This book presents unique insights and advice on defining and managing the innovation transformation journey. Using novel ideas, examples and best practices, it empowers management executives at all levels to drive cultural, technological and organizational changes toward innovation. Covering modern innovation techniques, tools, programs and strategies, it focuses on the role of the latest technologies (e.g., artificial intelligence to discover, handle and manage ideas), methodologies (including Agile Engineering and Rapid Prototyping) and combinations of these (like hackathons or gamification). At the same time, it highlights the importance of culture and provides suggestions on how to build it. In the era of AI and the unprecedented pace of technology evolution, companies need to become truly innovative in order to survive. The transformation toward an innovation-led company is difficult - it requires a strong leadership and culture, advanced technologies and well-designed programs. The book is based on the author's long-term experience and novel ideas, and reflects two decades of startup, consulting and corporate leadership experience. It is intended for business, technology, and innovation leaders.

From three partners at Google Ventures, this is a unique and easy-to-follow five-day process for solving tough business problems and testing new ideas - proven at more than 100 companies. Sprint is a New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestseller. 'Sprint offers a transformative formula for testing ideas that works whether you're at a startup or a large organization' - Eric Ries, author of The Lean Startup 'The genius of Jake Knapp's Sprint is its step-by-step breakdown of what it takes to solve big problems and do work that matters with speed and urgency' - Beth Comstock, Vice Chair of GE 'Game changer' - ***** Reader review 'Amazing book which yielded great practical results' - ***** Reader review 'Revolutionary' - ***** Reader review *********************************************************************************** Entrepreneurs and leaders face big questions every day: What's the most important place to focus your effort, and how do you start? What will your idea look like in real life? How many meetings and discussions does it take before you can be sure you have the right solution? Now there's a sure-fire way to answer these important questions: the sprint. Designer Jake Knapp created the five-day process at Google, where sprints were used on everything from Google Search to Google X. He joined Braden Kowitz and John Zeratsky at Google Ventures, and together they have completed more than one hundred sprints with companies in mobile, e-commerce, healthcare, finance, and more. A practical guide to answering critical business questions, Sprint is a book for teams of any size, from small startups to Fortune 100s, from teachers to non-profits. It's for anyone with a big opportunity, problem, or idea who needs to get answers today.

Systemic Entrepreneurship focuses on creating an awareness of systemic entrepreneurship and illustrates the fact that one needs to approach entrepreneurial support activities from many different angles.

Social franchising represents a third generation form of franchising development, after trade-name and business-format franchising. At the intersection of social enterprise and micro finance literatures, this book reviews a variety of social franchising formats across a number of developing countries.

Digital Pricing Strategy provides a best practice overview of how companies design, analyse and execute digital pricing strategies. Bringing together insights from academic and professional experts globally, the text covers essential areas of the value and pricing of data, platform pricing, pricing of subscriptions and monetization of the global environment. Case studies, examples and interviews from leading organizations, including Zuora, Honeywell, Relayr, Alcatel Lucent, ABB, Thales and General Electric, illustrate key concepts in practice. To aid student learning, chapter objectives, summaries and key questions feature in every chapter, alongside PowerPoint slides and a test bank available online for lecturers. Comprehensive and applied in its approach, this text provides postgraduate, MBA and Executive Education students with an understanding of the capabilities, processes and tools that enable executives to effectively implement digital transformations and capture value from digital innovations.

This book explores green innovation and future technology skill development within regional small to medium sized enterprises. Notwithstanding the goals of a greener Europe, there has been little debate as to how the skills required to fulfil the goals of sustainable development can be imparted within regions and within rural business communities.

This volume fills a gap in the international business literature, offering the perspectives of researchers who are deeply embedded in one key emerging market, India. With the global economy changing dramatically, firms from emerging markets are playing increasingly important roles in both outward and inward internationalisation. International Business Strategy offers profound insights into international business activities in this rapidly-evolving environment, in which multinational corporations from emerging markets are now influential players. Reflecting the complex nature of India itself, the chapters employ a variety of theoretical lenses to shed light on a wide range of issues encountered by Indian businesses, from some of the world's largest corporations to small, entrepreneurial firms.

Entrepreneurial Challenges in the 21st Century analyses the traditional and contemporary issues of entrepreneurial innovation potentials for stakeholder value co-creation, and structures the entrepreneurial co-creation concept to reinforce co-creation.

There is no denying the global economy is changing at a rapid pace. Competition is increasing in intensity, technology is increasing in complexity, and innovation is increasing in importance, but approaches to managerial decision-making have not kept pace. This rigidity explains such corporate disasters as the blowout, explosion, and fire at the BP drilling platform in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010, the total collapse of the residential mortgage industry that started in 2006, and the use of lead paint on children's toys revealed in 2007. Managers today face 21st century problems, and Avoiding Corporate Breakdowns provides the means of solving these very problems.

Business firms are currently being forced to make a variety of changes to respond to both threats and opportunities in the international economy. This volume examines in detail the many ways successful companies establish a presence in overseas markets. The authors classify operations in the international environment into four categories. First, companies that do not want to actually establish local production facilities can export directly to targeted markets or engage in turnkey operations. Historically, this has been one of the most important means of acquiring international markets and continues to be a viable strategy today. Second, establishing contractual relationships with foreign companies is effective when a firm does not want to operate a wholly earned subsidy. Third, operating wholly owned facilities in other nations is one of the most preferred methods of gaining and maintaining a presence overseas. Firms typically employ this strategy either by building new facilities or by merging with or acquiring existing companies. The authors demonstrate how the approach used by business depends on the nature of the obstacles a host government places before foreign commerce.

This is the third of a series of research volume of papers from the Business and Information Technologies global research network. The group includes 20 partners from 16 countries, who conduct studies on the impact of new information and communication technologies on business practice, industry structure, and economic change. The book presents a unique longitudinal and cross-sectional view of technology adoption and business practice across a diverse set of countries and economies. It appears that there are some commonalities with respect to patterns of technology adoption , but also significant differences across countries. Furthermore, innovative practices can arise in every country, and have the potential to be applied in other countries. The identical survey carried out in different countries enables benchmarking and accurate comparisons across those markets. It is also extremely broad in its coverage of business practice in terms of functions and performance.

Creative Cross-Disciplinary Entrepreneurship responds to educational demands created through dramatic changes in the nature of business, by describing how to develop a cross-disciplinary curriculum in Entrepreneurship that further increases students' knowledge base in specific areas of interest and the development of an 'entrepreneurial mindset.'

This book offers an insight into the complications higher education is currently facing in the Arab world. It discusses whether governance in international higher education is of particular importance in Arab countries when considering their difference in political systems, cultures, interests, concerns and numerous conflicts. Arab society needs more than ever to strengthen its higher education governance in order to meet current challenges and demands. Higher Education Governance in the Arab World includes insights from the real world and is written by international professionals with the aim of providing a spark of hope for a better future with a clearer understanding on how to move forward.

Technology is the key driver of business. May it be airport, ICT, smart governance, manufacturing or plantations. Technology management opens up opportunities for the business and help achieve leadership positions. This collection of papers provides a glimpse of issues faced in different sectors. These papers also should inspire more researchers to expand the scope of the subject itself."

The increasing use of innovative technologies by global businesses has sparked debate about their application in crisis resolution. Resolution tools can be used by global businesses to manage various types of crisis situations, such as natural disasters, information security issues, economic downturns, health crisis situations, and sustainability issues in education, among others. Further study and consideration of the uses of technology in the areas of crisis and change management and intra-company communication practice in the context of global business must be done to ensure successful and sustainable businesses. Future Role of Sustainable Innovative Technologies in Crisis Management raises awareness of the multifaceted field of new technology in crisis management that has resulted in a paradigm shift in the way contemporary industries and global businesses communicate and conduct their daily business operations. This book defines the scope of innovative technologies as the application of new technologies to support the resolution of various types of crisis situations to achieve regulatory compliance and improved risk management in an effective and automated manner. Covering topics such as sustainable business and disaster scenarios, this reference work is ideal for managers, entrepreneurs, researchers, academicians, scholars, practitioners, instructors, and students.

SMEs are significant job creators and drivers of innovation and competition in most economic sectors. Furthermore, the traditional constraints of small and medium enterprises, such as geographic operations, are now being dissolved by technological developments. This means that there are new opportunities for SMEs, and their fundamental principles are being redefined: the aims, competencies, strategy, management, practice, and scope of these businesses are changing, with wide-ranging implications. This is the second part of a two volume work that incorporates scientific chapters on SME business theory and practice. Authors provide a balanced perspective of the present and future of SMEs across all business disciplines, for example management, strategy, marketing, economics and finance. While Volume I focuses on the individual SME and internal issues such as innovation, quality, and digitization, this second volume explores external issues such as contextual forces, the effects of the financial crisis, and macro-economic effects.

This new reference investigates the notion that ICTs have the potential to improve the lives of people and contribute to social development in a developing countries.

A new way of approaching start-ups which encourages a more flexible plan that allows for uncertainty and change
Business plans do not allow for the unexpected. Often written at the outset of a new business proposal, there is little room for change or learning from experience once the venture is underway.
Beyond the Business Plan provides 10 new principles for starting a new business venture which guarantee the flexibility to face any uncertainties. These principles can be used as an alternative to a traditional business plan or even alongside one allowing it to adapt when needed. This book does not dictate how to run a business but provides the insight needed to overcome unforeseen obstacles, to adapt, grow, and change as necessary. This fresh approach teaches how to be responsive to uncertainty and demonstrates that flexible development can navigate the changing world economy better than any business plan.

Is it possible for visionary leaders to adhere to their idealism and integrity without becoming casualties of corporate conservatism and executive-level politics? This book says "yes," arguing for the need for visionary change agents in organizations and resolving the paradox of visionary change in a bureaucratic environment. Why do many companies state they want change but then often fire employees who truly rock the boat in their efforts to shift the paradigm to make improvements? How should "disposable visionaries"-leaders who are passionate about new ideas, but who underestimate or intentionally ignore the political environment that supports maintaining the status quo and consequently are in danger of losing their jobs-keep their passion regardless of the opposition... and also keep their jobs? Written with wit and filled with poignant insights and well-documented examples, this book provides practical advice and encouragement to those who are driven to promote new ideas and reach new levels of achievement. Not just for executive-level corporate leaders frustrated by their company's resistance to change, the information and inspiration presented will be enlightening to anyone who has ever been puzzled or annoyed by obstructive internal politics at work. Readers will come away with effective ways to deal with politics, champion breakthrough innovation, be recognized as their organization's most valuable asset, and unlock their potential to change the competitive playing field. The book will also be invaluable for business students who need to be aware of potential obstacles they will likely face as they embark on their careers. Helps visionaries to identify their character traits, both positive and negative, and gives them direction on how to hang on to their idealism while more clearly perceiving how their actions affect others in the organization, including their managers, corporate leadership, or board of directors Describes a previously undocumented yet common dynamic that has frustrated many ambitious employees, told from the visionary's own viewpoint Explains how to manage visionaries more effectively by encouraging them to make meaningful contributions that can be embraced and claimed by others in the organization Enables leaders who are change agents to improve their chances of staying in an executive position long enough for their ideas to gel and take positive effect Features interesting profiles of (ultimately) successful visionaries-maverick leaders who were often initially fired or smothered for their methods and mindsets-throughout the book

"This book is a must-read for anyone who is considering owning a franchise. Business ownership is a life-changing event that must be carefully considered and this book is a great first step."
-Angie Shaw, The Entrepreneur's Source

As the American economic landscape shifts, seasoned corporate executives are looking at independent business ownership as a way to secure and control their futures, and franchised businesses are growing in their appeal.

But pouring a large amount of money into a franchise does not guarantee success. In this book, you'll find out: How to determine if you can succeed as a franchise owner; What dangerous pitfalls to avoid as a buyer; The potential rewards of owning your own business; Whether or not the numbers make sense; Ways to raise money for your venture; And much more If you are tired of the corporate world and want to escape the rat race, then let Mitchell York, a successful franchisee and professional certified coach, guide you through the many steps involved in deciding whether or not to buy a franchise and how to do it right. As the former president of LendingTree Inc. and other major companies, he now owns a profitable and growing franchised business, and he's sharing his secrets for success in "Franchise: Freedom or Fantasy?"

Games of Strategy is beloved by students and instructors alike for its flexible organisation, focus on problem-solving and engaging and accessible examples from diverse fields, like political science, biology and business. The completely revised Fifth Edition adds the work of David McAdams, especially in the areas of market design and auction theory, and provides new insights into diverse applications, such as billion-dollar buy-outs, job offer negotiation, the Cuban Missile Crisis and collusion in the school milk market.

The changing dynamics of business worldwide have led organizations to look beyond traditional managerial practices while at the same time attempting to retain their core competitive advantages. This development has called upon academicians and practitioners alike to reassess the different aspects of business management such as macroeconomic variables, the nature of the market, the changing features of the workplace, the new work ethos, and/or employer-employee exchanges. In this context, the book provides essential insights on industry innovations, academic advances and policy movements with regard to recovering markets in India and around the globe. The individual papers highlight potential avenues that could allow industry to better understand and respond to the global crisis. The book collects research papers presented at the Global Conference on Managing in Recovering Markets (GCMRM), held in March 2014. Seven international and 120 national business schools and management universities were represented at the conference, the first in a series of 13 planned under the GCMRM agenda for 2014 17. The book includes more than 30 research papers chosen from a pool of 118 presented at the conference, all of which have undergone a rigorous blind review process."