Coopetition among nascent craft breweries: a value chain analysis

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 2-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
David J. Flanagan ◽  
Douglas A. Lepisto ◽  
Laurel F. Ofstein

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to employ an inductive approach to explore how small, nascent, firms in the craft brewing industry use cooperative behaviours with direct competitors to achieve their goals. Design/methodology/approach Data were gathered from interviews with the founders of seven small, newly established, craft brewers in a Midwestern city in the USA for this exploratory study. Data analysis followed the general tenants of inductive coding. Porter’s value chain model was used as a framework to organise and conceptualise the coopetitive behaviour uncovered. Findings The firms engage in cooperative behaviours with their direct competitors in areas such as process technology development, procurement, inbound logistics and marketing. A particularly interesting and common collaborative activity was breweries recommending/promoting competing breweries to their own customers. Practical implications This study provides clear examples of how relationship building with competitors could be advantageous and help small, nascent firms overcome the liabilities of newness and smallness. Originality/value Research on coopetition has called for a greater understanding of the nature of cooperative behaviours in small firms, start-ups and firms outside of high-technology industries. Moreover, research has called for finer-grained approaches to conceptualising coopetition. This paper fills these gaps and shows how Porter’s value chain is a useful tool for organising the types of collaborative behaviours that can be part of coopetition. The findings enhance understanding and facilitate future research by illustrating a broad array of cooperative activities that occur between direct competitors.

Author(s):  
Ginbert Permejo Cuaton

Purpose The tikog handicraft industry in Basey, province of Samar in the Philippines, was heavily devastated by super typhoon Haiyan in November 2013. More than five years after the disaster, very few studies have been published regarding the status of this industry. Thus, this paper aims to examine the roles of men and women farmers, weavers, converters and other chain actors of the Tikog Value Chain Industry in Basey and presents the status of the industry in terms of (a) operations, (b) performance and contribution to the economy, (c) capacity (materials, product and people), (d) market and (e) its current challenges in a post-disaster context. Design/methodology/approach For this case study, data were gathered through desk research and field works. The data were thematically analyzed using elements of a value chain analysis to provide insights and to help develop strategies to improve women’s contributions in developing the tikog handicraft industry. Findings Among the structures in the industry are associations comprising of formal and informal groups of tikog farmers, weavers, converters and traders. About 2,000 families in Basey are engaged in the tikog industry. This generates an estimated additional family income from PHP 4,200.00 (USD84.00) – PHP 18,000.00 (USD360.00)/year. Supply of raw materials is not only hampered by the depleting natural resources but also by the availability of drying facilities. Weavers continue to buy from Leyte suppliers due to challenges in drying tikog grasses. The author strongly argues that there is a need to increase capacity building opportunities for those involved in tikog to avoid stunted growth of the industry. Originality/value Aside from being a survivor himself, the author directly worked with the men, women and communities involved in this study. This highlights the ability of this research to realistically reflect the current knowledge, practices and attitudes of actors involved in the tikog handicraft industry in Basey, Philippines.


2016 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 352-362 ◽  
Author(s):  
Janet Howieson ◽  
Meredith Lawley ◽  
Kathleen Hastings

Purpose Value Chain Analysis (VCA) is established as a diagnostic tool. The purpose of this study is to extend existing applications and develop an iterative and relational method. to facilitate the application of VCA to agri-food chains as a strategic process rather than a diagnostic tool. Design/methodology/approach Using a multiple case study design, the new approach to VCA was applied to four Australian prawn fisheries. These fisheries varied in size, location, management structures and marketing arrangements and allowed the general applicability of the approach to be explored. Findings The application of the revised VCA revealed the importance of undertaking a strategic approach, with the outcome for all fisheries being a greater understanding of their consumers and an enhanced realisation of commercial opportunities. Two fisheries completed the revised VCA, and the findings show that a relational approach is crucial in creating value. In addition, it was shown that formalised structures and the informal behaviours of the value chain members have a strong positive impact on the relationship process. Research limitations/implications The research furthers the value chain literature and contributes an iterative approach to the application of VCA. The research also shows that obtaining improvements is not achievable for all chains, and, if the entire chain is not engaged with the process, the value of the results will be compromised. Further research is needed to confirm the validity of findings in other food industries. Originality/value The relational approach is an original contribution to the area of VCA research and provides industry with a blueprint for creating successful value chains. Specifically, the areas of implementation and evaluation make an original contribution to the theoretical and practical knowledge of value chains.


2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 337-360 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giuseppe Tattara

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the process of capability building at subsidiary level and the forces preventing such process. The paper discusses and tests three propositions governing this process. Design/methodology/approach This research is based on multiple case studies. A case study research is most useful when addressing issues about which little prior theory has been developed or empirical evidence collected. Findings Subsidiaries in Asia operate in a way substantially different from those in the West. Specifically what ways do market specificities in Asian economies serve to either inhibit or positively encourage the development of a subsidiary? What are the circumstances which could induce subsidiaries to outsource production? Research limitations/implications Future research should explore the regional effect on MNE subsidiary types and different flexibilities exhibited in the value chain. What are the specific aspects (macro and micro) that explain variations of business strategies at subsidiary levelboth over time and between countries? Practical implications Multinational enterprises (MNEs) should be aware of the strong potential for capability development at the subsidiary level. This increased awareness ought to induce consideration in MNEs about how best to encourage such know capability development and how to leverage these capabilities for a better MNE performance. Social implications Managers who knew the host country languages and culture, and have outward-looking attitudes, are in advantageous positions to learn about new opportunities. Originality/value The paper offers empirical insights into the state and drivers of subsidiary performance in Asia. Specifically it shows how neglect of external conditions can act to open people’s eyes and foster a capability-building process within subsidiaries.


Author(s):  
Vilani Sachitra ◽  
Siong-Choy Chong

Purpose The agribusiness sector has long been acknowledged as a major source of livelihood to many people in developing countries. Hence, determining the resources and capabilities influencing farm-level competitive advantage are vital to better understand and formulate appropriate strategies to increase the competitiveness ofminor export crops farms. This study aims to understand of the link between resources-capabilities-competitive advantage for appropriate measures to be recommended to enhance the competitive position of the smallholding farms. Design/methodology/approach This study adopts the resource-based view in combination with dynamic capabilities. The scope comprises owners of farms who possess experience in commercial cultivation of minor export crops in Sri Lanka. A self-administrated structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Findings Based on the responses from 456 farm owners, results of the multiple regression analysis indicate that variables representing resources such as human assets, physical assets, financial assets, institutional capital, collective action and entrepreneurial identity; and dynamic capabilities such as organisational learning, relationship building, quality management and marketing are significantly associated with competitive advantage of the minor export crops farms. Reputation and farm process management capability are the only two insignificant variables. Taken together, the resources and dynamic capabilities investigated explain 89.3 per cent of the variation in competitive advantage, in which 82 per cent is contributed by resources. Originality/value The findings provide useful insights not only in terms of understanding the link between resources, dynamic capabilities and competitive advantage but also how resources and capabilities can be channelled and leveraged to bring about competitive advantage to the minor export crops farms. Theoretical and practical implications as well as future research directions are provided.


Sensor Review ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
pp. 231-238 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yi Xiong ◽  
Xiaoguang Yang

Purpose The aim of this paper is threefold: first, to review the technological state of the art on tire sensor systems; second, to summarize basic methodologies and explore the potential of tire sensing for intelligent vehicle developments and third, to address challenges in the development of tire sensing systems and inspire future research in this field. Design/methodology/approach Nowadays, automotive industry is moving toward an intelligent and autonomous driving era with the assistance of sensing technology development, whereas tire-road conditions sensing and utilization are of great interest from the point of view of vehicle dynamics control, vehicle safety and vehicle performance evaluation. Findings Tire sensing is an emerging technology whereby sensor systems are installed on the tire to provide fundamental insights into tire-road interactions for ground vehicles and wheel robots. In the past two decades, tire sensing systems based on various sensor types have been proposed to offer the possibility to investigate tire-road interactions. Originality/value Instrumenting the tire with sensors, especially accelerometers and optical sensors, can sense the tire-road interactions and enhance the vehicle performance. The harsh environment inside tire cavity requires reliable, accurate, low weight, modularized and inexpensive sensors. Challenges, such as the data transmission, power management, lack of physics-based tire models need to be solved before the tire sensor becomes commercially viable for production vehicles.


2014 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
pp. 4-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wayne McPhee

Purpose – The sustainable activity model re-envisions Porter's value chain to reflect the emerging impact of sustainability on firm strategy. The model helps to convert high level sustainability vision statements into a new set of actions that can create value from emerging issues like climate change, resource constraints, and a smaller, more connected world. Design/methodology/approach – The emergence and growth of sustainability, provides an opportunity to rethink traditional business models to better reflect current and emerging market conditions. Porter's value chain was adapted to reflect that: the value of a firm is based on more than just the profit margin and includes reputation, brand value and license to operate; sustainability can generate value by improving both internal and external engagement and collaboration; and the impact that the firm has on the outside world need to be included in firm strategy and decision making. Findings – The sustainable activity model is useful for focusing strategy on the material impacts of the firm rather than focusing on the issues that are most prevalent in the media or where managers have a particular interest. The model allows the firm to clearly set out new actions and new behaviors that change how the firm interacts with the world and how value is created. Originality/value – The sustainable activity model adapts the traditional value chain model to better fit the business issues that have emerged over the last 25 years and to prepare for a future that will continue to change at an ever increasing rate. Applying the model to strategy and business decisions will encourage new ways of thinking about value and generate new activities for creating value and enhancing the resilience of the firm against future changes as the sustainability trend continues to evolve.


2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (6) ◽  
pp. 1237-1259 ◽  
Author(s):  
Omid Maghazei ◽  
Torbjørn Netland

Purpose Although the industrial application of drones is increasing quickly, there is a scarcity of applications in manufacturing. The purpose of this paper is to explore current and potential applications of drones in manufacturing, examine the opportunities and challenges involved and propose a research agenda. Design/methodology/approach The paper reports the result of an extensive qualitative investigation into an emerging phenomenon. The authors build on the literature on advanced manufacturing technologies. Data collected through in-depth interviews with 66 drone experts from 56 drone vendors and related services are analyzed using an inductive research design. Findings Drones represent a promising AMT that is expected to be used in several applications in manufacturing in the next few years. This paper proposes a typology of drone applications in manufacturing, explains opportunities and challenges involved and develops a research agenda. The typology categorizes four types of applications based on the drones’ capabilities to “see,” “sense,” “move” and “transform.” Research limitations/implications The proposed research agenda offers a guide for future research on drones in manufacturing. There are many research opportunities in the domains of industrial engineering, technology development and behavioral operations. Practical implications Guidance on current and promising potentials of drones in manufacturing is provided to practitioners. Particularly interesting applications are those that help manufacturers “see” and “sense” data in their factories. Applications that “move” or “transform” objects are scarcer, and they make sense only in special cases in very large manufacturing facilities. Originality/value The application of drones in manufacturing is in its infancy, but is foreseen to grow rapidly over the next decade. This paper presents the first academically rigorous analysis of potential applications of drones in manufacturing. An original and theory-informed typology for drone applications is a timely contribution to the nascent literature. The research agenda presented assists the establishment of a new stream of literature on drones in manufacturing.


2011 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-14
Author(s):  
Sandeep Goyal ◽  
Amit Kapoor

Subject area Strategy, strategic management, market and product analysis. Study level/applicability The case is intended for a business strategy course in management. The target participants are MBA students specializing in strategy area as well as middle level and senior level managers from the industry, who come for an executive programme in management science. Case overview Year 2009, Mr Pawan Kumar (General Manager, Halonix Limited) was facing a decision-making situation in the organization. Being one of the most experienced and oldest employees of Halonix (incorporated as Phoenix Lamps Ltd in 1991), he had witnessed the tremendous growth of the company since its inception in 1991. The company was having a global brand image in automotive halogen lamps and became a dominant player in compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) market in India by 2007. With the increasing competition and change in market dynamics, the company needed to decide upon the future product portfolio mix and strategy to be adopted to gain the maximum benefit and win over the competition in both the product segments. The automotive halogen product segment was generating higher margins but having relatively slow growth. The CFL product segment was a growing market but was generating low margins due to increasing competition from entry of large number of players. Expected learning outcomes The theoretical concepts, which will be explored in this case, involve the following: the importance of industry structure analysis in understanding the basis of competition. The importance of value-chain analysis in strategic planning. The importance of Boston Consulting Group growth-share matrix in evaluating the product portfolio mix having different growth drivers and target segments? Supplementary materials Teaching notes.


Author(s):  
Karthik Manohar ◽  
Kosuke Ishii

This paper describes the first phase of the authors’ Design for Supply Chain research that seeks to address supply chain excellence the product design process. In a global economy, companies must address supply chain issues beyond the traditional viewpoint of logistics, trucking, warehousing and include other considerations that affects design and manufacturing decisions. To include supply chain perspectives in the design of products and manufacturing processes, supply chain performance data play a critical role. This paper examines the source of data pertinent to design for supply chain using methods such as Customer Value Chain Analysis and Quality Function Deployment. A multi-industry benchmarking study also highlights the different approaches to Design for Supply Chain and emerging challenges of Social and Environmentally Responsible Supply Chains. The study revealed that lead time, quality and social/environmental metrics are the most important metrics for design for supply chain. Future research will address the refinement of metrics, the definition of the relevant data for product design, and effective approaches to incorporate the information into the product definition process.


2008 ◽  
Vol 31 (11) ◽  
pp. 879-894 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Spraggon ◽  
Virginia Bodolica

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore knowledge creation processes in small innovative hi‐tech firms operating in the software industry.Design/methodology/approachThe research framework examines specific action and interaction processes aiming at creating knowledge. This exploratory research is constituted by five case studies, each of them being represented by a small Canadian software firm. Analysis draws upon four sources of data. A total of 15 interviews (three per case) had been conducted and subsequently transcribed and coded using qualitative software – Nvivo 07.FindingsThe results of the study reveal that interaction processes permitting the creation of knowledge in small hi‐tech firms can take place via: formal meetings; informal communities; project teams; external interaction; and information technology‐tools. Rapid prototyping represents the kernel activity of knowledge creation through action. Details of the results, implications of the findings, and conclusions are presented and discussed.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper is based on a limited number of case studies, therefore empirical results cannot be generalized. Future research on larger samples of small Canadian software firms is needed, using the same eligibility criteria and comparing the same knowledge creation processes as those explored in this study. Other promising avenues of inquiry include such questions as the way small knowledge‐based firms operating in turbulent environments organize internally to create knowledge, the conditions enabling the generation of knowledge, and the particular “spaces” in which knowledge creation occurs in these firms.Practical implicationsThe systematic description and comparison of knowledge creation processes in each explored company contribute to the better understanding of specific “interaction” and “action” processes through which knowledge is generated, enabling practitioners in small innovative hi‐tech firms to design appropriate policies and procedures for enhancing knowledge creation behaviors of their employees.Originality/valueThis research is among the first and most exhaustive exploratory and comparative studies carried out in the Canadian context of small firms operating in the software industry.


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