scholarly journals “Dominance by birthright”? Reconfiguration of firm boundaries to acquire new resources and capabilities

2019 ◽  
Vol 119 (9) ◽  
pp. 1888-1907 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jin Hooi Chan ◽  
David Reiner
Keyword(s):  
Value Chain ◽  
De Novo ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Firm Boundaries ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Biofuel Industry ◽  
Resources And Capabilities ◽  
Context Specific

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine pre-entry resources and capabilities (R&Cs) of de alio and de novo entrants in an emerging industry. Then, the authors investigate how entrants modify their firm boundaries, after entering a new industry, to acquire the R&Cs deemed critical to be competitive and survive in the industry. Design/methodology/approach The analysis uses the global biofuel industry as a case study. The authors use multiple sets of data, including primary data collected from semi-structured interviews with industry stakeholders and experts across major biofuel-producing countries as well as quantitative data from industry reports. Findings Firms typically deploy two successive strategies in order to survive and grow. First, they extend vertical boundaries to capitalize on their own pre-entry R&Cs. Then they move quickly to acquire new R&Cs, which are classified as critical in the value chain of the industry. A new taxonomy of pre-entry R&Cs is proposed to distinguish critical and non-critical forms of R&Cs, and to reflect the ease of acquisition of any requisite R&Cs, which are context specific. These strategic moves lead to the bi-directional vertical integration observed in the biofuel industry. Research limitations/implications Managers need to be able to assess the opportunities for entry and subsequent strategies to be competitive by assessing their R&Cs in terms of criticality and ease of acquisition in their entry decision making. Originality/value A new taxonomy of R&Cs of the firm is proposed which has theoretical significance and practical implications for new entrants.

Framing the role of higher education in sustainable development: a case study analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Suzanna Elmassah ◽  
Marwa Biltagy ◽  
Doaa Gamal
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Educational Leaders ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Study Analysis ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Case Study Analysis

Purpose Higher education institutions (HEIs) should play a fundamental role in achieving the international 2030 sustainable development (SD) agenda. Quality education is the fourth of the sustainable development goals (SDGs), and one of the targets related to this is to ensure that by 2030 all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote SD. Therefore, the SDGs provide a motive for HEIs to integrate SD concepts into their day-to-day practices. This study aims to introduce a framework for HEIs’ sustainable development assessment. Such a framework guides HEIs and educational leaders to support their countries’ commitments to achieving the SDGs. Design/methodology/approach This paper presents the results of a case study analysis of the role and successful techniques of HEIs in achieving SD in three countries, namely, Germany, Japan and Egypt. Primary data was collected by semi-structured interviews with three Cairo University officials, while secondary data was collected by reviewing the universities' official websites, reports, publications and related papers. This study introduces a novel framework for HEIs' SD analysis and assessment, which guides HEIs and educational leaders to support SD to fulfill their countries' commitments to achieving the SDGs. This framework is based on the following five categories: strategic direction and institutional working practices, supporting students, supporting university staff competencies, supporting society's stakeholders and networking and sustainable campus. Consideration is given to the potential role of HEIs to support SD in each of these areas. Findings Cairo University could learn from the novel and pioneer practices of the Leuphana University of Lüneburg, and the University of Tokyo to fill in the gaps it has in different roles. It can also put more effort into adopting the suggested higher education programs of Egypt's Vision 2030. Research limitations/implications This paper is limited to a case analysis comparing three countries, Germany, Japan and Egypt. Second, this study has not considered school education, which is equally essential in countries' SD. Practical implications HEIs can use the framework and the findings in this paper to evaluate their current roles in supporting SD, identify the gaps and take actions accordingly to address their weaknesses. Originality/value The paper compares three universities, one in each of the case study countries. It draws conclusions that identify ways in which the paper's framework and findings can guide SD practice in HEIs internationally, especially those in the developing world.

scholarly journals Operational integration in a craft-oriented small enterprise

2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 240-256 ◽  
Author(s):  
Inger Gamme ◽  
Eva Amdahl Seim ◽  
Eirin Lodgaard ◽  
Bjørn Andersen
Keyword(s):  
Value Chain ◽  
Strong Relationship ◽  
Small Enterprise ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Process Step ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Smooth Flow ◽  
Research Initiative ◽  
Operational Integration

Purpose Many leisure boat manufacturers have thrived on designing and building highly customized boats based on longstanding traditions of craftsmanship. To achieve efficient value chains, it is not enough to optimize each process step, but also important to achieve a smooth flow through the dependencies between each process steps. The purpose of this paper is to focus on assessing enablers and disablers for operational integration in a craft-oriented small enterprise. Design/methodology/approach One case company has been studied, to identify enablers and disablers for operational integration in the value chain. The research methodology is based on semi-structured interviews with selected persons from different levels within the company. Findings The results indicate the importance of management promotion and support of integration and a strong relationship between foremen and operators. Furthermore, to avoid functional myopias, mechanisms to encourage horizontal integration could be useful. Small company and informal culture make integration easier. However, to further establish a common standardized platform, could be necessary. Even small physical barriers in the layout were experienced to affect the integration negatively. Research limitations/implications This has been an exploratory study of one single craft-oriented enterprise; hence it is difficult to generalize. Practical implications Based on empirical findings from the case study, recommendations on how to achieve better operational integration will be presented. Originality/value The research initiative provides knowledge experience of operational integration from a case study in one company within craft and artisan sector in Norway.

How can family winegrowing businesses be sustained across generations?

2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 122-139 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul J. Woodfield ◽  
Deborah Shepherd ◽  
Christine Woods
Keyword(s):  
Family Firms ◽  
Central Feature ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Leadership Attributes ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Resources And Capabilities ◽  
Multi Level ◽  
Key Dimensions

Purpose This paper aims to investigate how family winegrowing businesses can be sustained across generations. Design/methodology/approach The authors engaged a multi-level case study approach. In total, 27 semi-structured interviews were conducted with three winegrowing firms in New Zealand. All family members (both senior and next generation) employed in each business were interviewed alongside non-family employees. Findings Three key dimensions – knowledge sharing, entrepreneurial characteristics and leadership attributes – were identified that can support successful successions in family winegrowing businesses. Originality/value The authors have generated a theory that enables academicians and practitioners to understand how family winegrowing businesses can be successfully sustained across generations. The authors argue that knowledge is a central feature in family firms where previous research combines knowledge with entrepreneurial orientation or the resources and capabilities of a firm.

Servitization in contract manufacturing – evidence from Polar business cases

2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 246-270 ◽  
Author(s):  
Esa Viitamo ◽  
Seppo Luoto ◽  
Timo Seppälä
Keyword(s):  
Business Models ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Comparative Case Study ◽  
Business Practices ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Original Design ◽  
Contract Manufacturing ◽  
Manufacturing Firm ◽  
Content Type

Purpose This paper aims to contribute to the scholarly debate on the origins and nature of industrial servitization. By resorting to contract manufacturing (CM) as an empirical case, it is posited that any product-service solution that a manufacturing firm is capable of delivering on a competitive basis mirrors its goals in value creation and capture, positioning within its value networks and the pool of assets and competences it holds. Design/methodology/approach To support this argument, a comparative case study of two CM firms that represent polar cases in the industry was conducted. The primary data were collected through participatory methodology, observations and semi-structured interviews of company representatives. The business experiences of an industry practitioner provided a distinct contribution to the content analysis and modelling. Findings It was concluded that servitization becomes endogenous as contract manufacturers aim for higher profitability through the insource of customer activities and hence extend their offering downstream in the supply chain. The findings suggest that the way out of the servitization trap is a shift toward original design and manufacturing business, where high value-adding modules are insourced and integrated into replicable solutions for various types of customers and market segments. Research limitations/implications The generalization of the conclusion is constrained by the limited focus on two cases only. More industry and company data are therefore required to further validate this argument. Particularly valuable will be the data on the intermediate business models between the two polar cases. Originality/value Building on contested business practices, this paper outlines the logic of competitive strategy in CM on the basis of specific characteristics and implications of the various business concepts. In this case, the principal drivers of servitization are the acquisition of supporting capabilities and insourcing of customer activities. The case study method integrates theory with academic observation and managerial experiences.

scholarly journals A knowledge-based view of analytics capability in purchasing and supply management

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mikael Öhman ◽  
Ala Arvidsson ◽  
Patrik Jonsson ◽  
Riikka Kaipia
Keyword(s):  
Theoretical Explanation ◽  
Supply Management ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Knowledge Based ◽  
Prior Literature ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Analytics Capability

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to elaborate on how analytics capability develops within the PSM function. This study is an in-depth exploration of how analytics capability develops within the purchasing and supply management (PSM) function.Design/methodology/approachA multiple case study was conducted of the PSM function of six case firms, in which primary data were collected through semi-structured interviews with PSM analytics stakeholders. The data were analyzed based on an analytics capability framework derived from the literature. Cases were chosen based on them having advanced PSM practices and ongoing analytics projects in the PSM area.FindingsThe findings shed light on how the firms develop their analytics capability in the PSM functional area. While we identify several commonalities in this respect, the authors also observe differences in how firms organize for analytics, bringing analytics and PSM decision-makers together. Building on the knowledge-based view of the firm, The authors offer a theoretical explanation of our observations, highlighting the user-driven side of analytics development, which has largely been unrecognized by prior literature. The authors also offer an explanation of the observed dual role that analytics takes in cross-functional initiatives.Research limitations/implicationsThe exploratory nature of our study limits the generalizability of our results. Further, our limited number of cases and interviewees indicate that there is still much to explore in the phenomenon of developing analytics capability.Practical implicationsOur findings can help firms gain a better understanding of how they could develop their analytics capability and what issues they need to consider when seeking leveraging data through analytics for PSM decisions.Originality/valueThis paper is, to the best knowledge of the authors, the first empirical study of analytics capability in PSM.

The dilemma of domestic suppliers on the periphery of the automotive industry global value chain

Kybernetes ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jesús F. Lampón ◽  
Marta Rodríguez De la Fuente ◽  
José Antonio Fraiz-Brea
Keyword(s):  
Automotive Industry ◽  
Value Chain ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Global Value Chain ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Industry Value Chain ◽  
Global Presence ◽  
The Impact

PurposeUnder the global value chain (GVC) approach, this paper aims to analyze how domestic suppliers on the periphery of the automotive industry are affected by their relationship with foreign multinationals.Design/methodology/approachA case study with primary data collected from foreign multinationals operating in the Mexican automotive industry was used to analyze their relationship with domestic suppliers.FindingsThe evolution of the suppliers has been characterized by improved quality and added value in their products and more asset-intensive, efficient processes. This evolution has been driven by improvement in production capabilities and investment in new equipment by domestic suppliers and facilitated by knowledge transfer from foreign multinationals. However, it has not involved the acquisition of innovation capabilities or the internationalization of production activities. This has limited their position on the first levels of the value chain and their global presence, which are essential aspects when climbing the industry value chain to lead some activities at a global level. At the same time, most of these suppliers have become strategic and have a greater dependence on foreign multinationals. This poses a dilemma for domestic firms, as the relationship with these multinationals becomes more intense and dependent and at the same time reduces the possibility of leading activities in the value chain.Originality/valueThe paper analyzes the impact on domestic suppliers of their relationships with foreign multinationals, integrating traditional product, process and functional upgrading and new elements, in particular, participation in the GVC and dependence on multinationals.

scholarly journals Salesperson adoption and usage of mobile sales configuration tools

2018 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 168-190 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nodir Sanakulov ◽  
Sami Kalliomaa ◽  
Heikki Karjaluoto
Keyword(s):  
Primary Data ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Contextual Data ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Personal Innovativeness ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Media Channels ◽  
Business To Business ◽  
Further Development

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine salespersons’ adoption and usage of mobile sales configuration tools (MSCT) and to identify areas for further development in this realm. Another objective is to offer a conceptualization of MSCT adoption.Design/methodology/approachFor this purpose, a qualitative case study approach was selected as the research method to better understand acceptance of a mobile configuration tool used by business-to-business (B2B) salespersons. Primary data were collected through semi-structured interviews, which included a series of open-ended questions to gain more detailed and contextual data.FindingsThe results obtained from the interviews indicated several important determinants of adoption of sales configuration tools, and three different personal innovativeness types were identified.Research limitations/implicationsThe current study has certain limitations that should be considered in future studies. First, the results of this study cannot be generalized in other contexts because of small number of participants (nine salespersons) included. Second, social desirability might have affected the results in a way that caused the salespersons to have been tempted to talk positively about MSCT.Practical implicationsBased on the findings several suggestions for managers and software developers are made such as further technical development of MSCT, development of common sales routine for all salespersons, mentoring new salespersons and establishing social media channels for salesperson to interact with each, share experience/knowledge.Originality/valueCurrent paper can serve as pathway toward understanding of MSCT adoption and usage as it opens new avenues as a source of hypotheses for a quantitative analysis of certain phenomena such as the correlation between MSCT usage and sales performance.

Emerging multinationals investing in developed countries

2017 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 124-142 ◽  
Author(s):  
Selena Aureli ◽  
Massimo Ciambotti ◽  
Alessandro Dragoni
Keyword(s):  
Development Strategy ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Annual Reports ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Joint Stock Company ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Stock Company ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Evaluation Phase

Purpose The aim of this work is to investigate the key factors that lead to a successful deal in the case of acquisitions of Western companies by multinationals from emerging countries (EMNCs). Design/methodology/approach This study adopts a qualitative paradigm and uses a case study method as a tool of analysis. The case concerns Fondalmec, an Italian unlisted medium-sized joint stock company. The company was acquired in 2007 by the Indian multinational Endurance. Primary data were collected through semi-structured interviews and integrated with secondary data retrieved from relevant documents such as annual reports prepared before and after the acquisition. Findings Research findings show that EMNCs have some country-specific characteristics, which should be adequately assessed and realigned to the characteristics of the host country and targets’ resources during both the evaluation phase and the integration process. Research limitations/implications The research limitation is attributed to there being only one case study analysis. Practical implications The study recommends examining the country of origin of the acquirer and suggests EMNCs’ managers to prefer a “light-touch” integration of Western target companies to gain access to their intangible assets and achieve success. Originality/value This work differs from much of the existing literature on mergers and acquisitions because it focuses on EMNCs and analyses the target company together with the buyer and their post-operative development strategy. Furthermore, it is one of the few empirical research studies on non-listed companies, which are often overlooked given the greater difficulty of accessing data.

Exploring farmers' adoption of VietGAP from systemic perspective: implication for developing agri-food systems

2020 ◽  
Vol 122 (12) ◽  
pp. 3641-3661
Author(s):  
Hung Gia Hoang
Keyword(s):  
Value Chain ◽  
Food Systems ◽  
Food System ◽  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
Sampling Strategy ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Fresh Vegetables

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate factors that influence farmers' adoption of Vietnamese Good Agricultural Practices (VietGAP) in Vietnam.Design/methodology/approachA case study design was employed. A purposive and snowball sampling strategy was used to select 54 participants for semi-structured interviews. Qualitative data analysis techniques were applied to analyse the data.FindingsThis study found that the social, cultural and institutional dimensions that define the dominant traditional agri-food system determined farmers' adoption of VietGAP and this was expressed in: (1) there was a lack of concern about food safety amongst value chain (VC) actors, particularly consumers and this limited demand for VietGAP-certified vegetables; (2) subjective rather than objective measures were used to assess vegetable quality by actors throughout the domestic vegetable VC and (3) the coordination of this vegetable VC was dominated by informal, trust-based relationships between VC actors rather than through formal written contracts.Research limitations/implicationsThis study employed a case study approach and focussed on a local VC for fresh vegetables. The findings of this research may therefore differ to those concerning other produce.Practical implicationsThis study highlights that farmers' uptake of VietGAP requires changes to the socio-technical regime of the traditional agri-food system.Originality/valueThis research provides a systemic view of the determinants of GAP adoption by farmers and highlights areas that need to be considered when designing policies to enhance the uptake of public GAP programmes and introduce agri-food systems in developing countries.

The role of knowledge integration in shaping the capabilities and success of a charity: an in-depth case study analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bersisa Berri ◽  
Rory Donnelly
Keyword(s):  
International Development ◽  
Knowledge Integration ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Charitable Organizations ◽  
Charitable Organization ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Effective Use

Purpose Making effective use of the knowledge available to a charitable organization is crucial to the achievement of its strategic objectives and the outcomes of its humanitarian interventions. This study aims to explore the integration of knowledge at an international development charity from the perspective of its workforce. Design/methodology/approach Rich primary data were collected through an in-depth case study of a large international development charity actively embracing the management of knowledge using semi-structured interviews (n = 42), participant observation and organizational documentation. The data were integrated and analyzed thematically. Findings The analysis of the empirical data sheds light on how a more systematic framework for knowledge integration and application could enhance the capabilities and strategic effectiveness of a charitable organization. Originality/value The findings enable important contributions to the strategic management and effective use of knowledge in charitable organizations by empirically uncovering how a more coherent and structured approach to knowledge management could enhance the focus, efficiency, flexibility and relevance of its actions and those of its members. Accordingly, this paper advances a new integrated schema to meet the goals of charities and their stakeholders for broader application and testing by charities and future researchers.

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