R&D resources development in life sciences ventures: a dynamic capabilities perspective

2016 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 1191-1207 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jon Carrick
Keyword(s):  
Global Economy ◽  
Small Firms ◽  
Dynamic Capabilities ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Life Sciences ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Research Questions ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the development of R&D resources in early stage life sciences firms. It looks at how young firms use dynamic capabilities to develop R&D resources. Design/methodology/approach An in-depth case study approach was used to examine the research questions. It draws on longitudinal data collected from ten life science firms. Data were collected from three rounds of interviews with each case firm. A systematic theme analysis was conducted to analyse the results. Findings Results from the study indicate that a unique set of past decisions, future opportunities, assets, capabilities, and routines leads to the development of R&D resources. It is evident that scientific breakthroughs, partnership opportunities, the founders’ experience and the firm’s ability to integrate resources and learn from earlier paths are vital to the development of R&D resources. Research limitations/implications This study extends the application of the dynamic capabilities framework to early stage life sciences ventures. It also demonstrates that dynamic capabilities can lead to the development of important resources. Practical implications The findings from this study provide prescriptive insights for evaluating alternatives on how to develop R&D resources in life sciences ventures. Originality/value Life sciences firms are critical to the modern global economy. However, little work examines how young, small life sciences firms develop R&D resources. Moreover, little work uses the dynamic capabilities framework as a lens to holistically examine how small firms develop R&D resources. This study helps to fill those gaps.

Influence of middle management on dynamic capabilities

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marina de Almeida Cruz ◽  
Victor Silva Corrêa ◽  
Daniela Martins Diniz ◽  
Felipe Mendes Borini
Keyword(s):  
Dynamic Capabilities ◽  
Management Training ◽  
Case Study Method ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Top Managers ◽  
Micro Level ◽  
Research Stream ◽  
Management Functions ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe dynamic capabilities (DC) literature focuses primarily on top managers. Although recent studies have drawn attention to middle management's (MM) relevance, these professionals have not been the focus of much attention in the DC literature. The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether and how MM influences DC dimensions.Design/methodology/approachThrough a qualitative strategy and case-study method, 13 MM professionals from four Brazilian companies embedded in competitive and dynamic contexts were investigated. The “micro-practices” approach was used to operationalize the DC construct.FindingsThe evidence shows that MM influences DC dimensions. This influence appears to emanate from 19 identified and named micro-practices.Practical implicationsBy examining how micro-practices (micro-level) influence macro-level DC dimensions, this article raises the significance of including the micro-practices identified herein in management-training programs.Originality/valueThe first relates to the identification of micro-practices within the MM scope. The second relates to the association of micro-practices with management functions. The third relates to the association of micro-practices with DC dimensions. Thereby, this article highlights how DC work in organizations' daily activities. The fourth is the construction of a framework that demonstrates how to integrate the DC micro (micro-practices), meso (managerial functions) and macro (DC dimensions) scopes. Fifth, this paper affirms the emerging research stream that stresses MM's relevance for DC generation.

The managerial issues related to transferring shop floor knowledge in manufacturing relocation

2014 ◽  
Vol 34 (11) ◽  
pp. 1389-1416 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mette Praest Knudsen ◽  
Erik Skov Madsen
Keyword(s):  
Shop Floor ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Manufacturing Facility ◽  
Managerial Practices ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
International Production ◽  
Time Gap ◽  
Manufacturing Facilities ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the specific practices of management in the dispatching unit and to identify mechanisms for supporting transfer of shop floor knowledge embedded in operating manufacturing equipment. Design/methodology/approach – The paper applies an inductive and a case study approach for exploring three empirical cases that represent different manufacturing facility relocation processes and differences in the applied managerial practices. Findings – The paper identifies two important gaps in international production literature when firms relocate equipment to other sites; a time gap (from dismantling to re-assembly of production facilities) and a space gap (from the current to the new site abroad). These gaps are important for understanding why relocation processes are difficult and what management can do to facilitate such processes. Practical implications – The paper identifies four issues that management faces in the dispatching context when relocating manufacturing facilities. Originality/value – The paper gives new insights to a limited literature of shop floor knowledge transfer when relocating manufacturing facilities.

Improving transport performance in supply networks: effects of (non)overlapping network horizons

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Victor Eriksson ◽  
Kajsa Hulthén ◽  
Ann-Charlott Pedersen
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Business Relationship ◽  
Transport Service ◽  
Change Initiative ◽  
Case Study Approach ◽  
Supply Networks ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The aim of this paper is to investigate how the efforts of improving transport performance within the scope of one business relationship are embedded in a transport service triad, which, in turn, is embedded in the wider supply network. Design/methodology/approach The theoretical framing originates from the IMP approach with a specific focus on the concept network horizon, and literature on triads. The study is explorative and applies a qualitative design and a case study approach to illustrate how three actors engage in a change initiative to improve transport performance. Findings The paper concludes that it is crucial to get counterparts aware of the importance of expanding and defining their network horizons for a certain change initiative. Interaction among actors is important to create awareness and expand its own as well as others’ network horizons for a certain change. Three generic facets are proposed: overlapping network horizons, partly overlapping network horizons and non-overlapping network horizons. Practical implications The framework offers a tool to managers in terms of the concept of network horizon that can help to understand the challenges when dealing with change in supply networks and to understand where to deploy resources to cope with change. Originality/value This study adds to the literature by explicating facets of the concept of network horizon, especially when firms are faced with a change, how they are affected by this change and how they can cope with the related challenges.

A practical guide to e-journal and e-book supply – a UK perspective

2014 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Kluzek
Keyword(s):  
Journal Articles ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Document Delivery ◽  
King's College ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
Library Professionals

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to report on current interlending and document delivery of e-books and e-journals in the UK and analyse the challenges encountered in such practices, using the experiences at King's College London as an example. Design/methodology/approach – The author uses a case study approach. Findings – Most UK libraries and higher education institutions negotiate the usage terms for their e-resources through Jisc's NESLI2 model license agreement. While the terms of this agreement work relatively well for document delivery of e-journal articles, allowing for secure electronic document transmission under prescribed circumstances, the interlending of e-books remains problematic. Research limitations/implications – The paper provides insight into how UK document supply services can better use electronic holdings to offset the costs of requesting. It discusses the dilemma of e-books and potential solutions. Practical implications – This will enable UK library professionals to better use e-resources in a legally compliant way for the purpose of document delivery. It will explain to non-UK library professionals how supplying from e-resources works in the UK. Originality/value – The paper provides insight into how UK document supply services can better use electronic holdings to offset the costs of requesting. It discusses the dilemma of e-books and potential solutions.

Early stage cluster development: a manufacturers-led approach in the aircraft industry

2016 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 41-65
Author(s):  
Harm-Jan Steenhuis ◽  
Dean Kiefer
Keyword(s):  
Early Stage ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cluster Development ◽  
Government Organizations ◽  
Customer Base ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Stage Of Development ◽  
Development Approach

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to explore the early stage of development of a cluster. The literature on early stage of cluster development shows that there are often random effects such as an entrepreneur and spin-off companies, and in this study, a coordinated approach for cluster development is described. Design/methodology/approach – A single exploratory case study approach is followed. The aerospace cluster in the Spokane region, State of Washington, is described. Data from a variety of sources are triangulated to enhance the credibility of the case study findings. Findings – It was found that although there are many types of collaborations occurring in the region, which involve policy and government organizations, the main driver of the early-stage cluster development is manufacturers-led coordinating mechanism. Individual manufacturers are too small to be successful in the aerospace industry, and they are collaborating to present a united “front” to out-of-the-region customers. Once customers place an order, then within this coordinating mechanism, the work is divided among different manufacturers. Research limitations/implications – The research has two main limitations. First, it is a single case study, and therefore, the results may not be generalizable. Second, the cluster is in an early stage of development, so it is not (yet) clear whether this manufacturers-led coordinated approach will have long-term success. Practical implications – The studies offer potential for cluster development that go beyond relying on a single entrepreneur or on mostly government- or policy-driven initiatives. Instead, this is an approach that can be used by industry to lift the overall competitiveness of their region. Social implications – This cluster development approach offers potential for economic development of smaller regions which mainly consist of small- and medium-sized companies without endowment benefits or a large local customer base. Originality/value – This study adds to the existing knowledge on clusters and cluster types. The identified cluster approach does not fit with the main types of clusters that have been identified in the literature. The companies involved are mainly small- to medium-sized companies, but by coordinating their capabilities, they are able to present core capabilities in a much more attractive manner to customers. This cluster development approach is not driven by or achieved through advantages in innovation, vertical or horizontal supply chain competition and advantages, creation of spin-off firms, or a regional demand base as customers are located outside the region. It deviates in terms of the types of companies involved and, mostly, in a sense that it acts as one unit to customers who are located outside the region.

Strengthening and sustaining a community through reciprocal support between local businesses and the community

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 668-680 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lynne Siemens
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Geographical Area ◽  
Reciprocal Relationship ◽  
Sustainable Communities ◽  
Case Study Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Rural Context ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Community economic development (CED) focuses on the creation of sustainable communities. To that end, a reciprocal relationship that sustains the community and business alike can be created. However, little is known about the nature of informal interactions between residents and businesses that achieves that end. This study aims to explore the nature of these interactions and their contribution to CED within a rural context. Design/methodology/approach A case study approach was used with interviews with five rural entrepreneurs. Questions explored the nature of the support that they receive from their home community and their contributions back to it. Findings The results show that communities and businesses do not operate independently of each other, but rather are mutually supportive and contribute directly to the other’s objectives. These relationships are reinforced over time by a business owner’s direct involvement in the community, though this process takes time and effort. Research limitations/implications This study focuses on a limited geographical area in British Columbia with a small group of rural entrepreneurs. The results may not be generalizable to other contexts. Practical implications The results suggest concrete actions that both the rural entrepreneurs and their associated communities can take to be mutually supportive of each other to the benefit of each party alike. Originality/value This paper enlarges the understanding of the types of interactions, especially informal ones, that can support both businesses and the larger community in their efforts to sustain themselves and contribute to CED efforts.

Suicidality in detention centres: a case study

2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 106-118 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jurgita Rimkeviciene ◽  
John O’Gorman ◽  
Diego De Leo
Keyword(s):  
Suicide Prevention ◽  
Asylum Seekers ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Refugee Status ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Processing Centre ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose Recent reports raise suicidality among asylum seekers as a pertinent issue in current Australian offshore detention centres. However, knowledge on the nature of the suicidality in these centres is very limited. The purpose of this paper is to explore in depth how suicidality arises and develops in offshore detention centres. Design/methodology/approach A single case study approach was used. Findings This case study presents the findings on the suicidal process of an asylum seeker who attempted suicide three times while in Nauru Regional Processing Centre, the last of which being a near-lethal one. The prolonged mandatory detention, together with lack of clarity about the timeframes of detention and constant postponing of the legal processes were identified as the main factors driving the suicidal intent. The suicidal behaviour escalated from an interrupted attempt to a near lethal one within two years, which signals lack of adequate suicide prevention within detention. Practical implications The resources for mental health being limited in Nauru, it is likely overall changes in refugee status processing may be a more effective suicide prevention strategy rather than implementation of other additional measures. Originality/value Studies in offshore processing facilities have been scarce due to barriers for researchers to access the detention centres. This study offers a unique insight into suicidality in this hard to reach population.

Exploring managerial behavior in small international firms

2008 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-50 ◽  
Author(s):  
Svante Andersson ◽  
Henrik Florén
Keyword(s):  
International Development ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Small Firms ◽  
Managerial Behavior ◽  
Content Type ◽  
International Firms ◽  
Firm Internationalization ◽  
Research Questions ◽  
New Research ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss the research on internationalization in small firms and research on managerial behavior, and it aims to develop new research questions that can enhance the understanding of the interface between these two areas.Design/methodology/approachA literature review of internationalization of small firms is carried out. It is concluded that understanding of managerial behavior in small international firms is in need of improvement. Therefore, the literature on managerial behavior is described, scrutinized and deployed in the context of small firms' internationalization.FindingsNo previous research has combined the research on small‐business internationalization and managerial behavior. Hypotheses that can be empirically tested and new research questions that can yield a better understanding of the internationalization processes in small firms are developed.Research limitations/implicationsThe hypotheses developed in this study have not yet been tested empirically. Further research is suggested to confirm and elaborate these propositions.Practical implicationsAs the propositions in this study are not tested their practical implications are limited at present. However, earlier research has shown that there is a link between managerial behavior and firm behavior. Managers may be inspired by the study to reflect upon this link and adjust their behavior in ways that can improve their firms' international development.Originality/valueIn this paper the research on internationalization in small firms is merged with the research on managerial behavior. By adding knowledge from the latter research tradition, the understanding of small‐firm internationalization should be advanced through raising novel issues and applying new methodological tools.

LARG index

2016 ◽  
Vol 23 (6) ◽  
pp. 1472-1499 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susana Garrido Azevedo ◽  
Helena Carvalho ◽  
V. Cruz-Machado
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Delphi Technique ◽  
Suggested Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Management Paradigms ◽  
Index Future ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to suggest a lean, agile, resilient, and green (LARG) index as a benchmarking tool to assess the leanness, agility, resilience and the greenness of the automotive companies and corresponding supply chain (SC). Design/methodology/approach – The proposed index incorporates LARG supply chain management paradigms and corresponding practices being both weighted according to their importance for the automotive SC sustainability. The Delphi technique is used to obtain the weights for each SC paradigm and a linear aggregated method is proposed. A case study approach related to the automotive SC is chosen to illustrate the LARG index application. Findings – The case study results confirmed the usefulness and ease of application of LARG index in a real world SC. The application of the suggested index to a set of companies, and consequently to their SC, makes possible to identify: the better and worst performer company in each paradigm, the LARG practices with higher levels of application among the companies, the LARG index for each company and also for the corresponding SC. This becomes an important benchmarking tool since comparative analysis regarding the LARG behaviours are possible to perform with the suggested index. Research limitations/implications – More LARG practices could be considered to improve the robustness of the index. Future studies should be conducted across more companies for improving the effectiveness of the approach, and more members should be included in the panel of Delphi technique for enhancing the validity of the suggested approach. Practical implications – SC companies will be able to assess their performance in terms of leanness, agility, resilience and greenness. A study like this could encourage all automotive companies to benchmark their organizations as regards their competitors, the best in class, and also the industry average. Originality/value – This paper contributes to the literature by introducing a new index for measuring the leanness, agility, resilience and greenness of companies and SCs. This index can be used by managers as a benchmarking tool to identify their LARG behaviour and compare it with their SC partners and seek for improvement.

Primary person-based crime prevention: an Australian case study

2016 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 301-305
Author(s):  
Philip Birch
Keyword(s):  
Crime Prevention ◽  
Short Paper ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Integral Role ◽  
Australian Case ◽  
Prevention Method ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to consider primary prevention from the perspective of person-based crime prevention. This crime prevention measure is illustrated by an Australian case study. The report also recognises the integral role the community plays in the delivery of primary person-based crime prevention. Design/methodology/approach This short paper adopts a case study approach. Findings The paper illustrates the purpose and achievements of primary person-based crime prevention, including the success it has in reducing crime and improving feelings of safety in the community. The important role of community members and their contribution to this crime prevention method is offered. Practical implications The practical implications this paper offers are to ensure community members are involved in the delivery of primary person-based crime prevention, to explicitly measure the contribution community members make to primary person-based crime prevention initiatives, to explicitly measure the contribution primary person-based crime prevention makes to the reduction of crime, and to build on the known success of primary person-based crime prevention through the implementation of more initiatives within this area of crime prevention. Originality/value Primary person-based crime prevention can be overlooked in favour of primary place-based crime prevention. This short paper offers an insight into an overlooked aspect of crime prevention.

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