Remaining Agile and Adaptable

2021 ◽  
pp. 187-216
Author(s):  
Michelle Shumate ◽  
Katherine R. Cooper
Keyword(s):  
Strategic Planning ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Absorptive Capacity ◽  
Action Learning ◽  
Directed Networks ◽  
Network Change ◽  
Goal Directedness ◽  
Learning Team ◽  
Planning Action

If a network has longevity, it will experience change. This chapter is about how networks reinvent themselves, mature, learn, grow, and dissolve. It uses a framework based on two distinctions: the goal-directedness of the network and the disruptiveness of the change. For serendipitous networks, or networks where organizations do not share goals, field-wide disruption and the accumulation of individual organizations’ actions drive change. In these circumstances, organizations manage changes by attending to their network portfolio and absorptive capacity. For goal-directed networks, change can be planned or unplanned. It can be incremental or radical. In each of these circumstances, the chapter recommends pathways for managing the degree and type of change. It uses case studies to illustrate how leaders manage the dilemmas caused by network change. It includes strategic planning, action learning team, and absorptive capacity tools.

scholarly journals Synesthesia: From Cross-Modal to Modality-Free Learning and Knowledge

Leonardo ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 48 (1) ◽  
pp. 48-54 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roy Williams ◽  
Simone Gumtau ◽  
Jenny Mackness
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Perception And Action ◽  
Action Learning ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
Learning Design ◽  
Autistic Spectrum ◽  
Enactive Perception ◽  
The World ◽  
Innovative Learning ◽  
The Senses

In an integrated view of perception and action, learning involves all the senses, their interaction and cross-modality, rather than multi-modality alone. This can be referred to as synesthetic enactive perception, which forms the basis for more abstract, modality-free knowledge and a potential underpinning for innovative learning design. The authors explore this mode of learning in two case studies: The first focuses on children in Montessori preschools and the second on MEDIATE, an interactive space designed for children on the autistic spectrum that offers a “whole-body” engagement with the world.

scholarly journals Absorptive Capacity and ERP Implementation in Indian Medium-Sized Firms

2012 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 54-79 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seema Sharma ◽  
Elizabeth M. Daniel ◽  
Colin Gray
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Developing Country ◽  
Absorptive Capacity ◽  
Enterprise Resource Planning ◽  
Resource Planning ◽  
Organizational Knowledge ◽  
Erp Implementation ◽  
Knowledge Processes ◽  
It Implementation ◽  
It Systems

Whilst absorptive capacity has been identified as an important contributor to the effective implementation of IT systems, previous studies have failed to explicitly consider the contribution of individual and organizational knowledge processes. Nine case studies of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) implementation were undertaken. The case studies were all undertaken in SMEs in a developing country since this is an important but under researched area for the application of the concept of absorptive capacity. A particular implication of the findings is that firms lacking knowledge of IT implementation cannot simply seek this from external sources but must develop internal organizational knowledge processes if their implementations of IT systems are to be effective. This finding is particularly pertinent to the developing country and SME context of this study, where low levels of experience within the firm and the loss of experienced staff are found to impact on the development of absorptive capacity.

Synchronization in Strategic Planning: A Roadmapping Framework

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (06) ◽  
pp. 1950044 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sukrit Vinayavekhin ◽  
Robert Phaal
Keyword(s):  
Strategic Planning ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Multinational Firms ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Process Approach ◽  
The Uk

The research question is “How can firms approach synchronization in strategic planning?”, aiming to investigate opportunities for improved synchronization within strategic planning. The focus is on roadmapping, as a relatively simple, flexible and widely used method that includes time as an explicit dimension. The adopted methodology is a process approach, consisting of literature review, exploratory interviews, practitioner interviews, and case studies with large multinational firms based in the UK that are familiar with roadmapping. As a result, four types of synchronization have been identified and discussed, including generic forms of each type, illustrated with industrial examples from the case studies.

Reflective practice during action learning in management development programmes

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jane Robertson ◽  
Heidi Le Sueur ◽  
Nicky Terblanche
Keyword(s):  
Reflective Practice ◽  
Action Learning ◽  
Management Development ◽  
Learning Context ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Reflection Time ◽  
Inquiry Approach ◽  
Safe Learning Environment ◽  
Practical Guidelines ◽  
Learning Team

Purpose This study aims to investigate the aspects that influence reflective practice during an action learning approach to management development programmes (MDPs). Design/methodology/approach A narrative inquiry approach was used to gather interview and pictorial data from 16 participants who had attended an action learning oriented MDP. Data were translated into interpretive stories using McCormack’s lenses, which were further analysed using thematic analysis. Findings Two key themes emerged: dealing with emotions and practising reflection. Participants initially found reflecting uncomfortable, but showed courage by persevering. Participants had to learn how to reflect and set aside time for it, while valuing support and guidance from their action learning facilitator. Research limitations/implications The findings and recommendations may not be relevant to all types of action learning as action learning forms and contexts differ. Practical implications Reflective practice is the responsibility of both the participant and the action learning facilitator. Participants need to create the time and space to learn, be fully present during reflection, practice mindfulness and have the courage to be uncomfortable while reflecting. Action learning facilitators could encourage reflection by creating a safe learning environment, selecting a diverse action learning team, designing reflection time into the MDP and helping participants apply reflection tools. Originality/value Reflective practice enhances learning; yet there is a need to better understand reflective practice in an action learning context. This study provides empirical evidence of the aspects that influence the reflection process and outcomes as well as practical guidelines to participants and facilitators on how to promote reflection.

scholarly journals Analyzing the Process of Absorptive Capacity: A Case Study of Garment SMEs in Yogyakarta

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 308-319
Author(s):  
Dede Iskandar Siregar ◽  
◽  
Anjar Priyono ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Absorptive Capacity ◽  
External Environment ◽  
Natural Process ◽  
Business Practices ◽  
Innovation Capability ◽  
Knowledge Process ◽  
Traditional Approaches

Abstract: Absorptive capacity is defined as the company's ability to identify, explore, and apply knowledge gained from the external environment into the form of services. Previous studies examined this generally put forward the role of R&D and leadership authority to neglect the natural process of absorptive capacity. As a knowledge process, its natural process unseparated from the involvement of all parties in the company (including employees). This study aims to analyze the absorptive capacity process in Gramen SMEs located in Yogyakarta with its characteristics that still prioritize business practices based on traditional approaches and local wisdom. By adopting a qualitative based on case studies, it found that the process of absorbing information generally carried out through informal interactions with customers and various communities. It is also confirmed that each stage of absorptive capacity does not always flow linearly, and the intensity of the absorption holds by companies determined by innovations required and the characteristics of the company. Keywords: Absorptive capacity; exploration; transformation; exploitation; innovation capability.

Towards more effective strategic planning

2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
pp. 28-30
Keyword(s):  
Strategic Planning ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Reading Time ◽  
Planning Process ◽  
Cutting Edge ◽  
Business Success ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings Effective strategic planning is critical to business success. The task is often challenging though because of reasons which include bias and lack of clarity and focus. However, firms can use a scorecard-based approach that adds structure and can considerably enhance the planning process. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

scholarly journals Model of Absorptive Capacity and Implementation of New Technology for Rural Construction SMEs

2014 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 19 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ernawati Mustafa Kamal ◽  
Roger Flanagan
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Rural Area ◽  
Absorptive Capacity ◽  
New Technology ◽  
The Body ◽  
Critical Component ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Body Of Knowledge ◽  
Different Levels ◽  
Rural Construction

Absorptive capacity has been acknowledged as a critical component for organisations to sustain, grow and compete in their markets. Many researchers have used the concept of absorptive capacity in their analysis at different levels: individual, organisation, industry and country. However, most of the studies focus on very large organisations with sophisticated structures and strong R&D orientation. Very few studies address the theory of absorptive capacity in the context of SME organisations. This paper presents part of the findings of research that investigated absorptive capacity in the context of Malaysian rural construction SMEs. The aim of this paper is to prescribe a model of absorptive capacity for rural construction SMEs. The model is based on validation drawn from five case studies of construction SMEs operating in the rural area in Malaysia. The developed model serves two functions: Firstly, to help rural construction SMEs to understand the issues and process related to absorptive capacity and the implementation, and use of, new technology; secondly, to provide a mechanism for policy makers to transfer new technology to rural contractors. This research contributes to the body of knowledge of absorptive capacity by highlighting issues related to absorptive capacity and implementation of new technology in the context of rural SMEs. Keywords: Absorptive Capacity, Malaysia, Rural Construction, Small and medium sized enterprise (SME).

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