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.

Development of a model for maintenance performance measurement

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 69-86
Author(s):  
Sungtae Ku ◽  
Changeun Kim
Keyword(s):  
Performance Indicators ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Quantitative Measurement ◽  
Maintenance Management ◽  
Case Study Method ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Energy Company ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Maintenance Performance

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop a model that can measure the equipment maintenance performance of the energy company K-company. Design/methodology/approach The case study method was adopted for the investigation of maintenance performance indicators (MPIs). The development of a model for measuring maintenance performance suggested new ways to apply the methodologies of existing papers to evaluate the level of maintenance. Findings Maintenance indicators, which are managed differently for each plant, were assessed for their performance relevance, applicability and data reliability and then standardized into five key MPIs. The MPI model, which enables comprehensive and quantitative measurement of maintenance performance using the five selected MPIs, was presented, and the criteria for assessing the maintenance level were presented in five stages. Practical implications The authors selected MPIs that match the characteristics of the company and proposed a model that can comprehensively and quantitatively evaluate maintenance performance. The model also standardizes maintenance indicators that are individually managed and provides a basis for comparing and indexing the level of maintenance indicators at each plant. Originality/value The criterion for selecting the key MPIs considering the characteristics of the company and a model that can comprehensively and quantitatively evaluate maintenance performance were presented. In addition, a standard for evaluating the level of maintenance at the global level of maintenance management was suggested.

E­commerce structures for retail and service franchises

2019 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhanna Kremez ◽  
Lorelle Frazer ◽  
Scott Weaven ◽  
Sara Quach
Keyword(s):  
Business Strategy ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Case Study Method ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Preliminary Model ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Order Fulfilment ◽  
Franchise Networks ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide an in-depth investigation of e-commerce strategy implementation in mature franchise organisations from both franchisor and franchisee perspectives.Design/methodology/approachThis research employed a multiple case study method where the e-commerce strategies of two mature franchise organisations were investigated in depth. Franchising experts were interviewed to provide an additional dimension to this study.FindingsThis research found that e-commerce must be integrated with the overall business strategy for optimal franchise performance. Since all parties to the franchising relationship are affected by the introduction of e-commerce, both the franchisees’ and the franchisor’s interests must be considered when the strategy is being developed. In addition, the consumer’s perspective is central to how e-commerce is structured, and franchisees are best placed to know their customers’ needs because they are directly involved in operating their business and interfacing with customers.Practical implicationsA preliminary model for e-commerce structures in service and retail franchising has been developed that depends on the nature of the business, the distribution arrangements and the order fulfilment arrangements. The two main avenues in e-commerce structuring were centralisation and decentralisation.Originality/valueThis study contributes to knowledge through an in-depth investigation of the internal process of e-commerce implementation in franchise networks from both franchisor and franchisee perspectives.

Asymmetric effects of alliance intensity on absorptive capacity: the differences between potential and realized capacities

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Flavia Oliveira do Prado Vicentin ◽  
Simone Vasconcelos Ribeiro Galina ◽  
Marlon Fernandes Rodrigues Alves ◽  
Adriana Backx Noronha Viana
Keyword(s):  
Absorptive Capacity ◽  
Dynamic Capabilities ◽  
Innovation Management ◽  
Multivariate Statistical ◽  
Intensity Effect ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Biotechnology Firms ◽  
Top Managers ◽  
Top Manager ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposePrior research suggests that organizational alliances' contribution to innovation performance is conditional to absorptive capacity (AC). Instead of an antecedent of alliances, in this study, the authors conceptualize and evaluate AC as an outcome of alliance intensity.Design/methodology/approachThe authors tested their theoretical framework using multivariate statistical analysis on data collected from a survey applied to dedicated biotechnology firms (DBFs) from three countries: Brazil, Portugal and Spain.FindingsFirst, the results show that whereas the high alliance intensity effect is positive and stronger on RAC, it is negative and weaker on PAC. Second, the alliance intensity effect on RAC is strengthened when firms have alliances only in their home country and the top manager does not have both academic and managerial experiences.Practical implicationsThe authors’ study suggests as implications for DBFs: (1) firms should form alliances to develop AC, (2) firms should consider alliances for improving AC when top managers' expertise is not diverse, and (3) firms should consider only alliances with national partners as a differential for AC development.Originality/valueThis research contributes to the literature of dynamic capabilities, AC, alliances and innovation management by providing empirical validation for key contingencies surrounding the benefits of alliances as an antecedent of AC.

scholarly journals Conflict as it happens

2018 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Virpi-Liisa Kykyri ◽  
Risto Puutio
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Nonverbal Behaviors ◽  
Organizational Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Micro Level ◽  
Interactional Patterns ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeAlthough emotions are relevant for conflicted interactions, the role of emotions in organizational conflicts has remained understudied. The purpose of this paper is to contribute to this by looking at the role of nonverbal affective elements in conversations.Design/methodology/approachBringing together organizational “becoming” and embodiment approaches, the study focused on a conflict which emerged during a multi-actor consulting conversation. The episode in question was analyzed via a detailed, micro-level discursive method which focused specifically on the participants’ use of prosodic and nonverbal behaviors.FindingsChanges in prosody were found to have an important role in how the conflict between a consultant and an employee client emerged and was handled. Nonverbal and prosodic means had a central role in creating legitimate space for the employees’ feelings: they helped to validate the feelings and thus led the interlocutors to act in a more constructive manner in their handling of the conflicted situation.Research limitations/implicationsFindings are based on a single case study. Multi-modal analysis proved effective in capturing the relevant interactions in a comprehensive manner.Practical implicationsConversational “traps” may be observed by becoming alert to interactional patterns involving repeated chains of actions. A nonverbal response, validating the interlocutor as someone who is entitled to her/his feelings, can be sufficient in providing emotional help in consultancy.Social implicationsNonverbal elements of interactions are important in handling delicate issues in conflicts.Originality/valueTo the authors’ knowledge, no previous organizational research has provided a detailed description of a conflicted interaction “as it happened” between clients and a consultant.

How and why does expatriation management influence expatriates’ employability?

2016 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 432-452 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joost Bücker ◽  
Erik Poutsma ◽  
Hananja Monster
Keyword(s):  
Single Case ◽  
Line Managers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Hr Management ◽  
Hr Managers ◽  
Management Functions ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Study Setting ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to offer a timely assessment of the influence of human resource (HR) processes and policies on expatriates’ employability, using a Dutch international engineering firm as the study setting. Design/methodology/approach The qualitative study, based on in-depth interviews with 15 respondents in various roles, such as expatriates, repatriates, HR managers and line managers, is complemented by a document analysis of HR policy reports about expatriation processes. Findings Expatriation management influences the internal employability of engineering expatriates, yet most HR policies related to expatriation work are counterproductive in terms of in-company employability of expatriates. Research limitations/implications Further research could extend this single case study by differentiating engineering from management functions and addressing employability implications for other assignments and other forms of expatriation. Comparisons are also possible across various stakeholders with regard to social support. Practical implications HR management can follow several prescriptions revealed by this study to increase expatriates’ employability within the organization. Originality/value This study is among the first to relate expatriation processes to the dimensions of employability.

scholarly journals Child trafficking crime and means of fighting it: Egypt as a case study

2019 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Suzi Mohamed Rashad
Keyword(s):  
Social Economic ◽  
Research Paper ◽  
The State ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Case Study Method ◽  
Child Trafficking ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Egyptian Government ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to explore the factors leading to the phenomenon of child trafficking in Egypt, how deeply it runs through the Egyptian society and evaluate the state’s efforts to combat it. Design/methodology/approach This research paper uses a case study method applied to the phenomenon of child trafficking in the Arab Republic of Egypt, and how the State is fighting it. The general policy approach is also used to clarify the State’s plans, programs and legislation in addressing the phenomenon of child trafficking, evaluate those policies and analyze the international documents. Findings The research paper concluded that child trafficking in Egypt represents a serious phenomenon, which stems from social, economic and cultural reasons. Even though the Egyptian Government exerts relentless efforts to fight this crime, all attempts have proven insufficient due to the lack of coordination between the concerned parties and low funds, in addition to the feeble services offered to the victims. Practical implications This study sheds light on a very perilous phenomenon in the Egyptian society; an international one with intricate magnitudes, upon which the State must concentrate more and eradicate it. Originality/value The study contributes to drawing the attention of decision makers in Egypt to the dangers of this phenomenon, and to the points of strength and weaknesses of the government’s efforts against it.

USA Triathlon

2018 ◽  
Vol 67 (7) ◽  
pp. 1192-1213 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Omondi-Ochieng
Keyword(s):  
Support Services ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Financial Resources ◽  
Net Income ◽  
Case Study Method ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Non Profit ◽  
Sports Organizations ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the 2010–2015 financial performance (FP) of the national non-profit USA Triathlon (UST) using financial effectiveness (FE) indicators and financial efficiency (FY) ratios. Design/methodology/approach Archival data were used together with a case study method. FP was evaluated by net income; FE was indicated by total assets and total revenues, while FY was examined by program services ratios and support services ratios. Findings On average, the FP of the organization was positive ($2,100,591 net income per year), FE was moderate (66 percent increases in assets and revenues) and the FY was mixed (80 percent revenues spent on program services with an impressive return on asset of 14 percent). Research limitations/implications By using case study method, the results may not be generalizable to other national non-profit sports organizations with non-financial objectives. Practical implications The results revealed that overall FP is a product of both FE and FY, making the study valuable to managers who are often faced with unreliable financial resources. Originality/value The study utilized both FE and FY measures to evaluate the FPs of UST – a major shortfall in similar studies.

From co-discovery to co-capture: co-innovation in themusic business

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 600-617
Author(s):  
Harriman Samuel Saragih ◽  
Togar Simatupang ◽  
Yos Sunitiyoso
Keyword(s):  
Narrative Analysis ◽  
Value Chain ◽  
Innovation Process ◽  
Validity And Reliability ◽  
Case Study Method ◽  
Music Business ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Innovation Practices ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Previous work has asserted that the co-innovation process in the music business is composed of four stages, i.e. co-discovery, co-creation, co-delivery and co-capture. This study aims to re-examine and validate this proposed conceptualisation by gathering and interviewing additional respondents, specifically academics and professional event organisers, who were not formerly involved. By gaining more insight from different stakeholders, this study expects to gain more reliable results regarding the proposed concept derived from the previous study. Design/methodology/approach This study uses the case study method by carrying out qualitative interview data collection from 11 respondents. Narrative analysis is used in examining the findings. Pattern matching is used as the basis of the analysis using the proposed conceptualisation from co-discovery to co-capture of co-innovation as the rival analysis to the empirical findings discovered in this study. This paper also discusses how the validity and reliability of the qualitative analysis carried out are ensured. Findings This study supports the notion that the co-innovation process in the music industry follows the four stages of co-discovery, co-creation, co-delivery and co-capture. The respondents, from different professional backgrounds, interviewed in this study indicated and validated that the proposed framework aligns with their actual practices, expectations and realities, along with their specific roles in the music industry’s ecosystems. Practical implications The results of this study can be used as a reference in developing guidelines or policies for co-innovation practices in the music business, which previous studies have not explored, e.g. focusing only on preconditions for positive collaboration, open license and music for co-creation or discussions that are merely conceptual. Originality/value This study validates the co-innovation process in the music business proposed by the previous works, which integrates the value chain thinking concept within the analysis.

US Table Tennis Association

2018 ◽  
Vol 44 (2) ◽  
pp. 189-206 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Omondi-Ochieng
Keyword(s):  
Support Services ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Table Tennis ◽  
Net Income ◽  
Case Study Method ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Non Profit ◽  
Sports Organizations ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the 2004-2015 financial performance (FP) of the national non-profit US Table Tennis Association using financial effectiveness (FE) indicators and financial efficiency (FY) ratios. Design/methodology/approach Archival data were used together with a case study method. FP was evaluated by net income; FE was indicated by total assets and total revenues while FY was examined by program services ratios and support services ratios. Findings On an average, the FP of the organization was poor ($6,475.00 net loss per year), FE was moderate (50 percent increases in assets and revenues), and the FY was poor (80 percent revenues spent on program services with a return on asset of 201.5 percent). Research limitations/implications By using case study method, the results may not be generalizable to other national non-profit sports organizations with non-financial goals. Practical implications The paper suggests that national non-profit organizations can enhance their FP by focusing on both FE and FY. Originality/value The study utilized both FE and FY measures to evaluate the FPs – a major shortfall in similar studies.

Graduates construct their management careers from day one

2014 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 35-37
Keyword(s):  
Training Program ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Construction Materials ◽  
Management Training ◽  
Successful Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Classroom Training ◽  
Management Position ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describes the management-development training program in operation at a UK trade distributor of plumbing and heating products and supplier of construction materials. Design/methodology/approach – Provides the reasons for the program, the form it takes and the results it has achieved. Includes interviews with people who have taken part in the program. Findings – Explains that trainees are exposed to every aspect of the business and culture from the start, by combining working in a branch with classroom training at the company’s management academy. Reveals that trainees are supported throughout the program by their placement manager, who helps in day-to-day activities; a coach from the senior-management team, who offers advice and guidance; and a mentor, many of whom have themselves been through similar schemes. Practical implications – Demonstrates how participants who are willing to roll up their sleeves, make decisions and use their initiative can expect to take on a management position within 12 months. Social implications – Highlights, in case-study interviews, the varied backgrounds of employees who have carved out successful careers with the company. Originality/value – Gives the inside story of a successful management-training program.

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