Brychan Thomas

• PhD
• Professor at University of South Wales

This study investigates different approaches to University business partnerships in the United Kingdom (UK). The research documents links universities have with companies in terms of industrial research, knowledge transfer, and other forms of external collaborative partnerships, and what these links are. The objectives of the paper are to provide a...

This research study is a timely exploration into the factors affecting the sustainability of the Medical Technology FDI Company base in Ireland, delving into the reasons why FDI chooses to locate and remain in a location. The Medical Technology sector was specifically chosen as it is an important sector for Ireland both in terms of employment and e...

Aims/Purpose/Scope: The purpose of this research was to explore the effects of COVID-19 on nascent entrepreneurial intent in the UK. Design/Methodology/Approach: The methodology used to investigate the effects of COVID-19 on nascent entrepreneurial intent in the UK was qualitative research, in the form of semi-structured interviews. A sample of nas...

Research into formal and informal technology transfer between universities and industry in economical developed counties is well-documented. However, such studies are limited in developing economies. In the context of developing economies, this study analyses technology transfer offices' role in university technology transfer to Ghanaian firms. Inf...

MultiNational Companies (MNCs) seek to optimise their return on overseas investment by applying stringent techniques for assessing the suitability of new markets. The growth over the last decade in global foreign direct investment (FDI), points to an increasing need by MNCs to find appropriate overseas locations to serve fragmented local markets an...

Research into formal and informal technology transfer between universities and industry in economical developed counties is well-documented. However, such studies are limited in number in developing economies. In the context of developing economies, this study analyses technology transfer offices’ role in university technology transfer to Ghanaian...

Given the current levels and future requirements of R&D in Wales this paper focuses on the Welsh Government (WG) priority areas of energy and health sector firms. In the light of current knowledge of R&D levels it considers: (i) the future requirements of R&D in Wales in terms of economic strategies and industrial trends, and (ii) the specific R&D...

This study seeks to investigate firm-level innovation, exploring whether social relationships located in knowledge networks influence the transfer of university knowledge to Ghanaian firms. Firms' informal relationships with universities have been under-researched in developing economies. The extant literature suggests that informal relationships i...

This paper investigates the relationship between marketing and culture in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and whether culture has an effect on advertising in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The study examines, with special focus on advertising, whether SMEs in GCC countries are applying (practicing) marketing principles and...

This research paper explores French consumer behaviour towards organic food with a particular focus on Brittany. The paper evaluates the demand towards these types of products as well as understanding the main motives for organic food consumption. The research question investigates: 'What are the main drivers in consumer behaviour that influence or...

This article explores the role of ‘periodisations’ in the development of HRM in the Latvian public sector and consists of a series of ‘elite interviews’ with leading ‘actors’ identifying further ‘periodisations’ which are ‘mapped’ in an evolutionary framework. Immediately following independence in 1990 was a ‘void’ period and a time of turmoil. The...

Purpose-The aim of this paper is to investigate the importance of research and development activity in Health sector small and medium-sized companies in Wales. Design/methodology/approach-The case study approach involved extensive examination of the phenomenon of research and development in the organisations researched. Data for the case studies ha...

Although advertising is seen as the most important element of the marketing mix in terms of cultural boundaries; many advertisers have negatively affected the advertising industry in the GCC. There have been advertisements that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have adopted for their own use which do not relate to the culture. The question...

This paper considers strategic green issues of teleworking in terms of the environment, transport, location, office space and resource use for modern organisations and business sectors and formulates a conceptual model of the processes involved. Teleworking technologies are variously implemented for green computing initiatives and many advantages i...

Human resources (HR) management professionals have been using different methods of social media (SM) in their recruitment strategies with varying degrees of success. Through examining SM and its effect, this can support the development of a more effective HR recruitment strategy. This research investigates effects and issues associated with SM and...

This chapter investigates effects and issues associated with social media and recruitment and whether it is effective as an innovative e-entrepreneurship method of attracting the right employees for enterprises from a multi stakeholder perspective. Human resources management professionals have been using different methods of social media in their r...

The research reported in this paper was undertaken to investigate the importance of teleworking as an innovative work practice in small business enterprises (SBEs) in South Wales. In order to accomplish this the research uses a qualitative research approach which employed an online focus group and in-depth interviews through questionnaires and inte...

A long-term or close and intense relationship with banks could help overcome the main problems like asymmetric information. Using collateral is another way to overcome the effects of asymmetric information. The findings show that having collateral does not reduce loan costs, and on the other hand it will increase the availability of finance for sma...

This paper has undertaken an up-to-date and academically grounded study into the wealth of successful technology entrepreneurs in the United Kingdom. Here we are concerned with the dimensions of wealth in terms of its measurement. The methodology used involved three stages to determine the nature of the wealth involved. Primary sources (literature)...

Financial institutions should be proactive and find innovative ways to accommodate women. The glass ceiling is thick and tough. The GERD is only one way of weakening the hold. Access to finance is the other, write Atsede Woldie and Brychan Thomas, professors at the University of South Wales. As the most important project for Ethiopia in recent time...

This paper investigates the significance of cultural events for the development of tourism on the Isle of Man. Historically the Isle of Man captured tourists from areas around the Irish Sea including England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. This was especially the case with working-class tourists from the industrial North of England, North W...

Human resources (HR) management professionals have been using different methods of social media (SM) in their recruitment strategies with varying degrees of success. Through examining SM and its effect, this can support the development of a more effective HR recruitment strategy. This research investigates effects and issues associated with SM and...

The aim of this paper is to investigate the commercialisation of sustainable energy research and development for small and medium-sized energy companies. The use of the case study approach has allowed the findings to be intrinsically linked. This has enabled the results to be interpreted ideographically in terms of the case particulars. Information...

This paper has undertaken an up-to-date and academically grounded study into the wealth of successful technology entrepreneurs in the United Kingdom. Here we are concerned with the dimensions of wealth in terms of its measurement. The methodology used involved three stages to determine the nature of the wealth involved. Primary sources (literature)...

Purpose This study attempts to create new insights into innovation management through the integration of innovation management processes and sustainable, iterative circles. Through the exploration of the use of sustainable, iterative circles in a manufacturing environment, this paper explores their role in facilitating customer-focused innovation p...

The aim of this paper is to compile an up-to-date and academically grounded study into organizational ecosystems in terms of employee innovativeness. Here we are concerned with the dimensions of innovation involving traditionally measured forms of innovation, hidden innovation and social innovation including interactions and relationships. The meth...

This paper examines the nature of partnership agreements between management and other stakeholders at the local authority of Rhondda Cynon Taf, (RCT). The partnership concept garnered considerable attention after the late 1990's, due to the election of the New Labour Government, many viewing it as a possible attempt to develop a new accord in indus...

Purpose: The business environment for Agri-food SMEs in Wales has, in recent years, been seriously affected by a succession of crises in agriculture such as the effects of Chernobyl fallout on hill farming in the 1980s, BSE in the 1990s, Foot and Mouth in 2001, the horse meat scandal in 2013, and now Brexit. This has been exacerbated through the fa...

The aim of this paper is to compile an up-to-date and academically grounded study into organizational ecosystems in terms of their innovation activities. Here we are concerned with the dimensions of innovation involving traditionally measured forms of innovation, hidden innovation and social innovation including interactions and relationships. The...

This paper examines the association between university–industry collaboration and firm innovation performance, and the effect of informal mechanisms of knowledge transfer on such an association, using data from a survey of 245 firms in Ghana and employing partial least squares structural equation modelling. The results are of significant relevance...

Abstract In the current global economy, e-business has increased and it has become an important component of business strategies and economic development. However, SMEs, particularly those in developing nations, are still facing many challenges and barriers toward adopting e-business, such as the lack of skilled labour, costs, and size. Therefore,...

Social capital as a concept, is a comparatively recent addition to the regional economic and innovation literature. Facets of social capital are generally acknowledged to include trust, collaboration, cooperation, bridging and bonding social network ties, and reciprocity. Nevertheless, forms of social capital such as bonding and bridging social cap...

Regional innovation systems are increasingly being seen as important institutional infrastructures supporting innovation within the production structure of regions in East Asia. Within these infrastructures university-industry collaboration is an essential linkage enabling the growth of knowledge-based economies. There are many factors which cause...

This chapter discusses the use of an extended stage model for the evaluation of the adoption of e-business in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Empirical studies of e-business adoption are rare in Middle Eastern and developing countries and the chapter provides valuable insight into this region, by presenting an account of the use of the e...

The purpose of this chapter is to investigate the movement of senior staff and their competencies between enterprises in a high technology cluster (HTC). An analysis has been undertaken of the movement of senior staff between high technology enterprises. The mobility of senior staff in the cluster is considered with reference to the growth of the c...

The aim of this chapter is to compile an up-to-date and academically grounded study into organizational ecosystems in terms of innovation and social capital dimensions. The authors are concerned with the dimensions of innovation involving traditionally measured forms of innovation, hidden innovation and social innovation, and social capital includi...

This book critically analyses the implementation of social networking as an e-recruitment tool within a Security Enterprise. The objective is to examine the importance of attracting Generation Y through the use of social networking sites and also to develop an understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of using social networking as an e-recr...

Exploring Consensual Leadership in Higher Education explores the idea that the nature of academic work is both creative and consensual. Higher education relationships, whether between managers, staff, learners or the public sphere, are at their most effective when rooted in partnership, teamwork, collaboration and collegiality. The term ‘consensual...

Yemeni small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) are at the early stages of e‐business adoption and their owners and managers need to be supported to gain an understanding of the benefits that their business can achieve from adopting e‐business. Yemeni SMEs are at the early stages of e‐business adoption. The delay in adopting more advanced e‐busin...

This paper reports on a preliminary study into financing agriculture and Small Farming Enterprises (SFEs) in emerging economies in terms of global dynamics. The research question addresses 'what is the nature of financing agriculture and small farming enterprises in emerging economies'. The methodology used is a comparative study of three countries...

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) play a significant role in income generation, job creation, poverty reduction and reducing income inequality of all countries, regardless of the level of development. Nevertheless, in developing countries, they are exposed to several challenges affecting their business operations and growth. Among others, access...

This chapter investigates effects and issues associated with social media and recruitment and whether it is effective as an innovative e-entrepreneurship method of attracting the right employees for enterprises from a multi stakeholder perspective. Human resources management professionals have been using different methods of social media in their r...

This paper analyses how and why different forms of social capital are associated with different forms of innovation within the Communities First programme in Wales. Quantitative analysis shows that the Communities First programme partnerships analysed in this research are supportive of building both bonding and bridging social capital. Different ty...

Entrepreneurial endeavours are a pivotal driving force behind the modern business sector. These enterprises play a significant role in the development and sustainability of a nation’s economy. Financial Entrepreneurship for Economic Growth in Emerging Nations is an innovative reference source for the latest scholarly research on strategies and tech...

This paper investigates the Cambridge inkjet printing (IJP) cluster through the analysis of patents as a proxy indicator of core competences. The level of technological sophistication of IJP companies can be determined through patent statistics (Duysters and Hagedoorn, 2000). According to Patel and Pavitt (1991) and Cantwell and Hodson (1991) paten...

A long-term or close and intense relationship with banks could help overcome the main problems like asymmetric information. Using collateral is another way to overcome the effects of asymmetric information. The findings show that having collateral does not reduce loan costs, and on the other hand it will increase the availability of finance for sma...

This chapter compiles an up-to-date and academically grounded study on enterprise financing in the emerging economies of Ghana, Pakistan and Yemen in terms of global dynamics. The research question addressed ‘what is the nature of financial entrepreneurship in the three countries of Ghana, Pakistan and Yemen as emerging economies’. The methodology...

The paper reports on a comparative study of enterprise financing in the emerging economies of Ghana, Pakistan and Yemen in terms of global dynamics. The research question addressed 'what is the nature of financial entrepreneurship in the three countries of Ghana, Pakistan and Yemen as emerging economies'. The methodology used is a comparative study...

The research reported in this paper was undertaken to investigate the importance of teleworking as an innovative work practice in small business enterprises (SBEs) in South Wales (Egbuta, 2016). In order to accomplish this the research uses a qualitative research approach which employed an online focus group and in-depth interviews through question...

The aim of this research paper is to discuss ways of developing island tourism in Wales. This study focuses on six islands including Bardsey Island, Caldey Island, the island of Anglesey, Skomer, Flat Holm and Puffin Island (Anglesey). It appears that island tourism is an area that is under developed and the main barrier is most are areas of specia...

This paper considers strategic green issues of teleworking in terms of the environment, transport, location, office space and resource use for modern organisations and business sectors and formulates a conceptual model of the processes involved. Teleworking technologies are variously implemented for green computing initiatives and many advantages i...

The aims of the chapter are to consider the strategic green issues of teleworking in terms of the environment, transport, location, office space, and resource use for modern organisations and business sectors and to formulate a conceptual model of the processes involved. In fact, teleworking technologies are variously implemented for green computin...

This paper considers the development of key characteristics of Welsh island culture and sustainable tourism in Wales. In recent years tourism has become a significant industry within the Principality of Wales and has been influenced by changing conditions and the need to attract visitors from the global market. To enable an analysis of the importan...

This paper aims to provide a new conceptual model to critically evaluate the adoption of e-business activities as well as the factors that affect adoption in Yemeni SMEs. The research employs a mixed method case approach. The study integrates different methods in order to facilitate a deep understanding of the adoption level of e-business in SMEs i...

The research aims are to explore the extent of the banking sector's adoption of Internet applications in Jordan for marketing products and to identify the impact of such adoption on developing international markets. This study also aims to determine the major obstacles restraining banks marketing their products internationally through the Internet...

In German automotive industry suppliers, internal electronic information (IEI) satisfies the requirements of being a competitiveness-enhancing resource.

This research has investigated the effect of employee engagement on organisational performance in the context of a pharmaceuticals company. The major results have been compared with grounded theory to draw an effective conclusion. Through a qualitative research method, primary data was collected via questionnaires and interviews. However, the quest...

This paper aims to measure the e-business adoption activities in Yemeni SMEs as well as investigate the benefit and barriers of using e-business in SMEs in developing countries such as Yemen. The paper employed a mixed method (quantitative and qualitative) case approach. The paper integrated different methods in order to facilitate a deep understan...

Business organisations as end users of innovation interact with universities for knowledge transfer for significant improvement in business practices and competitive advantage. These include formal and informal links through which innovative outcomes are achieved. This paper considers the influence of formal links between industries and universitie...

Many enterprises are operating in complex and competitive environments, and changes in the internal and external environment have prompted them to engage in better ways of doing business. In order to respond to these changes, and survive in today’s volatile business environment, enterprises need to change their strategies. Human Resource department...

This study investigates whether Knowledge Management (KM) holistically influences organisational innovation in the government sector. To determine the relationships between KM and organisational innovation, identified in the literature and used in practice, a quantitative survey approach was undertaken using a series of researcher-developed scales....

This paper aims to measure the e-business adoption activities in Yemeni SMEs as well as investigate the benefit and barriers of using e-business in SMEs in developing countries such as Yemen. The paper employed a mixed method (quantitative and qualitative) case approach. The paper integrated different methods in order to facilitate a deep understan...

The concept of Lifelong Learning (LLL) has been growing since the early 1960s and has become more important with the adoption of UNESCO standards in the 1970s. Since then, LLL as a concept and practice has grown steadily towards addressing all life related issues in a more comprehensive way and has therefore developed faster in the last decade with...

In the United Kingdom, as in other countries, Third Sector Organisations have been drawn towards income sources associated with trading activities, but many remain reliant on grant funding to support such activities. Using a multivariate analysis approach and data from the National Survey of Charities and Social Enterprises, it is found that tradin...

Regional policy frameworks need to focus on strengthening the ICT infrastructure, clarifying market rules to build user confidence, developing networks, facilitating ICT-enabled clustering and infrastructure sharing.

This paper explores effects and issues associated with Social Media and Recruitment and whether it is effective as an innovative e-entrepreneurship method of attracting appropriate employees for enterprises from a multi stakeholder perspective. Human Resources Management professionals have been using different methods of Social Media in their recru...

This paper aims to measure the e-business adoption activities in Yemeni SMEs. The paper employed a mixed method (quantitative and qualitative) case approach. The results indicate that Yemeni SMEs are at the early stages of e-business adoption

There is limited research studying mobile phone adoption by actual consumers in the Arab countries, although the region had an incredible growth in mobile usage between the years 2000 and 2014. The main aim of this paper is to develop a conceptual framework that can explain mobile adoption by customers in the Arab countries. An extensive analysis o...

The research aims are to explore the extent of the banking sector's adoption of Internet applications in Jordan for marketing products and to identify the impact of such adoption on developing international markets. This study also aims to determine the major obstacles restraining banks marketing their products internationally through the Internet...

The dynamic nature of the world oil economies has continued to compel organizations around the globe to change and stay competitive or fail. Many change initiatives have been developed in order to improve organizational change management (Kim and Mauborhne 2005; Senior and Swailes2010; Mueller, Jenny, and Bauer 2012; Rusly, Corner, and Sun2011). Su...

Purpose - This study attempts to create new insights in innovation management through the integration of innovation processes and iterative circles. Through the exploration of the use of iterative circles in a manufacturing environment this paper explores their role in facilitating customer-focused innovation practices. Other supporting antecedence...

This research paper investigates innovation and heritage development in the dark tourism sector, especially iron and steel heritage, and opportunities to develop heritage tourism in South Wales using Merthyr Tydfil as a case study. The research uses collective data and contemporary literature, to explore four key themes: heritage tourism, sustainab...

This paper investigates the academic literature which underpins the area of partnership working. The literature and theories reviewed in this subject area give an academic basis for a critical evaluation of staff perceptions of partnership working, with specific reference to community partnership projects, with the aim of exploring the research que...

One region where e-business has had a particular impact for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in recent years is South East Wales (SEW). In response to this a survey was undertaken to assess the e-business activity of firms within the SEW area. Results from the survey demonstrated that nearly all firms used some form of Information Communic...

The aim of the study is to identify and critically evaluate the existence of innovation as a key contributor to growth in family owned small firms. In order to do this a case study strategy (Yin, 2009) has been employed to investigate small to medium enterprises (SMEs) in the locality of a Valleys town, an area of social and economic deprivation wi...

This study considers the linkage between micro-sized enterprises and other organizations, especially universities, in relation to the innovation process. The focus of the research is on non-start-up enterprises in Wales and how they develop their products. The research methodology adopted is a thematic literature review and the case study approach....

There has been a tendency for government organizations to become competitive due to instability in modern economies. Accordingly, Knowledge Management (KM) has been rapidly growing in the past decade as a source of influence on organisational development practices. In the past decade research approaches largely failed to show the importance of KM i...

This study investigates whether Knowledge Management (KM) holistically influences organisational innovation in the government sector. To determine the relationships between KM and organisational innovation, identified in the literature and used in practice, a quantitative survey approach was undertaken using a series of researcher-developed scales....

The aims of the chapter are to consider the strategic green issues of teleworking in terms of the environment, transport, location, office space, and resource use for modern organisations and business sectors and to formulate a conceptual model of the processes involved. In fact, teleworking technologies are variously implemented for green computin...

This paper explores effects and issues associated with Social Media and Recruitment and whether it is effective as an innovative e-entrepreneurship method of attracting appropriate employees for enterprises from a multi stakeholder perspective. Human Resources Management professionals have been using different methods of Social Media in their recru...

Academic Working Lives: Experience, Practice and Change examines the ways in which lecturers and their roles have developed in the modern academic workplace. The book offers insights into changing occupational roles, institutions and the adaptations around flexible and mobile working in everyday professional life. The editors have drawn together an...

This was written at a time of deep institutional and professional divisions within and across the HE sector and offers a reminder of the nature and purpose of academic work. It drills down into the experience and practice of academic work, and in doing so helps us understand some of the seismic shifts that are shaping further and higher education -...

Academic Working Lives: Experience, Practice and Change examines the ways in which lecturers and their roles have developed in the modern academic workplace. The book offers insights into changing occupational roles, institutions and the adaptations around flexible and mobile working in everyday professional life. The editors have drawn together an...

Academic Working Lives: Experience, Practice and Change examines the ways in which lecturers and their roles have developed in the modern academic workplace. The book offers insights into changing occupational roles, institutions and the adaptations around flexible and mobile working in everyday professional life. The editors have drawn together an...

Purpose – This paper aims to examine the impact of developing more active web sites and increasing e-commerce on the relationship between innovation and growth performance in SMEs. Using the existing literature and empirical analysis the study seeks to consider the potential of engagement with the internet to achieve the often hard to attain ambiti...

Purpose The aim of the study is to identify and critically evaluate the existence of innovation and networks as key contributors to growth in family owned small firms. In order to do this a case study strategy (Yin, 2009) has been employed to investigate small to medium enterprises (SMEs) in the locality of a Valleys town, an area of social and ec...

Purpose – This study aims to examine e-commerce within UK small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). More specifically, it seeks to explore associations between e-commerce and internal and external antecedents including trading behaviour, owner/manager characteristics, innovation, public sector involvement, business advice and finance sources. Des...