salesforce, Working paper.
254

Working Papers
Baker D.S., Cognitive absorption and organizational sales management
technology utilization: A multidimensional perspective, Working paper.
Baker D.S., Multidimensional infusion of sales management technology:
frequency, emphasis, and hesitation, Working paper.
Baker D.S., Proactive personality, achievement orientation, and time
orientation: Individual traits related to technological cognitive absorption,
Working paper.
Baker D.S., Technological intelligence and adaptability: An integrative model
of cognition, motivation, and behavior based on cultural intelligence theory,
Working paper.
Benhaim M. (1997), Vicious circles and imbalances in the construction
industry, Henley Management College, Working papers series.
Benhaim M. (1995), A comparative analysis of the network concept and
implications within three different theoritical frameworks: Industrial
economics, strategic management and organisational behaviour, Les
Working papers du DBA, Groupe ESC Grenoble.
Firman E. (1998), On the diversification of non-financial companies into the
financial services industry: a review of the related literature, Research paper,
Henley Management College, Working Paper Series.
Gotzsch J. (2005), Desirable product characteristics: from ergonomics to
symbolic value, Working papers. Helsinki University of Arts and Design.
Gotzsch J. (2004), Managing product charisma: the Philips and Signal cases,
Working papers, Grenoble Ecole de Management.
Gotzsch J. (2002), Product charisma, Working papers, Grenoble Ecole de
Management.
Guerrier G. (1995), Interest and limitations of transaction costs theory for
channel length decision: A literature review, Working paper.
Ming Q. (2008), The operating principle of self-floating barometric buoy and
its application in repairing of lock floor, Shanghai water IV.
Ortloff N. (2010), e-franchising and its contribution to strengthening CRM,
Working paper.
Ortloff N. (2010), International e-franchising: An Internet business model for
SMEs, Working paper.
Ramirez J., Implementation of ERP systems in the Health Sector: A Cross-
National Comparison, Working paper.
Ramirez J., Motivation on Knowledge Management Sharing: A cross-cultural
Comparison between Spain Specialized Lectures, Working paper.
Ramirez J., The impact of business education on firms’ training programs:
A cross-cultural comparison between France and England, Working paper.
Rovai S., Doing business and managing people in the PRC, HAME
Polytechnic-Finland, Hame Working Papers 2000.
Philippidou S., Soderquist K. E., Prastacos G. P., Exploring the organization
environment link : change as coevolution, Working papers Grenoble Ecole
de Management.
255

Ohter intellectual contributions
Soderquist K. E., Chanaron J. J., Brichall D., Automotive components
suppliers facing the learning challenge, Working papers Grenoble Ecole de
Management.
Soderquist, K. E., Strategic alliances and new organisation for product
development: A literature review, Les working papers du DBA
Soderquist K. E., Chanaron J. J., Nellore R., Lean supply and price based
global sourcing - the interconnection, Working papers Grenoble Ecole de
Management.
Soderquist K. E., Nellore R., Strategic outsourcing through specifications,
Working papers Grenoble Ecole de Management.
Steiler D. (2003), French version of the Occupational Stress indicator:
preliminary study on reliability and validity assessment, Working papers,
SPR/WPS 03614, Grenoble Ecole de Management.
Steiler D. (2003), Etude des types de personnalité MBTI des étudiants en
école supérieure de commerce. (Study on the MBTI personality types of the
students of the business school, Working papers. SPR/WPS 03-03. Grenoble
Ecole de Management.
Steiler D. (2001), Stress et entreprises high-tech: évaluation du stress
professionnel dans un service support (Stresss and high tech firms: evaluation
of occupational stress in a backing service), Working papers, SPR/WPS 01-05,
Grenoble Ecole de Management.
Jolly D. and Thérin F. (2003), New ventures’ technology sourcing: Exploring
the effect of absorptive capacity, learning attitude and past performance,
Working paper.
Dalglish C. and Thérin F. (2003), Is Australian leadership different? Working
paper.
Dalglish C. and Thérin F. (2003), Leadership, organisational learning and
performance in small and medium firms, Working paper.
Zimmermann L. F. “Bill”, Klieb L. and Chanaron J. J., Great expectations: Are
you meeting your employees’ needs? , Working paper.
Other
(case studies, reports, newspaper articles, etc.)
Chatelain Y. (2013), La génération qui change les codes, Le Dauphiné Libéré, 3.
Baydoun M. (2012), Systemizing reactive risk management of large-scale
development projects in developing countries, Management Science
Laboratory of Athens University of Economics and Business, Available at:
http://www.msl.aueb.gr/
Chatelain Y. (2012), Affaire Amanda Todd & Anonymous, iejnews.com, 1.
Chatelain Y. (2012), Les réseaux sociaux levier de productivité pour les
entreprises ? Journal des grandes écoles, 1.
256

Other (case studies, reports, newspaper articles, etc.)
Pulcrano J. (2012), Entrepreneurs, comment créer votre réseau idéal? Le
Temps, Geneva, 27 janvier 2012.
Sadowsky J. (2012), Using storytelling to coach leadership self-expression,
Trainingzone, May 2012
Sadowsky J. and Graham J. (2012), Marmite and social media marketing : The
British National Party incident, ECCH, The case for learning
Aubert B. (2011), DBA Special Issue – Editorial: Achieving personal &
professional development, Business Leadership Review, 84, 1.
Chatelain Y. (2011), GEM lance une formation aux réseaux sociaux, Le
Dauphiné Libéré, 7.
Chatelain Y. (2011), La cybercriminalité: état des lieux et enjeux, INHESJ /
ONDRP – Rapport 2011: 777-779.
Lagrana F. (2011), Les sept péchés capitaux du courrier électronique, Les
Echos, 29 th November 2011.
Pizarro N. (2011), Sostenibilidad Ambiental y Responsibilidad Social
Empresarial, El Espectador, pp.152.
Barrand J., Deglaine J. and Ferrante G. (2010), Ok-Auto, Institut d’Agilité des
Organisations, Ref. G 1659.
Wu T. H. (2010), Technological communities and network, Assimakopoulos D.,
Tsinghua University Press, Book translation into Chinese.
Boucher R. and Stevens E. (2009), La SNCF développe sa relation client
multicanal, in Peelen E., Jallat F., Stevens E. et al. (2009), Gestion de la
relation client, 3 e éd., Paris, Pearson Education, pp.321-324.
Chen Y. and Zhang X. (2009), Internet Enabled Personal Choice - The
Culmination of Domesticated Information and Communication
Domesticated Information and Communication Technologies, Electrical
Engineering and Computer Sciences, University of California at Berkeley,
Technical Report No. UCB/EECS-2009-146.
Aubert B. (2008), Former ses consommateurs pour mieux les fidéliser, Le
Dauphiné Libéré, 11.
Steiler D. (2008), Audit du stress professionnel, GEM - IDPM, Paris, France, 55.
Aubert B. (2007), Results of the e-learning initiative: a survey realized on
behalf of the European Commission, European Commission, D.G. Education
and Culture, Grenoble.
Stevens E. (2007), Les clés pour manager un centre d’appels, Le Journal Du
Net [en ligne], 19 Juin 2007.
Jallat F., Volle P. and Stevens E. (2006), L’art de la croissance (3/5) : redécouvrir
le potentiel client, Les Echos, 30/11/2006, suppl. n°19805, pp.1-2.
Aubert B. and Ray D. (2002), Quarkium Industry, Grenoble Ecole de
Management.
Nellore R. (2001), Digital procurement - A stand alone practice? - An example
of sourcing Paper, PRACTIX, CAPS Research, March 2001.
257

Ohter intellectual contributions
Nellore R. (2000), Managing research and development, Financial Times,
Mastering Management Section, December 2000.
Soderquist K. E. (2000), Frankrike tar steget in i en ny ekonomi (France
enters the New Economy), Fokus på Arbetet, Swedish Council for Workplace
Research, 4.
Nellore R. (1999), Letter to the editor on Porters Article on Clusters, Harvard
Business Review, March 1999.
Soderquist K. E. (1999), Stress på jobbet även i Frankrike (Work Place Stress
Also in France), Du & Jobbet, n° 8.
Wu T. H., Ctrip.com: the market leader in China online travel market, MBA
case study.
258

259

This work has been coordinated by Delphine Vidal
based on an original concept by Benoit Aubert.
Project Coordinator for the DIKOMO: Claudia Vance.
Translation, proof-reading and copy-editing:
George Room, Claudia Vance and Elisabeth Nevins Caswell.
Design and layout by Philippe Tur - turphilippe@me.com.
Photo credit: Alexis Chézière, Prisme / Pierre Jayet , Cover:© oliman1st - Fotolia.com
Printed by Imprimerie du Pont de Claix in April 2013

2nd
2013
edition
DBA
DOCTORALKNOWLEDGEFACTORY
The Doctorate of Business Administration was set up in 1993 at
Grenoble Ecole de Management with the main objective of offering
executives and academics an opportunity to leverage their careers and/
or to make a transition into the highest levels of academia.
This second edition of the “Doctoral Knowledge Factory” guide summarizes
our achievements from 20 years of investment and work in this program.
The profile of each alumnus is presented and their doctoral research is
summarized. Also, more than 650 intellectual contributions – books,
research papers, conferences, etc. – produced by our alumni are presented,
demonstrating the rigor and relevance of the DBA program.
The guide will be helpful to anyone interested in understanding
the role of the Grenoble Ecole de Management DBA programs
and their contribution to applied research.
This work has been coordinated by Delphine Vidal
based on an original concept by Benoit Aubert.
Founding Member