Accessing offshoring advantages: what and how to offshore

2015 ◽  
Vol 8 (2/3) ◽  
pp. 262-283 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alona Mykhaylenko ◽  
Ágnes Motika ◽  
Brian Vejrum Waehrens ◽  
Dmitrij Slepniov
Keyword(s):  
Performance Outcomes ◽  
Offshore Outsourcing ◽  
Strategic Decisions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Captive Offshoring ◽  
Performance Results ◽  
Governance Modes ◽  
Different Levels ◽  
Do So

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to advance the understanding of factors that affect offshoring performance results. To do so, this paper focuses on the access to location-specific advantages, rather than solely on the properties of the offshoring company, its strategy or environment. Assuming that different levels of synergy may exist between particular offshoring strategic decisions (choosing offshore outsourcing or captive offshoring and the type of function) and different offshoring advantages, this work advocates that the actual fact of realization of certain offshoring advantages (getting or not getting access to them) is a more reliable predictor of offshoring success. Design/methodology/approach – A set of hypotheses derived from the extant literature is tested on the data from a quantitative survey of 1,143 Scandinavian firms. Findings – The paper demonstrates that different governance modes and types of offshored function indeed provide different levels of access to different types of location-specific offshoring advantages. This difference may help to explain the ambiguity of offshoring initiatives performance results. Research limitations/implications – Limitations of the work include using only the offshoring strategy elements and only their limited variety as factors potentially influencing access to offshoring advantages. Also, the findings are limited to Scandinavian companies. Originality/value – The paper introduces a new concept of access, which can help to more reliably predict performance outcomes of offshoring initiatives. Recommendations are also provided to practitioners dealing with offshoring initiatives.

Stigmatized products: how conflicting laws can influence decisions to proceed

2020 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
pp. 41-49
Author(s):  
Stephanie Geiger-Oneto ◽  
Betsy D. Gelb ◽  
Travis Simkins
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
State Legislatures ◽  
Strategic Decisions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
State Laws ◽  
Product Categories ◽  
Plastic Bags ◽  
Single Use ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Different Levels

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to offers the authors’ perspective on a problem rarely considered by those making strategic decisions: conflicting laws at different levels of jurisdiction, specifically those related to stigmatized products. Design/methodology/approach The authors use as examples of product categories from marijuana to single-use plastic bags, describing the conflicting laws that add to costs for marketers and consumers. Findings The authors find that conflicting laws add to the uncertainty, legal expenses, and therefore, the cost of marketing a stigmatized product, whether stigmatized because of its impact on the environment, on health or on moral grounds. Research limitations/implications The examples are not exhaustive, but their implications are significant: that as state legislatures are preempting local bans, Congress may preempt state laws. Originality/value This paper adds one more complexity to decision-making in the area of products to offer and/or merger/acquisition decisions that may bring company products that face conflicting laws.

Study of the semi-conductive behavior of the passive film on carbon steel in simulated concrete pore solution under stress

2015 ◽  
Vol 62 (6) ◽  
pp. 363-370 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yujie Zhang ◽  
Amir Poursaee
Keyword(s):  
Passive Film ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Pore Solution ◽  
Passive Layer ◽  
Chloride Ions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Ring Model ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Different Levels ◽  
Chloride Contaminated

Purpose – This paper aims to clarify the semi-conductive behavior of the passive layer formed in concrete environment without and with presence of chloride ions under different loading conditions. Passivation and depassivation of steel play an essential role in the subsequent stages of the corrosion process. Due to the nature of passive films on metals, they show electrochemical properties of a semi-conductor. Design/methodology/approach – A C-ring model was proposed in this experiment to induce stress on the specimens. Specimens under different levels of compressive and tensile loadings were exposed to chloride-free and chloride-contaminated solutions and their semi-conductive behavior was investigated using Mott–Schottky technique. Findings – Irrespective of the type and magnitude of the applied load, the passive film on rebars in simulated concrete pore solution is a highly disordered n-type semi-conductor. In all specimens, the presence of chloride ions decreases the slope of the Mott-Schottky plots, the donor density and the space charge layer thickness, which leads to a thinner passive film. Results indicate that steel specimens immersed in chloride-free pore solution under tensile loadings passivate more rapidly compared to those under compressive loadings. However, the situation in chloride-contaminated solution is different, and steel under tensile stress exhibits more corrosion than steel under compressive stress or under no load. Originality/value – Reinforced concrete structures inevitably experience variable mechanical loads, and continuous degradation from aggressive environments. Therefore, it is imperative to study the synergic impact of different types of mechanical loadings and exposure to chloride ions on this process. This paper fulfils this need.

scholarly journals Perceptions of growth-impeding constraints acting upon SMEs’ operations and the identification and use of transitionary paths to elevate them

2018 ◽  
Vol 38 (3) ◽  
pp. 756-783 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ben Clegg
Keyword(s):  
Operations Management ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Theory Of Constraints ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Case Data ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Different Levels ◽  
Do So

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to know which growth-impeding constraints are perceived to act upon operations of small- to medium-sized (SME) companies by their owner-managers and to recommend transitionary paths to elevate constraints and increase contribution levels made by SMEs’ operations. To do so, this research has been primarily founded upon Hayes et al.’s (2005) operations contribution model for differentiating between different levels of operations’ contribution, and secondarily on the theory of constraints philosophy to explain the perceptions of constraints found at each level – current and future. Design/methodology/approach An open-ended survey and a series of group workshops have gathered new empirical data about these perceptions, which were coded using the relational content analysis to identify a parsimonious set of perceptual growth-impeding constraint categories. The most popular transitions were identified and a correlation of frequency rank orders between “perceived current” and “perceived future” constraints categories was calculated, and likely transitionary paths for growth are discussed. Three SME case studies were documented in related action research to contextualise survey findings. Findings The most popular transition was from “neutral” to “leading”. A lack of people capability was perceived to be the most commonly reported growth-impeding constraint category, followed by a combined lack of process competence and product and service innovation, further followed by a lack of skills in information technology automation. In addition, a new conceptual model has been generated inductively to address shortcomings found in the original operations contribution model (Hayes et al., 2005) during its application to UK SMEs. The new model is referred to in this paper as the “Operations Growth Rocket”. Research limitations/implications This research only used data from UK SMEs. Practical implications This work should help SME owner-managers to overcome growth-impeding constraints that act upon their operations and assist them to develop more effective actions and paths to increase the contribution levels made by their operations. This in turn should support growth of their organisations. Findings will also inform teaching about more effective operations management in SMEs. Social implications This work should help UK SMEs to grow, which in turn will strengthen the UK economy. Originality/value A novel approach and new data from 208 SMEs modify a classical operations contribution model (Hayes et al., 2005). This is achieved by considering transitionary paths to be meta-categories continua abstracted from constraint categories combined with case data for moving towards higher levels of operations contribution, rather than using discrete growth-impeding and growth-constraining “levels”. This research has inductively generated a new version of the classical contribution model that should be more suitable for stimulating growth in (UK) SMEs.

Where does the source of external knowledge come from? A case of the Shanghai ICT chip industrial cluster in China

2016 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 150-175 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chi-Han AI ◽  
Hung-Che WU
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Research Method ◽  
Industrial Clusters ◽  
Innovation Performance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
External Knowledge ◽  
Types Of Knowledge ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Different Levels ◽  
Cross National

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to: first, divide external knowledge into different levels and understand how these different levels of external knowledge create different knowledge networks. Second, explore the relation among different levels of external knowledge, different types of knowledge and their influences on innovation. Different types of knowledge may act as mediators between different levels of external knowledge and innovation performance are also discussed. Third, further explicate the possible reasons behind the phenomena observed in the first and second objectives. Design/methodology/approach – The quantitative and qualitative research methods were adopted in this study. In terms of the quantitative research method, data were collected from 157 information and communications technology (ICT) companies in Zhangjiang. There were 38 interviews carried out using the qualitative research method. Interviewees included 26 directors from the Zhangjiang ICT chip companies and 12 directors from China’s domestic mobile phone manufacturing sector. Findings – This study finds out that the source of external knowledge in the Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park is mostly derived from cross-regional and cross-national connections. Through the connection with global companies, the firms in Zhangjiang acquire technical knowledge. Also, through the interaction with cross-regional companies, the firms in Zhangjiang absorb market knowledge. The results of this study indicate that the cross-regional connections are spurred by the increasing demand of the Chinese domestic market and the government’s support for cross-regional interactions. Cross-national connections are encouraged and led by the Chinese Government after China’s 3G communication standard is adopted. Research limitations/implications – This study is built upon a case study in Zhangjiang of China. The findings of this study may not be applicable to other countries or regions in China. Also, this study only focusses on the ICT industry in Zhangjiang. Knowledge from different industries is not included in this study. In addition, the formal and informal knowledge flow is neglected in this study as well. Practical implications – The findings of this study provide business executives and policymakers with a new way of thinking about the development of industrial clusters and local firms. Firms may be able to find new ways to raise innovation performance using different external knowledge. Originality/value – The major contribution of this study is an initial attempt to provide a comprehensive analysis of external knowledge of industrial clusters, different types of knowledge and their influences on innovation performance. Moreover, the mediating effects of different types of knowledge are also discussed.

scholarly journals Six ways to build circular business models

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nancy Bocken ◽  
Paavo Ritala
Keyword(s):  
Business Model ◽  
Resource Use ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Strategic Decisions ◽  
Strategic Choices ◽  
Value Capture ◽  
Content Type ◽  
External Stakeholders ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Business Cases

Purpose Circular business models can improve resource use in a financially and environmentally feasible way. However, companies struggle to choose among the vast variety of ways to achieve circularity within a business model. The purpose of this paper is to offer a pragmatic guide for making strategic decisions on circular business models. Design/methodology/approach This paper develops a conceptual model of six different strategic approaches to circular business models and provides examples to business cases and practice to illustrate these. Findings This study identifies two critical strategy choices companies should make. First, an innovation strategy addresses the extent to which circularity is achieved with internal or external stakeholders. Second, a resource strategy addresses how companies achieve circularity by narrowing, slowing or closing resource loops. Using examples from business practice, this study illustrates how the combinations of these two strategies can be used to design competitive circular business models. Key managerial questions are also identified to help decide upon a feasible strategy for circular business model innovation. Originality/value While different types of circular business models have been described, it is less clear what the strategic choices are that companies need to make to find feasible business cases for circularity in terms of value proposition, value creation and delivery and value capture. This study outlines these through a “circular business model strategy framework”.

Impact of abrasion on strength, elasticity and elastic recovery properties of stretch-denim fabric

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vivek Prasad Shaw ◽  
Arunangshu Mukhopadhyay
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Elastic Recovery ◽  
Body Movement ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Composition And Structure ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Denim Fabric ◽  
Shape Retention ◽  
Effect Of The Composition ◽  
Different Levels

PurposeIn recent times, the usage of elastane-containing denim garments has increased, as it provides fit and comfort both at the same time. The purpose of the study is to understand the effect of abrasion on the durability of comfort related to body movement and shape retention property of the stretch-denim fabric.Design/methodology/approachThe paper investigates the effect of abrasion on the initial tensile properties, recovery and resilience properties of the stretch-denim fabric. Further, to analyse the effect of the composition of the elastane yarn, three different types of elastane yarns having different types of sheath (covering) fibre, structure and different levels of elastane content have been used in the weft.FindingsThe comfort related to body movement and the shape retention properties of the stretch-denim fabric got affected due to abrasive damage. The elastane yarn composition and structure played an important role in determining the extent of the change in such properties during abrasion. The fabric with a higher level of elastane content suffered a greater loss in shape-retention properties due to abrasion. The extent of mass loss in stretch-denim fabric does not always correlate to the extent of loss in the comfort and shape-retention properties.Originality/valueMost of the earlier studies have investigated the effect of abrasion on the durability aspect of the stretch-denim fabric. In a practical scenario, the stretch-denim garments are rarely discarded due to tearing or change in appearance but mainly due to bagging, i.e. distortion in shape after usage. Thus, the study on the combined effect of the abrasion and cyclic loading on the comfort and shape-retention properties will help to predict the performance of the apparel during usage.

Data capital can boost global productivity growth

2016 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Market Value ◽  
Data Driven ◽  
Strategic Decisions ◽  
Business Decision ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Use Of Data ◽  
Opportunity Finding ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Do So

Subject The rise of data capital. Significance The importance of data to business decision-making and opportunity-finding has been touted in recent years. Nevertheless, many companies fail to realise the value of this asset, even as they sit on great stores of data. A recent survey of 180 large firms found that those using 'data-driven decision-making' see a 5-6% increase in output and productivity over corporations that do not make full use of data. Intangible assets make up 84.0% of the market value of S&P 500 companies, up 9.5% from ten years earlier, according to Ocean Tomo, an intellectual property bank. This trend is set to accelerate. Impacts Firms that are unprepared to take advantage of data as a strategic asset could lose their dominance. Incumbent firms able to keep competencies around data, including technological and human capital, could avoid disruption by newcomers. If able to do so, incumbent firms could keep a competitive advantage in the short and longer term. New firms failing to use data to drive strategic decisions may face challenges in attempts to grow.

scholarly journals Exhibiting library collections online: Omeka in context

2014 ◽  
Vol 115 (3/4) ◽  
pp. 75-86 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juliet L. Hardesty
Keyword(s):  
Digital Library ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Technical Expertise ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Indiana University ◽  
Digital Collections ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Different Levels

Purpose – This case study describes Indiana University Libraries' use of Omeka for online exhibits of digital collections. Design/methodology/approach – Omeka is placed in the context of other online exhibit tools being used by galleries, libraries, archives, and museums (GLAM). Findings – Omeka provides many benefits for different types of digital library collection exhibits and different levels of technical expertise but is currently limited in the ability to manage multiple exhibits of separate digital collections. Originality/value – Describing Omeka in the context of other online exhibit tools shows the need for this kind of evaluation to improve these tools for the GLAM community.

Situating trust challenges of online trade

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 272-286
Author(s):  
Tove Engvall
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Ethnographic Study ◽  
Online Environment ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Societal Level ◽  
Different Levels

Purpose This paper aims to offer an improved understanding of trust challenges in online trade, providing examples of issues that should be addressed for a trustworthy online environment. It also aims to illustrate how records and recordkeeping can contribute in terms of enabling trust and accountability. Design/methodology/approach The paper is based on results from a self-ethnographic study of online trade (Engvall, 2017); the results are analyzed further. Kelton, Fleischmann and Wallace’s (2008) model for trust is used to gain a better understanding of the characteristics of the challenges and where they should be addressed. Findings This paper recognizes that there are different types of trust challenges at different levels – individual, between clients and businesses and at a societal level – that should be addressed at these levels in different ways. Originality/value This paper provides an understanding of trust challenges in the online environment.

Flexibility mechanisms in a dynamic distribution network

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Cheng Qian ◽  
Kangkang Yu ◽  
Haodong Gu
Keyword(s):  
Network Structure ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Distribution Network ◽  
Distribution Networks ◽  
Performance Outcomes ◽  
Channel Management ◽  
Strategic Decisions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Focal Firm ◽  
Using Data

Purpose With the trend toward implementing flexible strategies to channel management, the network sources of flexibility have received increased attention. This study aims to reveal the dynamic mechanisms underlying the relationship between a distribution network and two types of flexibility: adaptive and proactive. Design/methodology/approach The authors apply agent-based modeling to simulate a three-level distribution network. First, a program of 14 segmentations across 4 stages is developed using NetLogo software. Using data on Company X’s distribution network, the authors simulate a distribution network when either adaptive or proactive flexibility is implemented and compare the performance outcomes of the distribution network. Finally, by using the database generated from an experiment designed with BehaviorSpace, the authors conduct a general linear regression analysis to analyze the effect of network structure on the performance of the distribution network. Findings The authors find that the implementation of adaptive flexibility is connected with a higher level of trust and a lower level of inventory, whereas the implementation of proactive flexibility is associated with a higher level of satisfaction but a higher level of inventory. Also, this study’s analyses show that adaptive flexibility emphasizes short-term efficiency, whereas proactive flexibility put more emphasis on long-term effectiveness. In addition, the authors find that network structure has a significant effect on the distribution network by influencing inventory, satisfaction and trust. Originality/value Theoretically, this study’s results further develop the research on channel management by revealing the interaction between distribution networks and two types of flexibility from a dynamic (rather than static) perspective. Also, the findings help in explaining how network structure can affect the performance of a distribution network. In practice, the results also guide the focal firm in distribution channels to make strategic decisions between adaptive and proactive flexibility to improve channel performance.

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