The diffusion of innovation in project-based firms – linking the temporary and permanent levels of organisation

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Florence Crespin-Mazet ◽  
Karine Goglio-Primard ◽  
Malena I. Havenvid ◽  
Åse Linné
Keyword(s):  
Diffusion Process ◽  
Innovation Diffusion ◽  
Diffusion Of Innovation ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Management Decision ◽  
Longitudinal Case Study ◽  
Formal Organization ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Networks Of Practice

Purpose The purpose of this study is to address the problematic yet under-researched issue of the disconnectedness of the temporary and permanent levels of organisation in project-based firms in terms of learning and innovation diffusion. Design/methodology/approach The paper is based on a longitudinal case study of a pioneering French construction firm introducing the partnering method in France. Based on an abductive approach, the analytical framework combines insights of the literature on community and networks of practice to investigate the processes and mechanisms of diffusion of innovation in project-based firms. Findings The function of semi-permanent organisational levels in connecting the temporary and permanent levels of the firm – the communities of practice (CoPs) and network of practice (NoP) exists besides the formal organization of the firm. As a social learning process, innovation diffusion involves both formal (i.e. vertical) and informal (i.e. horizontal) forms of organising and learning. Intermediary and informal ways of organising enables the embedding of innovation both in terms of content and connections. Foremost, CoPs/NoPs contribute to relational embeddedness. Boundary actors and objects are essential in crossing the different levels of embeddedness to overcome the learning boundaries between temporary projects and the permanent firm. Research limitations/implications The investigation is built on a single case study and further empirical research is needed, preferably longitudinal case studies, as this allows greater capture of the diffusion process. The authors suggest further studies using practice-based perspectives to capture the formal and informal ways of organising innovation diffusion. Practical implications Managerial interventions should favour the development of the informal dynamics of community and networks to foster both innovation and its diffusion. The managerial challenge lies in creating the right prerequisites for the existence of both the informal community logics of organising and the formal top management decision-making, and to orchestrate their timing in the diffusion process. Social implications The study reveals the importance of both formal and informal networks in driving innovation. As such, project-based firms should be aware of these dynamics when striving for change. Originality/value The study contributes to the literatures on diffusion of innovation, project marketing and construction management. It includes new insights related to the function of intermediary and informal organisational levels of project-based organisations, the dynamics and connection between the temporary and permanent levels of the project-based firm related to communities and networks of practice, and the boundary spanning activities that are involved between the formal and informal levels of the firm.

Leadership, governance and the mitigation of risk: a case study

2015 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 132-159 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jim Rooney ◽  
Suresh Cuganesan
Keyword(s):  
Risk Management ◽  
Social Relations ◽  
Financial Institution ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Management Control ◽  
Management Decision ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Management Controls

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to examine how managers in financial institutions satisfy themselves of the effectiveness of risk mitigation strategy and management control. It studies the co-opting of accounting tools within a single financial institution case study, examining the recursive and emergent characteristics of risk management practice. Design/methodology/approach – Adopting a field study approach within the strategy-as-practice perspective, the paper provides insights into the role of actor perceptions of risk and accounting as a calculative practice in the adaptive enactment of risk strategy. Findings – Results highlight the interactions between risk management strategy, management controls and actor interests at Lehman Brothers. The actions and reactions of risk management decision-makers such as Executive Committee and Board members are examined to better understand the role of accounting and leadership. Research limitations/implications – Results of this study may not be generalised beyond this single case study. Practical implications – The paper emphasises that concern for the social relations and the performative interests of actors in a risk management network needs to be understood and considered in accounting research. It is argued that the market prices of tradable financial asset will continue to be opaque without these insights. Originality/value – This study explores an under-researched topic in the accounting literature in examining how management controls are affected by and, in turn, affect risk strategising.

Rooting a new event in its place: the case of Festa Templária, Tomar, Portugal

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 324-345 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hermínia Sol ◽  
Marisa P. de Brito ◽  
João Pinto Coelho ◽  
Luís Mota Figueira ◽  
Christopher Pratt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Decision Making Process ◽  
Longitudinal Case Study ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Creation ◽  
The City ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose With fierce competition in capturing tourists, it is crucial that destinations be prepared to adapt and to refresh their event portfolio. The purpose of this paper is to look into the decision-making process that led to the development of a new festival in a middle-sized city, Tomar, in Portugal. Design/methodology/approach This study analyses the creation process of the Knights Templar Festival, in Tomar, a new event focusing on the Templar history of the city. A retrospective outlook on the evolution of the event is given. Primary data were collected via quantitative survey analysis and semi-structured interviews. The theoretical scope is events and placemaking. Findings The strengths and weaknesses of the region influenced the conception and setting up of this particular event. This awareness is important for cities in meeting the challenges and opportunities that event portfolio diversification calls for. Research limitations/implications This paper helps us to understand the motives and challenges in establishing a new event in the city, through the analysis of a single case study of a European middle-sized city. Simultaneously, it is a longitudinal in-depth case of the first editions of a new historically focused event. Practical implications Several practical implications can be derived to the case of Tomar. Overall, it is key that cities align the focus of new events with the city’s identity (as Tomar did). Originality/value This paper presents an in-depth and longitudinal case study, from the moment of the creation of a new event to its fourth edition, mapping the decision-making process, highlighting the learning curve of the decision makers.

How capabilities evolve in a born global firm?

2014 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 223-242 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nishant Kumar ◽  
Ali Yakhlef
Keyword(s):  
Dynamic Capabilities ◽  
Service Industry ◽  
Single Case ◽  
New Ventures ◽  
Born Global ◽  
Longitudinal Case Study ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Knowledge Intensive ◽  
Born Global Firms

Purpose – The aim of this paper to examine the mechanism through which the capabilities related to internationalisation emerge and are acquired as firms internationalise. Design/methodology/approach – This study draws on existing literature on born global firms and dynamic capabilities to develop a tentative framework and then use that to examine a longitudinal case study of an Indian firm operating within knowledge-intensive services industry. The role played by these capabilities in the survival and sustained international growth of born global firms has been probed. Findings – The study establishes a link between firm’s ability to develop such capabilities for global service delivery and its growth and survival. It is suggested that dynamic capabilities emerge as the result of a mix of experiential and deliberate learning processes, being in a constant change in rhythm with changes in domestic and in international business environments. Research limitations/implications – This study is based on a single case study from knowledge-intensive service industry in India with its own particular characteristics. Thus, the findings of this study may not be generalised across other emerging markets or industry. Practical implications – Entrepreneurs and managers of new ventures can benefit from this study, as this study helps them develop a deeper understanding of the different capability requirements for successful internationalisation. Originality/value – This study contributed to the existing literature on capability evolution in born global firms.

scholarly journals The prioritization and categorization method (PCM) process evaluation at Ericsson: a case study

2017 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 377-398 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jens Ohlsson ◽  
Shengnan Han ◽  
Harry Bouwman
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Process Improvement ◽  
Process Management ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Management Decision ◽  
Organizational Setting ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Business Context ◽  
Management Decision Making

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate and evaluate the prioritization and categorization method (PCM), which facilitates the active participation of process stakeholders (managers, owners, customers) in process assessments. Stakeholders evaluate processes in terms of effectiveness, efficiency and relevance against certain contextual business and industry factors. This collective evaluation serves as a foundation for the management decision-making process regarding process improvement and redesign. Design/methodology/approach The PCM is examined based on a case study at Ericsson. In total, 55 stakeholders, representing different organizational levels and functions, assessed eight core processes. Follow-up interviews and feedback after the evaluation sessions were collected for triangulation purpose. Findings The PCM helps Ericsson evaluate its processes within business context and industry environments. The results show that, to realize seamless end-to-end processes in the eight assessed processes, Ericsson has to make a greater effort to improve its process structures, governance and culture for fulfilling the needs of future business. Ericsson Steering Group is satisfied with the insights provided and has decided to train more stakeholders to use PCM. Research limitations/implications This research is based on a single case within a specific organizational setting. The results may not be necessary generalizable to other business and industry settings. Organizations need to configure PCM in consideration of their own processes and business contingencies to explore and fulfil their process improvement purposes. Originality/value This paper presents a new context-aware, easy-to-use and holistic method for business process management (BPM), the PCM. The method requires the active engagement of stakeholders, it focusses on developing dynamic BPM capabilities and fully embeds organizational contingencies and contextual factors in the decision-making regarding BPM. This paper contributes a novel method to explorative BPM.

Business networks along innovation life cycle

2015 ◽  
Vol 30 (3/4) ◽  
pp. 329-341 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Paola Codini
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Business Networks ◽  
Longitudinal Case Study ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Multiple Data ◽  
Multiple Method ◽  
Technology Life Cycle

Purpose – This paper aims to investigate how the relationships among the different actors within the business networks affect the evolution of innovation along the different steps of technology life cycle. Design/methodology/approach – The study is supported by a longitudinal case study referred to a mechanical company operating in the knitting machineries industry. A triangulation method integrating multiple data sources in a multiple method design was used to gather data. Findings – The longitudinal study supports the idea that interactions among the actors within the business networks heavily influence the technology evolution. Research limitations/implications – Although the longitudinal case study reported in this paper refers to a period of time of about 10 years, our findings refer only to a single case study in a specific sector and so they cannot be generalized. Practical implications – This paper provides important guidelines on how to manage the relationships emerging within a business network to influence the new technologies development. Originality/value – The paper contributes to business networks literature, filling the gaps about how the relationships among the actors involved in a network can evolve over time and influence the evolution of technology in itself.

Ethics disclosure as strategy: a longitudinal case study

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sriyalatha Kumarasinghe ◽  
Indujeeva Keerthilal Peiris ◽  
André M. Everett
Keyword(s):  
Sri Lanka ◽  
Competitive Advantage ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Business Strategies ◽  
Business Practices ◽  
Single Case Study ◽  
Longitudinal Case Study ◽  
Ethical Business ◽  
Content Type

Purpose This study investigates how a globally-oriented, developing country enterprise formulates and implements ethics strategies, policies and behaviours with respect to its stakeholders, and how the case company discloses and utilises its ethics strategies, policies and behaviours to gain competitive advantage and create stakeholder value. Design/methodology/approach A longitudinal single case study is presented featuring a tea producer and marketer in Sri Lanka, one of the country’s largest exporters, that is targeting a global consumer market. Applying Spiller’s (2000) framework for ethical business practices, this research analyses data collected in a series of interviews in combination with content analysis of company annual reports and sustainability reports covering 2010 to 2019 supplemented by on-site observation. Findings Analysis reveals that the company maintains ethical strategies, policies and behaviours with respect to its prominent stakeholders, and strategically discloses those practices. The firm’s proactive disclosures of its business and sustainability ethics practices enabled it to establish and sustain competitive advantage over its competitors. The findings are discussed in light of their theoretical and practical implications, identifying areas for future studies. Originality/value This is the first ethics study to include both longitudinal documentary analysis and personal interviews in a single case study based in Sri Lanka. It contributes to discussion regarding balancing ethics and sustainability as parts of business strategies for reputation building and value creation through identifying salient stakeholders and ethics-based non-financial disclosures by contemporary business organisations.

The S&OP process and the influence of personality and key behavioral indicators: insights from a longitudinal case study

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan Stentoft ◽  
Per Vagn Freytag ◽  
Ole Stegmann Mikkelsen
Keyword(s):  
Type Theory ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Personality Type ◽  
Process Efficiency ◽  
Longitudinal Case Study ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Behavioral Indicators ◽  
Common Framework

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to extend the research domain of Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) beyond the hard issues by focusing on soft issues in S&OP processes. This paper aims to investigate how consciousness of different personality types can affect S&OP processes.Design/methodology/approachThis paper is based on a single longitudinal case study from a medium-sized enterprise with a data collection period of more than two years. This paper is based on observation and interviews gathered at several stages during pilot implementation and operation phases.FindingsThis paper indicates that a focus on behavior using personality type theory and key behavioral indicators has provided a common framework for understanding how the S&OP process is impacted by different personalities and behavior. This knowledge has increased the awareness of which behavior sustains a silo mentality and which behavior breaks it down. Quotations are used to provide substance of this explorative topic.Research limitations/implicationsAs a single case study, this paper only provides results for analytical generalization.Practical implicationsConsciousness of behavioral elements in S&OP processes is proposed here as a complement to key performance indicators as levers to implement and obtain sustained operation of S&OP.Originality/valueThis paper is the first explicitly integrating personality type theory for a better understanding of implementing and operating S&OP processes. This paper contributes with a new understanding of S&OP success factors and how a common language may improve process efficiency.

Fast and furious: how the open vs closed dilemma affects the technology diffusion dynamic

2018 ◽  
Vol 56 (4) ◽  
pp. 867-890 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adele Parmentola ◽  
Michele Simoni ◽  
Ilaria Tutore
Keyword(s):  
Innovation Diffusion ◽  
Diffusion Of Innovation ◽  
Open Innovation ◽  
New Technology ◽  
Theoretical Framework ◽  
Barriers To Adoption ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Diffusion Dynamics ◽  
Theoretical Predictions

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to propose a comprehensive theoretical framework to explain the different diffusion dynamics of a technology realized under an open source (OS) regime vs a technology realized under a closed-proprietary (CP) regime. Design/methodology/approach Following a systematic combining approach, theoretical predictions derived from literature on diffusion of innovation and on open innovation were matched with empirical observations derived from a case study of two mobile operation systems, which were released under different technological regimes. Findings This paper proposes a theoretical framework and a set of original theoretical propositions that can help to explain the differences in the diffusion dynamics of technologies that are released under different regimes (i.e. CP vs OS). Research limitations/implications This paper provides managers a better understanding of the diffusion dynamics of technologies released according to an open innovation strategy. In addition, the empirical case study improves the understanding of an important industry (the MOS industry) that has not been fully investigated from the innovation diffusion perspective. Nevertheless, the efficacy and generalizability of the theoretical framework proposed in this paper require future empirical tests. Originality/value This paper makes an original contribution to the open innovation and innovation diffusion literature by linking, in a conceptual model, three antecedents of the diffusion of a new technology that previous literature has considered only separately: the regime under which the technology is released (OS vs CP), the contingencies related to the characteristics of the technology and to the network of its adopters, and the resulting barriers to adoption.

Drivers of organizational reorientations in planned economies

2016 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 551-579 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shuaijiao Bai ◽  
Henrique Duarte ◽  
Dong Guo
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Punctuated Equilibrium Theory ◽  
Longitudinal Case Study ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Long Period ◽  
The Military ◽  
Market Pressures ◽  
Critical Questioning

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to convey how the transition to market-based orientations by state-owned enterprises (SOEs), particularly the military sector, represents a coevolutionary process between business and regulatory institutions that has an impact on both the military and civilian markets. Design/methodology/approach – The authors conducted a longitudinal case study of a military SOE, the Aosheng Group, between 1951 and 2012 to understand the dynamics between institutions and organizations. A comparative analysis between the main stages of evolution was completed, and conclusions about the main patterns of organizational and institutional change were reached. Findings – The study reports evidence on the coevolutionary nature of change in big SOEs in China, demonstrating how institutional changes are bigger drivers in promoting reorientations than are market pressures. Within the framework of punctuated equilibrium theory, the determining role that managers may play in leading and implementing organizational reorientations is emphasized. Research limitations/implications – A triangulated methodology was employed to analyse a long period; however, its application to just a single case might be questioned in terms of generalizing any of the findings. Originality/value – The longitudinal perspective applied in this case study contributes to critical questioning as to how Chinese agencies define forms of control and the goals for SOEs under their jurisdiction and the importance of allowing managerial discretion to the assigned managers.

Implementing standardised flow: navigating operational and professional dependencies

2020 ◽  
Vol 40 (7/8) ◽  
pp. 1177-1199
Author(s):  
Marianna Frangeskou ◽  
Michael A. Lewis ◽  
Christos Vasilakis
Keyword(s):  
Operations Management ◽  
Resource Sharing ◽  
Care Pathway ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Healthcare Setting ◽  
Longitudinal Case Study ◽  
Acute Stroke Care ◽  
Specific Flow ◽  
Content Type

PurposeThe purpose of this study had two aims: (1) to extend insight regarding the challenges of implementing standardised work, via care pathways, in a healthcare setting by considering interactions with other operational (i.e. resource sharing, portfolio alignment) and professional (i.e. autonomous expertise) dependencies and (2) to develop novel insights regarding a specific flow mechanism, the stroke nurse practitioner, a form of flow “pilo” or guide.Design/methodology/approachThis was a longitudinal case study of implementing the acute stroke care pathway in a National Health Service hospital in England based on 185 hours of non-participant observations and 68 semi-structured interviews. Archival documents were also analysed.FindingsThe combined flow, operational and professional dependency lens extends operations management understanding of the challenge of implementing standardised work in healthcare. One observed practice, the process pilot role, may be particularly valuable in dealing with these dependencies but it requires specific design and continuous support, for which the authors provide some initial guidance.Research limitations/implicationsThe research was a single case study and was focussed on a single care pathway. The findings require replication and extension but offer a novel set of insights into the implications of standardised work in healthcare.Originality/valueIn addition to confirming that a multidependency lens adds conceptual and practical insight to the challenges of implementing standardised work in a healthcare setting, the findings and recommendations regarding flow “pilots” are novel. The authors' analysis of this role reveals new insights regarding the need for continued improvisation in standardised work.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document