Performance Analysis of Knowledge-Based Firms: The Case of Tehran Science and Technology Park Firms
Subject Areas : Business ManagementHormat Asghari 1 , Karamollaa Daneshfard 2 , Naser Mirsepasi 3
1 - Graduated from Public Administration, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch of Tehran, Iran
2 - Professor of Public Administration, Islamic Azad University, Department of Science and Research, Tehran, Iran
3 - Professor of Public Administration, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch of Tehran, Iran
Keywords: Science and Technology Parks, Knowledge-based firms, performance analysis, qualitative-quantitative approaches,
Abstract :
Performance analysis is a crucial requirement in the development of Science and Technology Parks. Having employed both qualitative and quantitative techniques, this mix-method developmental and applied study was undertaken to analyze the performance of knowledge-based firms in Science and Technology Parks based on the performance evaluation model. The model system used was designed based on a sound review of the theoretical background, documentary analysis and interviews with 17 experts in the field. To evaluate the model and the status quo, a fieldwork questionnaire was distributed among 260 experts and managers in Tehran Science and Technology Parks. The collected data were analyzed via Structural Equation Modeling. The results of the interviews revealed that the experts identified the system model as the best model for assessing the performance of knowledge-based companies; this template was developed in the form of inputs, processes and outputs along with related indicators which were further evaluated. At the stage of pathology, the identified variables were scrutinized among which Human Resource Management (HRM) was found to be less efficiently functioning compared to other variables. HRM comprises employment of qualified human resources and adequately maintaining and organizing them to facilitate cooperation, which were found to be far from adequacy. The findings offer some implications for effective management of Science and Technology Parks.
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Angle, T. (2003), Evaluation of the Past Future Economic Contributionof the UK Science Park Movement. London: UK Science Park Association.
Bergek, A., & Charlotte, N. (2008), Incubator Best Practice: A Framework. Technovation, 28, 20-28.
Bigliardi, B., Dormio, A. I., Nosella, A., & Petroni, G. (2006), Assessing Science Parks Performances: Directions from Selected Italian Case Studies.Technovation, 26, 489-505.
Chan, K., & Lau, T. (2005), Assessing Technology Incubator Programs in the Science Park: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly. Technovation, 25, 1215-1228.
Dettwiler, P., Lindelof, P., & Lofsten, H. (2006), Utility of Location: A Comparative Survey between Small New Technology-Based Firms Located on and off Science Parks-Implications Forfacilities, Management. Technovation, 506-517.
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Lalkaka, R. (1996), Technology Business Incubators: Critical Determinants of Success .Annals of the. New York Academy Sciences, 798, 270-290.
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Lindelöf, P., & Löfsten, H. (2003), Science Park Location and New Technology-Based Firms in Sweden-Implications for Strategy and Performance. Small Business Economics, 245-258.
Mahdavi, H., Sheykh Zeynoddin, M., & Khodabandeh, L. (2011), An Analysis of Science & Technology Parks Through the Evaluation Results of K-Based Companies in STPs. Roshd-e-Fannavari, 27, 53-60, (In Persian).
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Malekzadeh, Gh., & Kazemi, M. (2010), Factors Influencing Early Stage Performance of Small Firms Case Study: (Science and Technology Parks Incubators Small Firms). Explorations of Business Management, 3, 163-188, (In Persian).
Macdonald, S., & Deng, Y. (2004), Science Parks in China: A cautionary Exploration. TechnologyIntelligence and Planning.
Monck, C., & Peters, K. (2009), Science Parks as an Instrument of Regional Competitiveness: Measuring Success and Impact. Annual Conference Proceedings.
Neely, A. (2002), Business PerformanceMeasurement. London: Cambridge University Press.
Nahavandi, H., Eslami Nosratabadi, M., & Abbasian Pourdarab, S. (2012), Design of an Intelligent System for Evaluation of Science Parks. International Journal of Industrial Engineering & Production Research, 23, 73-83, (In Persian).
Naman, J. L., & Slevin, D.P.(1993), Entrepreneurship and the Concept of Fit: A Model and Empirical Tests. Strategic Management Journal, 14(2), 137-153.
Oneal, T. (2005), Assessing the Impact of University Technology Incubator Practices on Client Performance. PhD Thesis, Florida: University of Central Florida.
Salami, S. R., Beh-Gozin, S. A., & Shafiei, M. (2012), Recognition and Evaluation the Critical Success Factors in Iran Science and Technology Parks in the Point of Views of Some Experts, Roshd-e-Fannavri, 29, 63-72, (In Persian).
Soltani, B. (2002), Introduction to Growth Centers, Science and Technology Parks and Towns. Isfahan Science and Technology Town Pub.
Staton, M. (1996), Science Park Evaluation and Goal Oriented Project Planning. Brighton: Technopolis, (In Persian).
Ulrich, D., Brockbank, W., Johnson, D., & Younger, J. (2009),Human Resource Competencies. Translated by: M., Binesh, & A., Dabiri, Tehran, Saramd Pub.
Wessner, C. W.(1999), Review of the Sandia Science and Technology Park. USA: National Research Council Staf: National Academies Press.
Zarei, B., & chaghuee, Y.(2014), Organizational Diagnosis in Project-Based Companies (Case Study). Journal of Development Evolution Management, 16, 41-49, (In Persian).
_||_Amirahmadi, H., & Saff, G. (1993), Science Parks: A Critical Assessment. Journal of Planning Literature, 107-123,(In Persian).
Angle, T. (2003), Evaluation of the Past Future Economic Contributionof the UK Science Park Movement. London: UK Science Park Association.
Bergek, A., & Charlotte, N. (2008), Incubator Best Practice: A Framework. Technovation, 28, 20-28.
Bigliardi, B., Dormio, A. I., Nosella, A., & Petroni, G. (2006), Assessing Science Parks Performances: Directions from Selected Italian Case Studies.Technovation, 26, 489-505.
Chan, K., & Lau, T. (2005), Assessing Technology Incubator Programs in the Science Park: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly. Technovation, 25, 1215-1228.
Dettwiler, P., Lindelof, P., & Lofsten, H. (2006), Utility of Location: A Comparative Survey between Small New Technology-Based Firms Located on and off Science Parks-Implications Forfacilities, Management. Technovation, 506-517.
Eshun, J. P. (2004), Where Do Business Incubators Come From?. PhD Thesis, New York: Columbia University.
Eslami Nosratabadi, H., Abbasian, M., & Pourdarab, S. (2011), Evaluation of Science and TechnologyParks by Using Fuzzy Expert System. The Journal of Mathematics and Computer Science, 4, (In Persian).
Harrison, A. (2002), Case Study Research. Essential Skills for Management Research.
Hunt, J. L. (2005), Human Resource Management: An Exploration of Strategic Human Resource Management. Master Thesis, Grand Valley State University.
Karami, A., Analoui, F., & Cusworth, J. (2004), Strategic Human Resource Management and Resource-based Approach: The Evidence from the British Manufacturing Industry. Management Research News, 27(6), 50-68, (In Persian).
Krishnan, S., & Singh, M. (2004), Strategic HRM: Three-Stage Process & Influencing Organizational Factors. Indian Institute Management.
Guy, K. (1996), The Science Park Evaluation Handbook.
Kang, B. J. (2004), A Study on the Establishing Development Model for Research Parks. Journal of Technology Transfer, 29, 203-210.
Lalkaka, R. (1996), Technology Business Incubators: Critical Determinants of Success .Annals of the. New York Academy Sciences, 798, 270-290.
Lalkaka, R. (2001), Venture Creation and Growth through Business Incubators and Technology Parks. Available at: http://waitro.dti.dk/.
Lindelöf, P., & Löfsten, H. (2003), Science Park Location and New Technology-Based Firms in Sweden-Implications for Strategy and Performance. Small Business Economics, 245-258.
Mahdavi, H., Sheykh Zeynoddin, M., & Khodabandeh, L. (2011), An Analysis of Science & Technology Parks Through the Evaluation Results of K-Based Companies in STPs. Roshd-e-Fannavari, 27, 53-60, (In Persian).
Malekzadeh, Gh. (2005), Science and Technology Parks and Incubators Performance Evaluation. Roshd-e-Fannavri, 3, 20-26, (In Persian).
Malekzadeh, Gh., & Kazemi, M. (2010), Factors Influencing Early Stage Performance of Small Firms Case Study: (Science and Technology Parks Incubators Small Firms). Explorations of Business Management, 3, 163-188, (In Persian).
Macdonald, S., & Deng, Y. (2004), Science Parks in China: A cautionary Exploration. TechnologyIntelligence and Planning.
Monck, C., & Peters, K. (2009), Science Parks as an Instrument of Regional Competitiveness: Measuring Success and Impact. Annual Conference Proceedings.
Neely, A. (2002), Business PerformanceMeasurement. London: Cambridge University Press.
Nahavandi, H., Eslami Nosratabadi, M., & Abbasian Pourdarab, S. (2012), Design of an Intelligent System for Evaluation of Science Parks. International Journal of Industrial Engineering & Production Research, 23, 73-83, (In Persian).
Naman, J. L., & Slevin, D.P.(1993), Entrepreneurship and the Concept of Fit: A Model and Empirical Tests. Strategic Management Journal, 14(2), 137-153.
Oneal, T. (2005), Assessing the Impact of University Technology Incubator Practices on Client Performance. PhD Thesis, Florida: University of Central Florida.
Salami, S. R., Beh-Gozin, S. A., & Shafiei, M. (2012), Recognition and Evaluation the Critical Success Factors in Iran Science and Technology Parks in the Point of Views of Some Experts, Roshd-e-Fannavri, 29, 63-72, (In Persian).
Soltani, B. (2002), Introduction to Growth Centers, Science and Technology Parks and Towns. Isfahan Science and Technology Town Pub.
Staton, M. (1996), Science Park Evaluation and Goal Oriented Project Planning. Brighton: Technopolis, (In Persian).
Ulrich, D., Brockbank, W., Johnson, D., & Younger, J. (2009),Human Resource Competencies. Translated by: M., Binesh, & A., Dabiri, Tehran, Saramd Pub.
Wessner, C. W.(1999), Review of the Sandia Science and Technology Park. USA: National Research Council Staf: National Academies Press.
Zarei, B., & chaghuee, Y.(2014), Organizational Diagnosis in Project-Based Companies (Case Study). Journal of Development Evolution Management, 16, 41-49, (In Persian).