A holistic model for inter-plant knowledge transfer within an international manufacturing network

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 535-552 ◽  
Author(s):  
Farhad Noruzi ◽  
Daniel Stenholm ◽  
Peter Sjögren ◽  
Dag Bergsjö
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Transfer ◽  
Multinational Corporations ◽  
Specific Aspect ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Holistic Model ◽  
Holistic View ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Archival Documents ◽  
Key Issues ◽  
Manufacturing Network

PurposeThis paper aims to provide a holistic view to support the choice of appropriate strategy for conducting a knowledge transfer (KT) project in an international manufacturing network (IMN) environment. It proposes a model that includes multiple aspects of a KT project along with guidelines on each aspect.Design/methodology/approachTo achieve the research goals, multiple case study method was adopted. Data have been collected by conducting semi-structured interviews regarding five KT projects in three multinational corporations. Data were triangulated by means of comparisons to complementary data acquired through observations and archival documents.FindingsThe results of this paper detail the key issues of five KT projects. Furthermore, the paper proposes an aggregated model comprising the main aspects and strategies for a KT project within an IMN.Research limitations/implicationsDespite the abundant research on KT area, not many research projects provide holistic views on KT process. The focus has rather been sectional and concentrated on each specific aspect within the KT.Practical implicationsThe paper guides practitioners to identify multiple aspects in KT that will eventually increase the odds for successfully performing such projects.Originality/valueThe proposed learning network model improves the performance of KT projects by providing a holistic view including several factors that the organization should emphasize to succeed with inter-plant KT.

scholarly journals Organizational structure and knowledge-practice diffusion in the MNC

2014 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 710-727 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nathaniel Lupton ◽  
Paul Beamish
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Transfer ◽  
Organizational Structure ◽  
Multinational Corporations ◽  
Knowledge Exchange ◽  
Formal Structure ◽  
Control Mechanisms ◽  
Transfer Of Knowledge ◽  
It Services ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type

Purpose – This study aims to examine the interaction of formal and informal cross-border knowledge-sharing practices of four large multinational corporations (MNCs) in aerospace, software, IT services and telecommunications industries. The goal was to determine the manner in which coordination and control mechanisms facilitated knowledge transfer. Design/methodology/approach – Case studies comprised secondary data and semi-structured interviews with corporate headquarters and subsidiary managers in large MNCs conducted in the USA, Canada, Mexico, China, India and Eastern Europe. Findings – The primary finding of this study is that knowledge transfer mechanisms arise as a result of both formal and informal structures of the MNC. Formal structures which create either mutual dependencies or occasions for knowledge exchange facilitate transfer. Formal structure which inhibits knowledge transfer can be overcome by knowledge brokers and evaluation metrics. Research limitations/implications – These findings suggest that knowledge transfer is more informal than formal, but that MNC headquarters does play a role, intended or not, through shaping the interdependencies among geographically distributed units. Managers should be mindful of both the manner in which tasks and the organization are structured, as these have an indirect impact on the development of knowledge channels. Originality/value – This paper investigates the role of organizational structure and its effect, both intended and unintended, on the transfer of knowledge-based practices. While knowledge transfer has been heavily researched, this study examines the phenomenon at a finer-grained level of analysis.

The roles of captains in megaproject innovation ecosystems: the case of the Hong Kong‐Zhuhai‐Macau Bridge

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hongquan Chen ◽  
Zhizhou Jin ◽  
Quanke Su ◽  
Gaoyu Yue
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Innovation Ecosystem ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Innovation Culture ◽  
Technological Adoption ◽  
Archival Documents

PurposeThe megaproject is a vital innovation ecosystem for participants engaging in technological adoption and integration to achieve project goals. The purpose of this paper is to examine how ecosystem captains build and operate a megaproject innovation ecosystem (MIE). To be more specific, we conducted an in-depth case study to identify the roles played by ecosystem captains in establishing and managing a megaproject innovation ecosystem.Design/methodology/approachBased on the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge project, the data we collected range from 2010 to 2019 and include semi-structured interviews, informal conversations, and archival documents. We employed an inductive theory building approach to address our research question and analyzed our data using the coding process and Atlas.ti software.FindingsWe find that the ecosystem captains themselves are client organizations that have evolved with the ecosystem during four distinct yet inter-related phases. In addition, we find that the captains’ roles of the client organizations include two typical activities: ecosystem establishment and ecosystem collaboration. The ecosystem captains first frame problems, plan innovative activities, set rules, and select participants for the establishment of the ecosystem, and then orchestrate resources, buffer conflicts, incorporate innovative networks, and cultivate an innovation culture to create a collaborative ecosystem.Originality/valueThis study proposes a theoretical framework showing how ecosystem captains engage in MIE to manage innovative activities during different stages. It highlights the importance of captainship roles in client organizations in a megaproject.

Third-country nationals as intercultural boundary spanners in multinational corporations

2020 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 521-547
Author(s):  
Christoph Barmeyer ◽  
Volker Stein ◽  
Jenny Marie Eberhardt
Keyword(s):  
Multinational Corporations ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Boundary Spanning ◽  
Theoretical Background ◽  
Third Party ◽  
Boundary Spanners ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Intercultural Management ◽  
Third Country Nationals

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the central roles, functions and competences of third-country nationals (TCNs) in intercultural boundary spanning in multinational corporations (MNCs): Why are TCNs particularly important for reducing complexity at the overlapping functional, geographic and external boundaries of MNCs with their related interferences and which role do they play as boundary spanners in cross-boundary collaboration? Design/methodology/approach After introducing the theoretical background on boundary spanning and TCNs, the methodology applied in this paper is a theory-driven, qualitative approach based on 13 in-depth semi-structured interviews with TNCs conducted in 10 MNCs. Findings The authors aggregate TCNs’ activities into four roles: disembedded cosmopolitan, intermediary, third party and team-related boundary spanner. They show that TCNs tend to understand the complex intercultural context between headquarters and subsidiaries, balance power asymmetries, use their in-between neutrality to create trust, and act in an interculturally highly competent way by using a great variety of intercultural and linguistic skills. The TCNs’ meta-competence permits a higher level, intellectual and abstract perspective, enabling TCNs to consider structures, objects and interactions from an affective distance. Research limitations/implications The differences between TCNs and “regular” expatriates or other interface managers are examined and methodological limitations as well as research implications are critically discussed. MNCs can intentionally assign TCNs with their related competence profiles when expecting boundary-spanning tasks. Originality/value This paper is one of the few published that undergirds the TCN concept with empirical data and illustrates the suitability of specific role-takers such as TCNs for some complex challenges in international and intercultural management settings.

Value generation from industry-science linkages in light of targeted open innovation

2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 295-307 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dirk Meissner ◽  
Elias George Carayannis
Keyword(s):  
Technology Transfer ◽  
Knowledge Transfer ◽  
Holistic View ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Knowledge And Technology Transfer ◽  
Science And Research ◽  
Desk Research ◽  
Transfer Channels ◽  
Science Technology And Innovation

Purpose This paper aims to provide a substantial overview of features and channels of knowledge and technology transfer in light of achieving impact from science and research. Design/methodology/approach The paper is conceptual with substantial desk research undertaken. A taxonomy of transfer channels is proved and levels of impact from STI proposed. Findings It is found that there are different levels of value generated from science, technology and innovation, each featuring different stakeholders with different agendas and expectations. It is argued that to make knowledge and technology transfer impactful and sustainable, a long-term and holistic view and approach is required. Originality/value Against most papers about technology and knowledge transfer, this work presents an overarching overview of objects, channels and features of partners involved in transfer. It is features technology and knowledge transfer from a holistic perspective and provides useful background for future empiric studies and impact assessments.

Adoption of lean principles in software development projects

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 285-308 ◽  
Author(s):  
RamKaran Yadav ◽  
M.L. Mittal ◽  
Rakesh Jain
Keyword(s):  
Software Development ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Project Managers ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Lean Principles ◽  
Value Stream ◽  
Software Companies ◽  
Key Issues ◽  
Exploratory Case Studies

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to gain insights about the applicability of Lean principles in software industry along with the Lean implementation issues. Design/methodology/approach Exploratory case studies have been carried out in five software companies. Data were collected by observation and semi-structured interviews with project managers. In this paper, case organizations are categorized as product vs project software development (SD) organization. Findings It is found that although Lean principles are being adopted in SD projects, application of all Lean principles is not visible. This research reveals that value and flow are more relevant in SD organizations, while value stream, pull and perfection are not conspicuous. Originality/value This paper would prove invaluable to lean practitioners and researchers to gain knowledge in lean SD. The paper puts forward the key issues that should be addressed for successful adoption of lean in SD. This study set out to determine the practitioners’ perception of the applicability of lean principles in SD projects. It provides a sound basis for further empirical research on adoption of lean principles in SD organizations.

scholarly journals Whole system approaches to health in higher education

2019 ◽  
Vol 119 (4) ◽  
pp. 246-258
Author(s):  
Mark Dooris ◽  
Alan Farrier ◽  
Susan Powell ◽  
Maxine Holt
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Phase 1 ◽  
International Perspective ◽  
Phase 2 ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Two Phase ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Key Issues ◽  
Strategic Influence ◽  
The Uk

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to report on an evaluation of the UK Healthy Universities Network (UKHUN), which explored engagement of network members; identified what members value about the network; examined facilitators and barriers to engagement; and informed the network’s future development. Design/methodology/approach The study was a two phase mixed-method study, with participants being staff from Higher Education institutions. Phase 1 involved a documentary review and an online 14-question survey (n=32). Phase 2 comprised follow-up semi-structured interviews and focus groups, conducted using Skype (n=11). These were audio recorded and transcripts were thematically analysed in a two-stage process. Findings A number of key themes emerged from the thematic analysis: value of network meetings and events; popularity of the network website; increased communication and collaboration; sense of leadership offered by the network; interest and inclusion of an international perspective; importance of institutional support. Research limitations/implications Only six universities who are involved in the network took part in Phase 2. Although a range of organisations were chosen purposively, it is possible that additional key issues at other universities were excluded. Originality/value The UKHUN is valued by its membership, particularly its biannual meetings, online presence, leadership, ethos and communication methods. Key barriers include the capacity of staff to attend meetings and contribute to the network, influenced by a lack of institutional commitment and prioritisation. Findings from the evaluation have informed a “refresh” of the network’s website and a revision of its membership structure, as well as guiding its positioning to achieve greater strategic influence.

scholarly journals “What should I say to my employer… if anything?”- My disability disclosure dilemma

2020 ◽  
Vol 34 (7) ◽  
pp. 1105-1117
Author(s):  
Jennifer Elizabeth Marshall ◽  
Colm Fearon ◽  
Marianne Highwood ◽  
Katy Warden
Keyword(s):  
Further Education ◽  
Student Perspective ◽  
Teaching Staff ◽  
Sociological Research ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Disability Disclosure ◽  
Key Issues ◽  
Negative Side Effects

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the key issues surrounding teacher/staff disability disclosures in the UK's further education (FE) sector.Design/methodology/approachIn total, 15 semi-structured interviews were conducted in a medium-sized FE college (case study) setting in the South East of England. To compare the experiences, views and perceptions of leaders, managers and teachers, interviews were carried out with leaders and managers who are accountable for ensuring disability legislation is adhered to, and with teachers who are responsible for complying with equality and disability legislation. The 15 interviewees who volunteered to take part in this research represent the various layers of the organisational structure and different academic departments in the college.FindingsTwo major themes discussed include: the desire for teaching staff to “come out” and make a disability disclosure and the perception of disability as a “deficit”. A number of staff that disclosed their hidden disabilities stated they would not do so again. To avoid the negative side effects, developing a “culture of disability disclosure” and providing long-term employer support are required.Research limitations/implicationsThis is an exploratory qualitative case study that highlights some of the key issues from a teacher/staff perspective. It is not meant to be generalisable research, but the ideas therein should help to develop a wider (empirical) research agenda.Originality/valueThere is an abundance of critical and sociological research concerning disability disclosure in general; there are also a number of scholarly studies that focus on disability issues from the student perspective. However, this is the first scholarly study that explores the key issues involving FE staff.

scholarly journals BIM business value for asset owners: key issues and challenges

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mustapha Munir ◽  
Arto Kiviniemi ◽  
Stephen Jones ◽  
Stephen Finnegan
Keyword(s):  
Asset Management ◽  
Life Cycle Cost ◽  
Business Value ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Construction Costs ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Qualitative Thematic Analysis ◽  
Building Information ◽  
Resultant Effect ◽  
Key Issues

PurposeThere is a need to develop the understanding of asset owners concerning the constraints of building information modelling (BIM) implementation, and its subsequent value realisation activities in asset management (AM) cannot be overstated. This is because the life cycle cost of a built asset is three times more than construction costs and five times more than the initial investment outlays. Hence, this paper investigated and identified the key issues and challenges of realising BIM business value in AM.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopted an explorative and deductive approach. A qualitative four-stage research design strategy was adopted using 10 semi-structured interviews and document analysis to collect data. These were analysed through qualitative thematic analysis.FindingsThe study identified 15 key barriers and classified them from the perspective BIM governance dimensions, namely people, process and technology. Furthermore, the study identified that more process-based challenges are experienced than people or technology. Of the identified challenges, three are people-related, eight are process-related and four are technology-related.Practical implicationsThe analysed results focussed on the development of the understanding of asset owners, policymakers and researchers regarding the complex challenges that hinder BIM utilisation and value realisation in AM. The findings of this paper support progress towards enhanced BIM adoption in the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry by highlighting the significance of the identified challenges, their nature (people-, process- or technology-based) and the resultant effect on BIM business value realisation during asset operations.Originality/valueThe original contribution of this study was the exploration and identification of the current challenges experienced by asset owners in implementing BIM during asset operations and how these affect the derivation of BIM business value.

A comprehensive framework for Internet of Things development

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-50
Author(s):  
Kimia Ghaffari ◽  
Mohammad Lagzian ◽  
Mostafa Kazemi ◽  
Gholamreza Malekzadeh
Keyword(s):  
Internet Of Things ◽  
Theoretical Perspective ◽  
Building Blocks ◽  
Development Effort ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Holistic View ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Technological Readiness ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Ict Infrastructure

Purpose Despite the availability of prior studies on the Internet of Things (IoT) development, they have largely focused on challenges associated with evolving IoT. Hence, identifying requirements for IoT development, as a multifaceted phenomenon, whereby the challenges would be tackled remains a less-explored valuable line of inquiry. The purpose of this paper is to present a holistic view of crucial building blocks of IoT development, in order to fill this gap. Design/methodology/approach This paper conducts empirical research using a grounded theory (GT), centering on semi-structured interviews with 25 experts involved in the Iranian IoT development effort. Data were analyzed by using MAXQDA software. Findings This study presents a conceptual framework of requirements for IoT development, consisting of 14 concepts and 5 categories. The findings reveal that strategic, interactive, institutional, market-oriented and information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure requirements play a salient role in facilitating IoT development. Practical implications The findings of this study shed some light on the momentous aspects of IoT development. Practitioners including governmental policymakers, industry and private sectors could benefit from the policy recommendations offered in this study in terms of strategic viewpoint, legal issues, business perspective and technological readiness. Originality/value From the methodological aspect, the present research is among the first studies on utilizing GT for exploration of requirements for IoT development. From the theoretical perspective, a remarkable achievement of this study is to profoundly discover some less-explored concepts of IoT development such as commercialization, feasibility study, futurology and institutional aspects. Furthermore, findings of this study highlight the contribution of innovation systems theory for the IoT development area in terms of alignment of the emerged requirements for IoT development with the functions of this theory.

Inter-organizational knowledge transfer in Omani SMEs: influencing factors

2018 ◽  
Vol 48 (3) ◽  
pp. 333-351 ◽  
Author(s):  
Himyar Al-Jabri ◽  
Kamla Ali Al-Busaidi
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Transfer ◽  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Organizational Knowledge ◽  
Information And Communications Technology ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Learning Capabilities ◽  
Knowledge Intensive ◽  
Medium Enterprises

Purpose Inter-organizational knowledge transfer (IOKT) is important especially for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Organizations need external knowledge to improve learning capabilities and their own competitiveness. SMEs are important for every nation’s economy. IOKT can enable SMEs’ learning and innovation and consequently its contribution to the national economy. This study aims to examine the factors that influence the IOKT process in Omani SMEs. Design/methodology/approach This study uses qualitative methodology. Participants were ten Omani SMEs from the information and communications technology sector, a knowledge-intensive sector. The study is based on face-to-face semi-structured interviews and content analysis. Findings The results confirmed that inter-organizational knowledge is considered to be important to SMEs. This research also showed that IOKT is affected by many factors related to the donor organization, recipient organization, nature of the knowledge and inter-organizational dynamics. The core factor to IOKT in SMEs is risk and trust. Originality/value Literature shows that there is an emphasis on the importance of studying knowledge management in SMEs; however, there is little work that has been done. Such study is even more important for Omani SMEs to improve their learning, innovation and contribution to a national diversified economy. This study provides valuable insights to establish an effective foundation for IOKT in Omani SMEs.

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