Alex Maritz - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Alex Maritz

It is widely argued by both managers and academics that the principal criterion for the survival ... more It is widely argued by both managers and academics that the principal criterion for the survival of any trading institution is its ability to create value for its shareholders (Delves, 1998 and Doyle, 2000). All investment decisions, therefore, should aim to maximise shareholder wealth. Two traditional finance techniques, net present value (NPV) and internal rate of return (IRR) are widely considered the predominant methods for assessing investment decisions. However, more recently, a performance measure based on the concept of economic profit, economic value added (EVA), has been touted as the ultimate technique for maximising shareholder wealth. A positive EVA measure indicates that shareholder wealth has been created, while a negative measure indicates that shareholder wealth has been destroyed. Many users (Len and Makhija, 1996 and Dierks and Patel, 1997) strongly endorse EVA, suggesting that it better motivates managers to increase shareholder wealth than do traditional account...

This empirical study examines the influence of industrial globalization and segmentation on oppor... more This empirical study examines the influence of industrial globalization and segmentation on opportunity analysis in the New Zealand Plastics Industry; addresses industrial segmentation methodology, and implements an integrated approach. Bases of industrial segmentation are implemented with respect to process, business performance, market focus, innovation, research and development and entrepreneurship. A hybrid segmentation process is integrated within a framework of business segmentation. The framework consists of four main components, commencing with segmentation antecedents, and concluding with the outcome of segmentation. Methodology includes qualitative and quantitative data analysis, using an electronic survey and semi-structured interviews. Use is made of Surveypro and SPSS toward analysis of descriptive and inferential statistics. Recommendations and implications are discussed with reference to the segmentation bases. Results are the realisation of growth targets as set out ...

Entrepreneurial intent refers to activities whereby individuals focus on achieving entrepreneuria... more Entrepreneurial intent refers to activities whereby individuals focus on achieving entrepreneurial outcomes. In this study, we examine intent as an indicator of entrepreneurial orientation in franchise systems. The objective is to identify the prevalence of entrepreneurial orientation in two competitive franchise systems in the entertainment industry, one a large independent system, the other a subsidiary of a large corporate. A survey approach was administered across the two systems, representing 245 franchised outlets. Inferential statistics identify the large independent system as significantly entrepreneurial, and the corporate system as not portraying a significant entrepreneurial orientation. We conclude that reasons for the findings are predominantly associated with the intent of the franchisor, coupled with the entrepreneurial activites associated to the franchisor.

Managing the growing small business identifies many opportunities and difficulties for the entrep... more Managing the growing small business identifies many opportunities and difficulties for the entrepreneur. Whilst entrepreneurs are prone to managing opportunities, they most often struggle to manage resources and initiatives toward growing their businesses. We introduce an entrepreneurial perspective toward enhancing growth opportunities within the small business sector. Services marketing initiatives introduced are a result of empirical evidence from a large number of high-growth entrepreneurial small businesses in Victoria, Australia. A conceptual model is proposed, consisting of service initiatives of the service profit chain, industry best practice, relationship marketing and service quality. Our overall aim is to introduce such initiatives to enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty, thereby enhancing growth of these small businesses.

Economic growth and necessity entrepreneurship are closely and positively linked (Frederick, 2004... more Economic growth and necessity entrepreneurship are closely and positively linked (Frederick, 2004); and this study explores the phenomenon of the South African necessity entrepreneur. The necessity entrepreneur is someone who never considers starting or owning a business until there is no other option (Kroll, 2003). This paper examines South African necessity entrepreneurs (NE) in light of propositions cited in the literature that NE is associated with three factors: positively with economic growth (real GDP growth rate), positively with unemployment (unemployment rate), and negative with a generous welfare system (expenditures on social security). The study of these factors are cited in three propositions:

While country of origin (COO) effects has been studied diversely, little research exists within t... more While country of origin (COO) effects has been studied diversely, little research exists within the Australian field. This research attempted to extend on the COO phenomena to acknowledge the importance of COO from an Australian perspective. With new government laws and regulations concerning country-of-origin-labelling (CoOL) enforced, affects concerning COO information on consumer cognitive processing has become vital for companies to understand, aiding in effectively marketing their products. Furthermore, the use of single cues within previous research has compromised validity of results, generalizing that COO has a large affect of consumer evaluations. While previous literature has focused predominantly on high valued products, this research project offers a unique perspective of COO affects through the use of low valued items. The use of multiple cues within this project identifies that COO still remains prominent in a purchase evaluation, contrary to recent findings. Results f...

Southern African Business Review, 2006

Complementing the service vision in organisations leads to the development of best practice initi... more Complementing the service vision in organisations leads to the development of best practice initiatives, often adopted by innovative firms in competitive industries and environments. Such initiatives are regarded as pivotal for survival and achieving competitive advantage (Porter 1998). The Video Software Dealers Association of America (VSDA 2001) described best practice in the home entertainment industry, as identified by Arthur Andersen Business consultants. This covered wide-ranging aspects, including understanding customers and markets, developing vision and strategy, refining store product offerings, implementing the marketing plan, creating promotions and in-store merchandising and clear in-store operations. Customer service findings included that best customer service is one-to-one, and that strong relationships and loyalty are developed between staff and customers through consistency of management and staff and by personalising customer service. The study evaluates the best ...

This study investigates social behavior of employees and its effect on entrepreneurial activities... more This study investigates social behavior of employees and its effect on entrepreneurial activities. Social capital is a strategic resource available through the network of relationships may be exploited in the direction of organizational and individual objectives. The study posited that this powerful asset may be leveraged in fostering entrepreneurial orientation of employees, which is an antecedent for improving the performance. A developed survey was sent to a selected sample of academic staff in five public univer sities in Victoria. The collected data were subject to statistical analysis and the result was derived. The findings indicated that there is a positive and significant relationship between social behavior and entrepreneurial orientation of academics. The predictability of entrepreneurial activities by social relationships was tested.

Journal of business management, 2011

Although Guanxi, political climate, and power are common business practices in the workplace, the... more Although Guanxi, political climate, and power are common business practices in the workplace, the popularity in research has yet to be intensified. This study aims to explore the effects of Guanxi, political climate, and power bases and the moderating effects of political climate. Questionnaires were issued to workers across service and manufacturing industries and 1099 valid responses were collected. The results from hierarchical regression analyses indicated significant relationships between Guanxi and power bases in various patterns. Significant relationships also emerged between political climate and power bases. Partial mediating effects of political climate were found between the relationships of Guanxi and power bases. Recommendations, suggestions, and conclusions were also presented on the basis of the empirical findings.

Kuratka & Hodgetts (2004: 3) introduce entrepreneurship as, “ an integrated concept that permeate... more Kuratka & Hodgetts (2004: 3) introduce entrepreneurship as, “ an integrated concept that permeates an individual business in an innovative manner”. Bolton & Thompson (2003: 69) identify entrepreneurial character themes, constituting the facets of focus, advantage, creativity, ego, team and social. Thompson (2003: 34) further developed a twenty question character theme matrix based on these character themes; to measure entrepreneurial orientation (EO). This empirical study, based on the character theme matrix, is conducted within a franchise system in the home entertainment service sector. Objectives are to evaluate the EO within such a network, highlighting the relative importance of entrepreneurship and allied leadership traits. Based on Beta scores, the regression analysis indicates the leader; followed by the entrepreneur, as the dominant factors towards EO. Extrapolation includes international adaptation and implementation across disciplines and cultural borders. Motivation of t...

There are significant differences in negotiation approach depending on one’s cultural and persona... more There are significant differences in negotiation approach depending on one’s cultural and personality trait. Western negotiators are trained to focus on the content of their objectives and skilled in putting cogent proposals across the negotiating table in order to get a result. They generally don’t, however, put enough thought into evaluating the underlying culture and personality of the person they are dealing with and how they could negotiate more effectively. On the other hand, Eastern negotiators consider the negotiation process as a long courtship potentially leading to a long and trusted relationship. They engage in a multi-layered approach and often send “hot” or “cold” signals to draw out the underlying personality of their counterpart. This paper reviews the divergent approaches to negotiation from the Western perspective and proposes that a larger research be undertaken to consider the Eastern perspective by looking at the cultural and personality traits of entrepreneurs ...

Actual Problems of Economics, 2011

Noga Gulst1, Alex Maritz2 LEARNING FROM NEW VENTURE AND BUSINESS FAILURE New Venture Failure (NVF... more Noga Gulst1, Alex Maritz2 LEARNING FROM NEW VENTURE AND BUSINESS FAILURE New Venture Failure (NVF) is a well researched field, emphasi�ing the importance of learn* ilzg and recovering/rom it. However, discrete information o11lzow one can learn from NVF is rather scanty. This study explores ltOlV 27 experienced Australian entrepreneurs and ilitrapreneurs per� ceive NVF, and what they have learned from it. We conclude with a conceptual model to help novice and nascent entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs succeed in their first venture, based on the suggestion given by the participants.

There is a direct correlation between Necessity Entrepreneurship and economic growth; high growth... more There is a direct correlation between Necessity Entrepreneurship and economic growth; high growth is achieved by raising the Necessity Entrepreneurship rate (GEM 2002). The Necessity Entrepreneur (NE) is someone who never considered owning a business until there was no other option (Kroll, 2003; Forbes 2003). This paper studies the demographic and attitudinal peculiarities of New Zealand Necessity Entrepreneurs; particularly related to reasons as to why these Entrepreneurs start their own businesses. The study explores comparisons between Total Entrepreneurial Activity (TEA), Opportunity Entrepreneurs (OE) and Necessity Entrepreneurs (NE) in New Zealand, together with NE comparisons between OECD and developed countries. The paper explores relationships between NE and unemployment, welfare systems, the labour-leisure trade off (Cowling, 2002), and pension provisions.

It is widely argued by both managers and academics that the principal criterion for the survival ... more It is widely argued by both managers and academics that the principal criterion for the survival of any trading institution is its ability to create value for its shareholders (Delves, 1998 and Doyle, 2000). All investment decisions, therefore, should aim to maximise shareholder wealth. Two traditional finance techniques, net present value (NPV) and internal rate of return (IRR) are widely considered the predominant methods for assessing investment decisions. However, more recently, a performance measure based on the concept of economic profit, economic value added (EVA), has been touted as the ultimate technique for maximising shareholder wealth. A positive EVA measure indicates that shareholder wealth has been created, while a negative measure indicates that shareholder wealth has been destroyed. Many users (Len and Makhija, 1996 and Dierks and Patel, 1997) strongly endorse EVA, suggesting that it better motivates managers to increase shareholder wealth than do traditional account...

This empirical study examines the influence of industrial globalization and segmentation on oppor... more This empirical study examines the influence of industrial globalization and segmentation on opportunity analysis in the New Zealand Plastics Industry; addresses industrial segmentation methodology, and implements an integrated approach. Bases of industrial segmentation are implemented with respect to process, business performance, market focus, innovation, research and development and entrepreneurship. A hybrid segmentation process is integrated within a framework of business segmentation. The framework consists of four main components, commencing with segmentation antecedents, and concluding with the outcome of segmentation. Methodology includes qualitative and quantitative data analysis, using an electronic survey and semi-structured interviews. Use is made of Surveypro and SPSS toward analysis of descriptive and inferential statistics. Recommendations and implications are discussed with reference to the segmentation bases. Results are the realisation of growth targets as set out ...

Entrepreneurial intent refers to activities whereby individuals focus on achieving entrepreneuria... more Entrepreneurial intent refers to activities whereby individuals focus on achieving entrepreneurial outcomes. In this study, we examine intent as an indicator of entrepreneurial orientation in franchise systems. The objective is to identify the prevalence of entrepreneurial orientation in two competitive franchise systems in the entertainment industry, one a large independent system, the other a subsidiary of a large corporate. A survey approach was administered across the two systems, representing 245 franchised outlets. Inferential statistics identify the large independent system as significantly entrepreneurial, and the corporate system as not portraying a significant entrepreneurial orientation. We conclude that reasons for the findings are predominantly associated with the intent of the franchisor, coupled with the entrepreneurial activites associated to the franchisor.

Managing the growing small business identifies many opportunities and difficulties for the entrep... more Managing the growing small business identifies many opportunities and difficulties for the entrepreneur. Whilst entrepreneurs are prone to managing opportunities, they most often struggle to manage resources and initiatives toward growing their businesses. We introduce an entrepreneurial perspective toward enhancing growth opportunities within the small business sector. Services marketing initiatives introduced are a result of empirical evidence from a large number of high-growth entrepreneurial small businesses in Victoria, Australia. A conceptual model is proposed, consisting of service initiatives of the service profit chain, industry best practice, relationship marketing and service quality. Our overall aim is to introduce such initiatives to enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty, thereby enhancing growth of these small businesses.

Economic growth and necessity entrepreneurship are closely and positively linked (Frederick, 2004... more Economic growth and necessity entrepreneurship are closely and positively linked (Frederick, 2004); and this study explores the phenomenon of the South African necessity entrepreneur. The necessity entrepreneur is someone who never considers starting or owning a business until there is no other option (Kroll, 2003). This paper examines South African necessity entrepreneurs (NE) in light of propositions cited in the literature that NE is associated with three factors: positively with economic growth (real GDP growth rate), positively with unemployment (unemployment rate), and negative with a generous welfare system (expenditures on social security). The study of these factors are cited in three propositions:

While country of origin (COO) effects has been studied diversely, little research exists within t... more While country of origin (COO) effects has been studied diversely, little research exists within the Australian field. This research attempted to extend on the COO phenomena to acknowledge the importance of COO from an Australian perspective. With new government laws and regulations concerning country-of-origin-labelling (CoOL) enforced, affects concerning COO information on consumer cognitive processing has become vital for companies to understand, aiding in effectively marketing their products. Furthermore, the use of single cues within previous research has compromised validity of results, generalizing that COO has a large affect of consumer evaluations. While previous literature has focused predominantly on high valued products, this research project offers a unique perspective of COO affects through the use of low valued items. The use of multiple cues within this project identifies that COO still remains prominent in a purchase evaluation, contrary to recent findings. Results f...

Southern African Business Review, 2006

Complementing the service vision in organisations leads to the development of best practice initi... more Complementing the service vision in organisations leads to the development of best practice initiatives, often adopted by innovative firms in competitive industries and environments. Such initiatives are regarded as pivotal for survival and achieving competitive advantage (Porter 1998). The Video Software Dealers Association of America (VSDA 2001) described best practice in the home entertainment industry, as identified by Arthur Andersen Business consultants. This covered wide-ranging aspects, including understanding customers and markets, developing vision and strategy, refining store product offerings, implementing the marketing plan, creating promotions and in-store merchandising and clear in-store operations. Customer service findings included that best customer service is one-to-one, and that strong relationships and loyalty are developed between staff and customers through consistency of management and staff and by personalising customer service. The study evaluates the best ...

This study investigates social behavior of employees and its effect on entrepreneurial activities... more This study investigates social behavior of employees and its effect on entrepreneurial activities. Social capital is a strategic resource available through the network of relationships may be exploited in the direction of organizational and individual objectives. The study posited that this powerful asset may be leveraged in fostering entrepreneurial orientation of employees, which is an antecedent for improving the performance. A developed survey was sent to a selected sample of academic staff in five public univer sities in Victoria. The collected data were subject to statistical analysis and the result was derived. The findings indicated that there is a positive and significant relationship between social behavior and entrepreneurial orientation of academics. The predictability of entrepreneurial activities by social relationships was tested.

Journal of business management, 2011

Although Guanxi, political climate, and power are common business practices in the workplace, the... more Although Guanxi, political climate, and power are common business practices in the workplace, the popularity in research has yet to be intensified. This study aims to explore the effects of Guanxi, political climate, and power bases and the moderating effects of political climate. Questionnaires were issued to workers across service and manufacturing industries and 1099 valid responses were collected. The results from hierarchical regression analyses indicated significant relationships between Guanxi and power bases in various patterns. Significant relationships also emerged between political climate and power bases. Partial mediating effects of political climate were found between the relationships of Guanxi and power bases. Recommendations, suggestions, and conclusions were also presented on the basis of the empirical findings.

Kuratka & Hodgetts (2004: 3) introduce entrepreneurship as, “ an integrated concept that permeate... more Kuratka & Hodgetts (2004: 3) introduce entrepreneurship as, “ an integrated concept that permeates an individual business in an innovative manner”. Bolton & Thompson (2003: 69) identify entrepreneurial character themes, constituting the facets of focus, advantage, creativity, ego, team and social. Thompson (2003: 34) further developed a twenty question character theme matrix based on these character themes; to measure entrepreneurial orientation (EO). This empirical study, based on the character theme matrix, is conducted within a franchise system in the home entertainment service sector. Objectives are to evaluate the EO within such a network, highlighting the relative importance of entrepreneurship and allied leadership traits. Based on Beta scores, the regression analysis indicates the leader; followed by the entrepreneur, as the dominant factors towards EO. Extrapolation includes international adaptation and implementation across disciplines and cultural borders. Motivation of t...

There are significant differences in negotiation approach depending on one’s cultural and persona... more There are significant differences in negotiation approach depending on one’s cultural and personality trait. Western negotiators are trained to focus on the content of their objectives and skilled in putting cogent proposals across the negotiating table in order to get a result. They generally don’t, however, put enough thought into evaluating the underlying culture and personality of the person they are dealing with and how they could negotiate more effectively. On the other hand, Eastern negotiators consider the negotiation process as a long courtship potentially leading to a long and trusted relationship. They engage in a multi-layered approach and often send “hot” or “cold” signals to draw out the underlying personality of their counterpart. This paper reviews the divergent approaches to negotiation from the Western perspective and proposes that a larger research be undertaken to consider the Eastern perspective by looking at the cultural and personality traits of entrepreneurs ...

Actual Problems of Economics, 2011

Noga Gulst1, Alex Maritz2 LEARNING FROM NEW VENTURE AND BUSINESS FAILURE New Venture Failure (NVF... more Noga Gulst1, Alex Maritz2 LEARNING FROM NEW VENTURE AND BUSINESS FAILURE New Venture Failure (NVF) is a well researched field, emphasi�ing the importance of learn* ilzg and recovering/rom it. However, discrete information o11lzow one can learn from NVF is rather scanty. This study explores ltOlV 27 experienced Australian entrepreneurs and ilitrapreneurs per� ceive NVF, and what they have learned from it. We conclude with a conceptual model to help novice and nascent entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs succeed in their first venture, based on the suggestion given by the participants.

There is a direct correlation between Necessity Entrepreneurship and economic growth; high growth... more There is a direct correlation between Necessity Entrepreneurship and economic growth; high growth is achieved by raising the Necessity Entrepreneurship rate (GEM 2002). The Necessity Entrepreneur (NE) is someone who never considered owning a business until there was no other option (Kroll, 2003; Forbes 2003). This paper studies the demographic and attitudinal peculiarities of New Zealand Necessity Entrepreneurs; particularly related to reasons as to why these Entrepreneurs start their own businesses. The study explores comparisons between Total Entrepreneurial Activity (TEA), Opportunity Entrepreneurs (OE) and Necessity Entrepreneurs (NE) in New Zealand, together with NE comparisons between OECD and developed countries. The paper explores relationships between NE and unemployment, welfare systems, the labour-leisure trade off (Cowling, 2002), and pension provisions.