Brychan Thomas | University of Wales, Newport (original) (raw)
Papers by Brychan Thomas
This paper aims to measure the e-business adoption activities in Yemeni SMEs as well as investiga... more 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 understanding of the adoption level of e-business in SMEsin. Firstly, semi-structured interviews conducted with SMEs' managers. Secondly, a survey questionnaire used to generalise and verify the findings from stage 1 to the SEMs population.. About (23.5%) of SMEs have employees between 1-9 and (76.5%) of SMEs have employees between 10 and 49, therefore the majority of them were medium firms. In addition, about 51% of the SMEs have been established for 10 years and below, and 49% were above10 years. The results indicate that the Yemeni SMEs are at the early stages of e-business adoption. It also indicates factors that deter Yemeni SMEs from the adoption of E-business.
Education Research International, 2012
The aim of the paper is to elucidate a systematic approach to convert a Masters dissertation into... more The aim of the paper is to elucidate a systematic approach to convert a Masters dissertation into a journal article. This approach has involved a fundamental thematic review of the literature concerning the conversion of dissertations into journal articles. From these sources pertinent approaches, processes, lessons, and guidance have been noted and analysed. By undertaking this distillation of relevant material, to enable the efficient conversion of dissertations into journal articles, appropriate procedures and conclusions have been compiled. Findings present current thinking on the conversion of a dissertation into a journal paper in terms of how dissertations differ from journal articles, reframing for publication, rethinking the material, trimming the length, time taken to rewrite the material, specific lessons, and adapting for publication. Recommendations provided in the paper will enable staff to take this course of action when developing their publication portfolio to become more research active and to make an important contribution to the publication output of their department/school/faculty, especially with regard to assessment exercises such as the Research Excellence Framework. The value of the paper is that by following appropriate approaches, processes, and procedures it is possible to convert a good dissertation into a ranked journal article.
This paper aims to measure the e-business adoption activities in Yemeni SMEs as well as investiga... more 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 understanding of the adoption level
of e-business in SMEs in. Firstly, semi-structured interviews conducted with SMEs’
managers. Secondly, a survey questionnaire used to generalise and verify the findings from
stage 1 to the SEMs population. . About (23.5%) of SMEs have employees between 1-9 and
(76.5%) of SMEs have employees between 10 and 49, therefore the majority of them were
medium firms. In addition, about 51% of the SMEs have been established for 10 years and
below, and 49% were above10 years.
The results indicate that the Yemeni SMEs are at the early stages of e-business adoption. It
also indicates factors that deter Yemeni SMEs from the adoption of E-business.
Keywords: e-Business, e-commerce, Measurement Evolution Model, SMEs and Yemen
Cogent Business & Management, 2015
Concepts, Methodologies, Tools and Applications (4 Volumes), 2011
Shopping Cart | Login | Register, IGI Global. BOOKS Book Information. Catalogs Imprints Book Seri... more Shopping Cart | Login | Register, IGI Global. BOOKS Book Information. Catalogs Imprints Book Series How To Order Library Recommendation Course Adoption Distributors. Browse Our Books. Featured Books Complete Listing ...
… Journal of e- …, 2007
The graphic design industry may be seen as a provider of support services to e-business. For exam... more The graphic design industry may be seen as a provider of support services to e-business. For example, website design may be considered as a function of graphic design. This paper describes ongoing research which aims to investigate skill and competence issues ...
Education in Science, 1998
The paper investigates pedagogical and social factors on the BA online Enterprise degree programm... more The paper investigates pedagogical and social factors on the BA online Enterprise degree programme of the E-College Wales (ECW) initiative designed by the University of Glamorgan. The study administered a qualitative methodology through the utilisation of a series of in-depth semi-structured interviews with emoderators and students. The research instrument was designed to elicit responses from both these groups to determine pedagogical and social factors constituting effective and ineffective e-moderation and e-learning techniques. A conceptual framework has been developed to illustrate the factors influencing the roles of the e-moderator and e-learner. The findings demonstrate the importance of pedagogical and social factors.
The paper considers the development of the Finance, Tourism and Agricultural industries, as the m... more The paper considers the development of the Finance, Tourism and Agricultural industries, as the main sectors of business activity, in Jersey in the twentieth century. The development of the Finance industry (from the arrival of the first merchant bank in the 1960s to its present day standing providing 55% of GNP) is considered against the perceived decline in Agriculture due to too much concentration on one crop and competition from other areas. Also, the continued importance of the Tourism industry is considered in relation to the other two main industries. The aims of the paper are to determine the factors involved in the modern development of these main industries. A number of research methods have been used, including secondary data, to assess the industrial environment, which has existed in the twentieth century, and quantitative methods to determine the different factors involved in the development processes of the industries. Semi-structured qualitative methods have been used to examine, in detail, the nature and importance of these factors.
The paper reports the views of key policy makers in Industrial South Wales (ISW) who were intervi... more The paper reports the views of key policy makers in Industrial South Wales (ISW) who were interviewed in the Spring 1999 concerning SMEs and technology transfer networks. A semistructured interview procedure was followed involving the use of an interview handbook supported by interview lists providing examples. The interviews were structured into six principal sections. These included the external sources of inputs into the development process and the importance of external sources in the development of technological innovation within SMEs. The nature of relationships with external sources of innovation inputs and the different mechanisms of transferring inputs into the innovation process were also considered. Policy issues involved in the transfer of technology into SMEs were investigated and the case of technology transfer networks and SMEs in the Welsh Food Industry was discussed. From the results and analysis of the interviews key points of significance to the policy making process in Wales are reported and recommendations made.
Partnering can lead to construction projects being delivered quickly, efficiently and cost effect... more Partnering can lead to construction projects being delivered quickly, efficiently and cost effectively. Indeed, research has shown that partnering arrangements can reduce construction time and standardisation can lead to efficiency on site. This is achieved by partnering a dedicated team of consultants, contractors and manufacturers, who develop their expertise over a series of projects. This paper describes a review of partnering arrangements examining the present state of the industry and the effects of these arrangements on small construction enterprises (SCEs). It also outlines a recent case study investigating the impact of partnering on an SCE. The research involved a series of interviews with the managing director of a South Wales based subcontracting firm aimed at developing an understanding of how SCEs are treated within a partnering arrangement. Evidence from this study suggests that under its current guise partnering may not in fact offer SCEs many tangible benefits and often has a detrimental effect upon the contractorsubcontractor relationship.
The paper considers technology diffusion and develops a model at the level of the SME. Technology... more The paper considers technology diffusion and develops a model at the level of the SME. Technology diffusion in the form of new or improved technology, the transmission of knowledge or technical expertise is investigated. This involves spillovers through formal ...
It is recognised that Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) need to adapt and change to remai... more It is recognised that Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) need to adapt and change to remain competitive in the rapidly changing business environment of the 21 st Century. As with many other industries this is evident in the Agri-food industry in Wales where Agri-food SMEs can attain a competitive advantage through the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), especially the Internet and Web sites. It is argued that many of these firms are often not adept at implementing changes which are technology enabled. Policy makers, including the Welsh Agri-Food Partnership, also recognise that the Agri-food culture is adversarial in nature and this needs to be addressed if technical advancement is to be achieved. With the recognition of the importance of e-business in other industries there is a danger that many Agri-food SMEs will be technology disabled. The aim of the paper, therefore, is to explore the social consequences of the slow adoption of the Internet and Web sites by Agri-food SMEs in Wales and to consider ways of overcoming this problem. The paper concludes by reporting on ICT assistance provided by support schemes in Wales and on the social, political and cultural implications for farming communities.
This paper aims to measure the e-business adoption activities in Yemeni SMEs as well as investiga... more 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 understanding of the adoption level of e-business in SMEsin. Firstly, semi-structured interviews conducted with SMEs' managers. Secondly, a survey questionnaire used to generalise and verify the findings from stage 1 to the SEMs population.. About (23.5%) of SMEs have employees between 1-9 and (76.5%) of SMEs have employees between 10 and 49, therefore the majority of them were medium firms. In addition, about 51% of the SMEs have been established for 10 years and below, and 49% were above10 years. The results indicate that the Yemeni SMEs are at the early stages of e-business adoption. It also indicates factors that deter Yemeni SMEs from the adoption of E-business.
Education Research International, 2012
The aim of the paper is to elucidate a systematic approach to convert a Masters dissertation into... more The aim of the paper is to elucidate a systematic approach to convert a Masters dissertation into a journal article. This approach has involved a fundamental thematic review of the literature concerning the conversion of dissertations into journal articles. From these sources pertinent approaches, processes, lessons, and guidance have been noted and analysed. By undertaking this distillation of relevant material, to enable the efficient conversion of dissertations into journal articles, appropriate procedures and conclusions have been compiled. Findings present current thinking on the conversion of a dissertation into a journal paper in terms of how dissertations differ from journal articles, reframing for publication, rethinking the material, trimming the length, time taken to rewrite the material, specific lessons, and adapting for publication. Recommendations provided in the paper will enable staff to take this course of action when developing their publication portfolio to become more research active and to make an important contribution to the publication output of their department/school/faculty, especially with regard to assessment exercises such as the Research Excellence Framework. The value of the paper is that by following appropriate approaches, processes, and procedures it is possible to convert a good dissertation into a ranked journal article.
This paper aims to measure the e-business adoption activities in Yemeni SMEs as well as investiga... more 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 understanding of the adoption level
of e-business in SMEs in. Firstly, semi-structured interviews conducted with SMEs’
managers. Secondly, a survey questionnaire used to generalise and verify the findings from
stage 1 to the SEMs population. . About (23.5%) of SMEs have employees between 1-9 and
(76.5%) of SMEs have employees between 10 and 49, therefore the majority of them were
medium firms. In addition, about 51% of the SMEs have been established for 10 years and
below, and 49% were above10 years.
The results indicate that the Yemeni SMEs are at the early stages of e-business adoption. It
also indicates factors that deter Yemeni SMEs from the adoption of E-business.
Keywords: e-Business, e-commerce, Measurement Evolution Model, SMEs and Yemen
Cogent Business & Management, 2015
Concepts, Methodologies, Tools and Applications (4 Volumes), 2011
Shopping Cart | Login | Register, IGI Global. BOOKS Book Information. Catalogs Imprints Book Seri... more Shopping Cart | Login | Register, IGI Global. BOOKS Book Information. Catalogs Imprints Book Series How To Order Library Recommendation Course Adoption Distributors. Browse Our Books. Featured Books Complete Listing ...
… Journal of e- …, 2007
The graphic design industry may be seen as a provider of support services to e-business. For exam... more The graphic design industry may be seen as a provider of support services to e-business. For example, website design may be considered as a function of graphic design. This paper describes ongoing research which aims to investigate skill and competence issues ...
Education in Science, 1998
The paper investigates pedagogical and social factors on the BA online Enterprise degree programm... more The paper investigates pedagogical and social factors on the BA online Enterprise degree programme of the E-College Wales (ECW) initiative designed by the University of Glamorgan. The study administered a qualitative methodology through the utilisation of a series of in-depth semi-structured interviews with emoderators and students. The research instrument was designed to elicit responses from both these groups to determine pedagogical and social factors constituting effective and ineffective e-moderation and e-learning techniques. A conceptual framework has been developed to illustrate the factors influencing the roles of the e-moderator and e-learner. The findings demonstrate the importance of pedagogical and social factors.
The paper considers the development of the Finance, Tourism and Agricultural industries, as the m... more The paper considers the development of the Finance, Tourism and Agricultural industries, as the main sectors of business activity, in Jersey in the twentieth century. The development of the Finance industry (from the arrival of the first merchant bank in the 1960s to its present day standing providing 55% of GNP) is considered against the perceived decline in Agriculture due to too much concentration on one crop and competition from other areas. Also, the continued importance of the Tourism industry is considered in relation to the other two main industries. The aims of the paper are to determine the factors involved in the modern development of these main industries. A number of research methods have been used, including secondary data, to assess the industrial environment, which has existed in the twentieth century, and quantitative methods to determine the different factors involved in the development processes of the industries. Semi-structured qualitative methods have been used to examine, in detail, the nature and importance of these factors.
The paper reports the views of key policy makers in Industrial South Wales (ISW) who were intervi... more The paper reports the views of key policy makers in Industrial South Wales (ISW) who were interviewed in the Spring 1999 concerning SMEs and technology transfer networks. A semistructured interview procedure was followed involving the use of an interview handbook supported by interview lists providing examples. The interviews were structured into six principal sections. These included the external sources of inputs into the development process and the importance of external sources in the development of technological innovation within SMEs. The nature of relationships with external sources of innovation inputs and the different mechanisms of transferring inputs into the innovation process were also considered. Policy issues involved in the transfer of technology into SMEs were investigated and the case of technology transfer networks and SMEs in the Welsh Food Industry was discussed. From the results and analysis of the interviews key points of significance to the policy making process in Wales are reported and recommendations made.
Partnering can lead to construction projects being delivered quickly, efficiently and cost effect... more Partnering can lead to construction projects being delivered quickly, efficiently and cost effectively. Indeed, research has shown that partnering arrangements can reduce construction time and standardisation can lead to efficiency on site. This is achieved by partnering a dedicated team of consultants, contractors and manufacturers, who develop their expertise over a series of projects. This paper describes a review of partnering arrangements examining the present state of the industry and the effects of these arrangements on small construction enterprises (SCEs). It also outlines a recent case study investigating the impact of partnering on an SCE. The research involved a series of interviews with the managing director of a South Wales based subcontracting firm aimed at developing an understanding of how SCEs are treated within a partnering arrangement. Evidence from this study suggests that under its current guise partnering may not in fact offer SCEs many tangible benefits and often has a detrimental effect upon the contractorsubcontractor relationship.
The paper considers technology diffusion and develops a model at the level of the SME. Technology... more The paper considers technology diffusion and develops a model at the level of the SME. Technology diffusion in the form of new or improved technology, the transmission of knowledge or technical expertise is investigated. This involves spillovers through formal ...
It is recognised that Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) need to adapt and change to remai... more It is recognised that Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) need to adapt and change to remain competitive in the rapidly changing business environment of the 21 st Century. As with many other industries this is evident in the Agri-food industry in Wales where Agri-food SMEs can attain a competitive advantage through the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), especially the Internet and Web sites. It is argued that many of these firms are often not adept at implementing changes which are technology enabled. Policy makers, including the Welsh Agri-Food Partnership, also recognise that the Agri-food culture is adversarial in nature and this needs to be addressed if technical advancement is to be achieved. With the recognition of the importance of e-business in other industries there is a danger that many Agri-food SMEs will be technology disabled. The aim of the paper, therefore, is to explore the social consequences of the slow adoption of the Internet and Web sites by Agri-food SMEs in Wales and to consider ways of overcoming this problem. The paper concludes by reporting on ICT assistance provided by support schemes in Wales and on the social, political and cultural implications for farming communities.