This paper examines whether or not the relative importance of the firm and industry effects in explaining performance variations is the same regardless of the firm size. In relation to size, we think that there has been particular neglect of studying medium-sized firms separately from SMEs in general. That is why we study separately large, medium-sized and small firms. We also contribute to knowledge on the firm-industry debate testing empirically both effects distinguishing the firms by size according to a standard classification in the EU. Our results show that the performances of large and small firms are mainly explained by the firm effect, albeit for different reasons, while the performance of medium-sized firms is explained primarily by the industry effect.

This paper examines the interrelationship between e-government, transparency, and reputation in Spanish local government. It postulates the existence of a three-way relationship, namely, that the degree of transparency in a local authority influences the reputation of that authority and that both transparency and reputation are influenced by the level of e-government service provided. The research is based on a study of 78 Spanish municipalities. The results are presented as a model. KEYWORDS e-Government; transparency; reputation; local government 65 have a reputation for integrity/lack of corruption while also being regarded as inefficient or bureaucratic. Notwithstanding this, some aspects of reputation have been extensively researched. Examples of these include trust (Connolly & Bannister, 2007; Jøsang,

Quality of life (QoL) is both a main concern of good local governance and an indicator of city performance. A key question to answer is that of what resources have the potential to enhance city performance, thus providing added value to stakeholders. By adopting a resource-based view (RBV), this paper explores the relationships between a group of strategic resources (e-government, transparency, and reputation) and QoL in a sample of 78 Spanish municipalities. Our study makes a contribution by providing an original design of a set of relations among our own selected resources and between them and quality of life. In order to test those relations, we define and create four constructs by using four different data sources and structural equation modeling (SEM). The results show a positive influence of resources on QoL, which is supported by a number of positive direct and indirect interactions among them. This means that municipalities with better strategic resources in local governments exhibit a higher level of quality of life.

No abstract

The university is not an end in itself, but rather a means of improving the society which it serves. A society is made up of multiple institutions, which must to distinguish between students, their families, the businesses that employ them, and of course, the public authorities which, in the case of Spanish public universities, contribute most of the funds necessary for the university’s financial resources. Trying to satisfy the needs and interests of such a diverse audience is undoubtedly one of the main challenges when trying to introduce a market orientation in universities. There are currently no doubts as to the crucial role played by foreign trade and globalization in growth, profitability and business survival. Consequently, it is also vital for economic development and the welfare of countries. The Master in Foreign Trade Management (MASCOMEX-Master en Dirección y Gestión de Comercio Exterior) of the University of Santiago de Compostela (USC) arose with the objective of trainning managers and technicians to be specialized in international trade in order to foster the development and international expansion of Galician companies in foreign markets. After 20 years of successfully achieving this objective, it is a good example of how market orientation gives universities important instruments for improving the quality of teaching and research, and fostering innovation in curricula and all services provided. This is achieved by better adapting the educational programmes to the needs of their multiple customers and society whole. The empirical analysis of the determining factors of Galician exports confirms the positive and statistically significant impact between the growths in the number of graduates in this master and the growth in Galician exports.