Product-level profitability

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 214-237
Author(s):  
Hannu Hannila ◽  
Joni Koskinen ◽  
Janne Harkonen ◽  
Harri Haapasalo
Keyword(s):  
Business Processes ◽  
Data Driven ◽  
Product Portfolio ◽  
Data Governance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Technical Product ◽  
Product Level ◽  
Level Data ◽  
Corporate Level

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyse current challenges and to articulate the preconditions for data-driven, fact-based product portfolio management (PPM) based on commercial and technical product structures, critical business processes, corporate business IT and company data assets. Here, data assets were classified from a PPM perspective in terms of (product/customer/supplier) master data, transaction data and Internet of Things data. The study also addresses the supporting role of corporate-level data governance. Design/methodology/approach The study combines a literature review and qualitative analysis of empirical data collected from eight international companies of varying size. Findings Companies’ current inability to analyse products effectively based on existing data is surprising. The present findings identify a number of preconditions for data-driven, fact-based PPM, including mutual understanding of company products (to establish a consistent commercial and technical product structure), product classification as strategic, supportive or non-strategic (to link commercial and technical product structures with product strategy) and a holistic, corporate-level data model for adjusting the company’s business IT (to support product portfolio visualisation). Practical implications The findings provide a logical and empirical basis for fact-based, product-level analysis of product profitability and analysis of the product portfolio over the product life cycle, supporting a data-driven approach to the optimisation of commercial and technical product structure, business IT systems and company product strategy. As a virtual representation of reality, the company data model facilitates product visualisation. The findings are of great practical value, as they demonstrate the significance of corporate-level data assets, data governance and business-critical data for managing a company’s products and portfolio. Originality/value The study contributes to the existing literature by specifying the preconditions for data-driven, fact-based PPM as a basis for product-level analysis and decision making, emphasising the role of company data assets and clarifying the links between business processes, information systems and data assets for PPM.

Big data-driven supply chain and performance: a resource-based view

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shampy Kamboj ◽  
Shruti Rana
Keyword(s):  
Big Data ◽  
Supply Chain ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Data Driven ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Firm Age ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sustainable Performance ◽  
Medium Enterprises

PurposeThe main objective of this paper is to study the role of supply chain performance (SCP) as a mediator between big data-driven supply chain (BDDSC) and firm sustainable performance. In addition, the role of firm age as a moderator between BDDSC and SCP as well as between SCP and firm sustainable performance has also been explored.Design/methodology/approachThe 200 managers of medium or senior level positions in micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) located at Delhi-NCR have been contacted. Further, collected data have been confirmed with confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). In this paper, structure equation modeling (SEM) has been employed to empirically check the proposed hypotheses and their relationships.FindingsThe findings confirmed that SCP mediates the link between BDDSC and firm sustainable performance. Additionally, firm age moderates the association between BDDSC and SCP as well as between SCP and firm sustainable performance.Research limitations/implicationsThe role of SCP and firm age between BDDSC and sustainable performance have been examined in the context of MSMEs in Delhi-NCR and thereby limit the generalization of results to other industries and country contexts.Originality/valueThe present study adds to the existing literature via recognizing the blackbox using SCP and firm age to comprehend BDDSC and firm sustainable performance relationship.

scholarly journals Supporting Ghanaian micro-entrepreneurships: the role of mobile technology

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 306-327 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emmanuel Mensah Asiedu ◽  
Susan Shortland ◽  
Yehia Sabri Nawar ◽  
Paul J. Jackson ◽  
Laura Baker
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Phone ◽  
Mobile Technology ◽  
Business Processes ◽  
Eastern Region ◽  
Exploratory Research ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Rural Ghana ◽  
Business Confidence

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the role of mobile technology and related service platforms in supporting informal micro-entrepreneurships in rural Ghana. It aims to extend our knowledge through the development of a conceptual model.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative research design used in-depth semi-structured interviews with five micro-entrepreneurship owners in the Kwahu South District in the Eastern region of Ghana. Identification of potential case firms was facilitated by a local official. Interview data were analysed thematically.FindingsMobile technology engendered pride and emotional connectedness and, being easy to use, helped to increase business confidence. Adoption advantages included improved communications with customers and business partners, and effective stock control, providing competitive advantage. Further understanding of mobile technology’s role in improving business processes is needed.Research limitations/implicationsThis exploratory research is based on five micro-entrepreneurships in one Ghanaian rural area. Further research is needed using larger samples, additional locations and sectors and larger businesses, to identify other factors influencing mobile technology adoption and associated benefits and problems.Practical implicationsGovernment policy supporting growth of informal micro-entrepreneurships using mobile phone technology could increase economic advantage. Micro-business owners need education and training in understanding business processes. Telecommunications companies can highlight technological, business and socio-cultural benefits of mobile phone adoption in rural Ghana.Originality/valueThe paper draws upon the experiences of a range of rural-based Ghanaian micro-entrepreneurships to propose a model setting out and linking the technical, business and socio-cultural benefits of mobile phone adoption in supporting business processes.

From the boundaries of management to the management of boundaries

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 391-413 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Caputo ◽  
Raffaele Fiorentino ◽  
Stefano Garzella
Keyword(s):  
Best Practices ◽  
Business Processes ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Firm Boundaries ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Multiple Partners ◽  
The One ◽  
Development And Management ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine some of the new capabilities that are required for the facilitation of business processes management (BPM) in the current political and technological landscape. Specifically, the goal is to investigate the role of firm boundaries, from a business processes perspective, in new contexts in which the affirmation of digitalization requires more integration across a complex network of partners.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on a review of relevant literature on BPM, firm boundaries and negotiation. By critically integrating this literature, a framework is developed with the objective of supporting the management of boundaries.FindingsBPM, new competitive contexts, and the technological landscape require the development and management of boundary capabilities. Among these capabilities, “boundary management” – how managers coordinate resources, activities and business processes on the boundaries of the firm – should play a key role. Moreover, as managers must continuously interact with multiple partners in digital supply chains, the organizational model of negotiation serves as a means of effectively managing firm boundaries.Practical implicationsThe framework offers insights and guidelines that can help practitioners manage the boundaries of business processes. The authors encourage a focus on business processes occurring at firm boundaries. Furthermore, the authors encourage the development of new capabilities in response to the needs of practitioners to ensure best practices of negotiation.Originality/valueThis study shifts the emphasis of BPM from the boundaries of management to the management of boundaries. By shedding light on new capabilities required, this paper enriches the BPM literature and can assist, on the one hand, in reconfiguring business processes in the new political and technological landscape and, on the other hand, in facilitating effective negotiation.

The role of the chief process officer in organizations

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 688-706 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simon Kratzer ◽  
Patrick Lohmann ◽  
Maximilian Roeglinger ◽  
Lea Rupprecht ◽  
Michael zur Muehlen
Keyword(s):  
Content Analysis ◽  
Organizational Performance ◽  
Cultural Change ◽  
Process Management ◽  
Business Processes ◽  
Chief Information Officer ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Chief Operating Officer ◽  
Part Time

Purpose The design and execution of business processes are important drivers of organizational performance. Organizations design their operations around cross-functional processes adopting business process management (BPM) methods, tools and systems. This often involves assigning BPM accountability to senior executives such as the chief operating officer (COO), chief information officer (CIO), or chief technology officer (CTO). Some organizations appoint a chief process officer (CPO), a phenomenon raising important questions about the skills and responsibilities of this position within the top management team. The purpose of this paper is to conduct an empirical study to explore the skills and responsibilities of CPOs and differences to other executives. Design/methodology/approach The authors conducted an exploratory content analysis of job resumes from LinkedIn.com to investigate the skills and careers of individuals appointed as COO, CIO, CTO and CPO in organizations from different industries and sizes. The content analysis was complemented with expert interviews of CPOs to obtain rich insights into their perception of the responsibilities of this position. Findings CPOs possess a unique skill set to serve as change agents. Their skills enable them to serve as integrators and influencers across managerial ranks and corporate functions. COOs, CIOs and CTOs possess more specialized skills related to their corporate function, whereas CPOs are more generalists who facilitate process-oriented strategy and execution, driving cultural change throughout the organization. These findings are consistent across industry and size. Originality/value This is the first paper to examine the CPO position in relation to other senior executive positions. Hence, it addresses an important gap in the BPM literature which can help organizations to make informed decisions whether they need a CPO position or have it become a part-time role of one of their existing C-level positions.

scholarly journals From fragile to agile: marketing as a key driver of entrepreneurial internationalization

2019 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 260-288 ◽  
Author(s):  
Birgit Hagen ◽  
Antonella Zucchella ◽  
Pervez Nasim Ghauri
Keyword(s):  
Business Processes ◽  
Functional Dependencies ◽  
Multiple Stakeholders ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Partner Interaction ◽  
Key Driver ◽  
Strategic Agility ◽  
The Many ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to conceptualize strategic agility in entrepreneurial internationalization and highlight the role of marketing “under particular conditions” – those of early and fast internationalizers.Design/methodology/approachThe study is based on in-depth case studies of four entrepreneurial internationalizers using an inductive approach. The role of marketing is studied along a set of four key business processes, i.e. sensing through selective customer/partner intimacy; business development through selective experimentation and testing; coordination and harmonization of multiple stakeholders; and creative extension of resources.FindingsStrategic agility is a composite of flexibility and selective responsiveness. Marketing thought, mainly through customer and partner interaction, plays a prominent role in achieving strategic agility. Customer- and market-centric thinking needs to be built in a key set of business processes. Marketing’s contribution to strategic agility means an ability to cope with time, relationship and functional dependencies. Strategic agility helps improve the risk profile of the entrepreneurial internationalizer. Entrepreneurial internationalizers are particularly suited to compete on and benefit from strategic agility.Practical implicationsThe findings show managers and entrepreneurs in early and fast internationalizing ventures a path to strategic agility which helps to overcome the many parallel challenges that come with firm foundation and internationalization.Originality/valueStrategic agility is a novel explanation for entrepreneurial internationalization. The study explains the prominent role played by marketing in achieving strategic agility and growth. Strategic agility is reconceptualized in the context of the young and small internationalizing firm.

scholarly journals Implementing process improvement initiative: the role of visualisation and standardisation methods

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mumin Abubakre ◽  
Amjad Fayoumi ◽  
Ismail Eleburuike
Keyword(s):  
Process Improvement ◽  
Business Processes ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Organisational Performance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Delivery Times ◽  
Modelling Analysis ◽  
Single Method

PurposeDue to the difficulties organisations face in implementing process improvement initiatives (PIIs), this research explores how visualisation and standardisation of business processes help organisations achieve PIIs to improve organisational performance.Design/methodology/approachA multi-staged case study strategy that analyse qualitative data and performs a process modelling analysis of quantitative data.FindingsThe paper makes two main contributions to existing knowledge. Firstly, it explains how taking the visualised and standardised methods on PIIs can reduce service delivery times and enhance organisational performance. Secondly, it demonstrates how adopting these dual methods offers a better chance of increasing organisational performance than using only a single method.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough the paper considers the flexibility in the standardisation of business processes as it gives scope for innovation and creativity on the part of the process, it did not consider if flexibility is possible without breaking the standardised working way. Hence, future research can consider this. Also, future research can hypothesise the BPM model and test for statistical generalisability.Originality/valueThe research offers new insight into how and when both visualisation and standardisation of PIIs can benefit organisations.

Leveraging the corporate brand

2017 ◽  
Vol 51 (9/10) ◽  
pp. 1530-1551 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tim Oliver Brexendorf ◽  
Kevin Lane Keller
Keyword(s):  
Brand Management ◽  
Reciprocal Relationship ◽  
Product Portfolio ◽  
Brand Associations ◽  
Corporate Brand ◽  
Brand Architecture ◽  
Corporate Marketing ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Brand Innovativeness

Purpose Most research on branding highlights the role of associations for a single brand. Many firms, however, have multiple brands and/or different versions of one brand. The latter is largely the case for many corporate brands. This paper aims to broaden the understanding of corporate brand associations and their transfer within the firm’s brand and product portfolio. In particular, this paper also examines the concept of corporate brand innovativeness and the influence of brand architecture as supportive and restrictive boundary conditions for its transfer. Design/methodology/approach This conceptual paper explains the nature, benefits and challenges of corporate brand innovativeness within the context of a firm’s brand architecture. On the basis of a literature review, the authors provide an overview of the domain and derive avenues for future research. Findings Research and practice have not fully realised the importance of corporate brand images for supporting a firms’ product portfolio. In particular, (corporate) marketing managers need to consider the potential value of favourable perceptions of corporate brand innovativeness across products and the moderating role of brand architecture. Research limitations/implications More empirical research is needed to understand the reciprocal relationship and transfer between corporate and product brand associations and equity. Practical implications A corporate marketing perspective allows firms to use corporate brand associations to support products and services for that brand. This paper discusses perceived corporate brand innovativeness as one particularly important corporate brand association. Originality/value The authors discuss the use of corporate brand associations under the consideration of brand architectures and boundaries and draw on several research streams in the brand management literature. Much of the branding and innovation literature centres on the product level; research on corporate brand innovativeness has been relatively neglected.

Object-Aware Business Processes

2011 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 19-46 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vera Künzle ◽  
Barbara Weber ◽  
Manfred Reichert
Keyword(s):  
Process Modeling ◽  
Process Management ◽  
Business Processes ◽  
Data Driven ◽  
Process Support ◽  
Management Technology ◽  
It Support ◽  
Business Objects ◽  
Knowledge Intensive

Despite the increasing maturity of process management technology not all business processes are adequately supported by it. Support for unstructured and knowledge-intensive processes is missing, especially since they cannot be straight-jacketed into predefined activities. A common characteristic of these processes is the role of business objects and data as drivers for process modeling and enactment. This paper elicits fundamental requirements for effectively supporting such object-aware processes; i.e., their modeling, execution, and monitoring. Imperative, declarative, and data-driven process support approaches are evaluated and how well they support object-aware processes are investigated. A tight integration of process and data as major steps towards further maturation of process management technology is considered.

A neglected input to production: the role of ICT-schooled employees in firm performance

2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (3) ◽  
pp. 373-391 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eva Hagsten ◽  
Anna Sabadash
Keyword(s):  
Data Sets ◽  
Firm Level ◽  
Broadband Internet ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Institutional Settings ◽  
Level Data ◽  
Firm Level Data ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Econometric Approach

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to broaden the perspective on how information and communication technology (ICT) relates to productivity by introducing a novel ICT variable: the share of ICT-schooled employees in firms, an intangible input often neglected or difficult to measure. Design/methodology/approach Based on a Cobb-Douglas production function specification, the association between the share of ICT-schooled employees and firm productivity is estimated by the use of unique comparable multi-linked firm-level data sets from statistical offices in six European countries for the period of 2001-2009. Findings There are indications that the share of ICT-schooled employees significantly and positively relates to productivity, and also that this relationship is generally more persistent than that of ICT intensity of firms, measured as the proportion of broadband internet-enabled employees. However, the strength of the association varies across countries and demonstrates that underlying factors, such as industry structure and institutional settings might be of importance too. Research limitations/implications Data features and the way to access harmonised firm-level data across countries affect the choice of econometric approach and output variable. Practical implications The results emphasise the importance of specific ICT skills in firms independently of where in the organisation the employee works. Originality/value Studies on associations between employees with specific (higher) education based on formal credentials and productivity are rare. Even more uncommon is the cross-country setting with harmonised data including general ICT intensity of firms.

The dual drivetrain model of digital transformation: role of industrial big-data-based affordance

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yi Liu ◽  
Wei Wang ◽  
Zuopeng (Justin) Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Big Data ◽  
Digital Transformation ◽  
Data Driven ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Industrial Big Data ◽  
Technology Affordance ◽  
Effective Use ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeTo better understand the role of industrial big data in promoting digital transformation, the authors propose a theoretical framework of industrial big-data-based affordance in the form of an illustrative metaphor – what the authors call the “organizational drivetrain.”Design/methodology/approachThis study investigates the effective use of industrial big data in the process of digital transformation based on the technology affordance–actualization theoretical lens. A software platform and services provider with more than 4,000 industrial enterprise clients in China was selected as the case study object for analyzing the digital affordance and actualization driven by industrial big data.FindingsDrawing on a revelatory case study, the authors identify three affordances of industrial big data in the organization, namely developing data-driven customized projects, provisioning equipment-data-driven life cycle services, establishing data-based trust and determining affordance actualization actions driven by technology and market. In addition, the authors reveal the underlying drivetrain mechanisms to advance industrial big data affordance and actualization: stabilizing, enriching and pioneering.Originality/valueThis study builds a drivetrain model on digital transformation by industrial big data affordance actualization. The authors also provide practical implications that can help practitioners to implement digital transformation effectively and extract value from their investment.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document