Location:
Room 12.2.21 DCSPTStart Date:
GOVCOPP Research Seminar - September
September marks the comeback of GOVCOPP's research seminars. We invite you to join us on the 25 th September (1pm - 3pm) for an enriching session that will join four presentations that reflect the diverse and high-quality research developed by GOVCOPP members.
Non-thematic
25 September 2024
Room 12.2.21 (DCSPT - UA)
1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Abstract
In a globalized world, countries need to differentiate from others to gain competitive advantage. One of the ways this can be accomplished is by strengthening their Nation Brand. The process of applying branding tools to a country to improve its image is known as Nation Branding. A nation brand can be defined as the perception that people, in hold of a country, across defining aspects, such as the political, social, economic, historical, environmental and cultural factors of a nation (Fetscherin, 2010). Cinema has been empirically demonstrated as a potent medium for communication due to its capacity to shape and direct attention toward critical social, political, and economic matters while also fostering discussions on societal norms (Lancioni, 1996). Several studies have primarily concentrated on examining the effects of how places are portrayed in films and series on individuals' intentions to visit those places (Gupta, Foroudi, Väätänen, Gupta, & Wright, 2020; Hao et al., 2021; Rodner & Kerrigan, 2018). However, there remains a gap in the literature concerning the impact of cinema and series on shaping individuals' perceptions of a nation's brand and their role in building a robust national brand. The series La Casa de Papel was used in this study as the stimulus to assess how its images in Tuscany, Italy influence the audience’s perceptions of the country and the nation brand experience, as well as its consequences, in terms of behavioral intentions and nation equity. The study's findings revealed a positive influence of nation brand experience on various outcomes, including intentions to visit, reside, and purchase the country's products, as well as the likelihood of recommending the nation to others. Furthermore, it positively impacted the overall perception of the nation's equity. However, it's noteworthy that only two out of the initial five categories representing the country's characteristics as portrayed in the series (comprising country's infrastructure, culture, politics, social norms, and environment) were found to have a significant impact on the nation brand experience. Additionally, the research indicated that intellectual and behavioral experiences played a more substantial role in shaping the overall nation brand experience. The findings from this study are of utmost importance for leaders and managers aiming to gauge the effectiveness of these communication channels in promoting and disseminating the nation's brand.
Abstract
Europe’s cities need to innovate if they are to tackle the formidable challenges they face and make the most of the opportunities in front of them. But municipal innovation does not happen by magic. City governments need to build up their capacity to generate new ideas, test them and learn the lessons. Based on surveys of European city leaders and innovation officers and building on work by the OECD and others, we identify four key components of municipal innovation capacity: (1) Leadership capabilities, (2) Organisational capabilities, (3) Partnership capabilities, and (4) Analytical capabilities. This research describes and assesses how European cities are working to build their innovation capacity across these four components. Our analysis shows that city governments across Europe, of varying size and wealth, are open to innovation and are rich in ideas and experimental approaches. We find that Europe’s city governments appear particularly strong in leadership and partnership capabilities. We also identify respects in which cities need to build their capacity to innovate.
SAD Research Group
Relationship Between Financial
Indicators and the Risk of
Bankrupcy of a Start-up:
Application to the Technology Sector in Portugal
Abstract
We explore differences between financial indicators of
the first years of start-up activity between those who
have gone bankrupt and those who have not, filling a gap
applied to the technology sector in Portugal and checking
how these indicators influence bankruptcy risk. A panel
data sample was taken of the first five years of 4591
technology start-ups in Portugal, from 2013 to 2022. The
methodology was based on Hypothesis Tests of the mean
and median and the application of the Probit Regression
Model.
It was found that there are statistically significant
differences in the financial indicators between bankrupt
and non-bankrupt start-ups. General liquidity and
operating return on assets positively correlate with non-
bankruptcy probability. Immediate liquidity and return on
equity are inversely related to the likelihood of non-
bankruptcy. Thus, we conclude that financial indicators of
bankrupt and non-bankrupt start-ups differ, identifying a
set of average values to follow in Portugal's technology
sector. This study has practical applicability, providing
guidelines for entrepreneurs to manage their businesses
to avoid bankruptcy and facilitating the analysis of
financial indicators.
TD Research Group
Capacity Development in Destination Communities: An International Perspective
Abstract
Capacity development (CD) is vital for destination communities. CD serves as a tool in bridging human capital gaps and as a ‘means’ towards sustainability. CD helps create jobs, provides opportunities and improves quality of life. However, several issues confront CD in destination communities that include weak institutional strategies, lack of resources and socio-political constraints (Babu & Sengupta, 2005; Caffyn & Jobbins, 2009; Koutra & Edwards, 2012). In addition, the availability of skilled and trained human resources remains a critical issue. CD programmes are necessary to boost more resource support, empower the locals and strengthen communities at various levels.
This study aims to investigate the different issues confronting CD in destination communities as perceived by 116 organizations from 20 countries, which are all involved in CD programmes. It also explores the relationship of knowledge networks and partnerships (KNPs) to CD. An online survey (Likert scale) using non-probability sampling technique was adopted for this study. Capacity builders and trainers who are involved in CD programmes and activities applied to tourism, destinations or sustainable development were taken as samples. Data were analysed through descriptive statistics and ordinal regression (OLR) analyses.
Findings reveal the top five barriers/ problems confronting CD programmes or initiatives are: (1) lack of financial resources; (2) lack of other resources (e.g., technology, facilities, equipment); (3) weak institutional strategies; (4) limited decision-making power; and (5) absence of relevant institutions and/or supporting organizations. On the other hand, institutional procedures and practices, voluntary commitment and socio-political structure (including culture) impact the effective implementation of CD in destination communities.
Based on the OLR model, public and private organizations have a significant effect on the delivery of CD programmes. However, education level, gender, age, function, number of staff in the organization and years of service do not have significant effects on CD. The model suggests that KNPs have a positive effect on CD. Furthermore, this study highlights KNPs’ essential role in building capacity and empowering individuals, organizations and institutions.
Registration to attend the seminar is open until the 24 th September at 5pm
If you would also like to take part in the lunch before the event, you must register by the 18 th September at 4.30pm
