Maipu Communication Technology Co., Ltd: challenges in innovation

2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 414-437
Author(s):  
Zheng He ◽  
Leida Chen
Keyword(s):  
Innovation Management ◽  
Field Research ◽  
Growth Patterns ◽  
High Tech ◽  
Communications Technology ◽  
Strategy Formulation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Business Courses ◽  
Corporate Strategies ◽  
Innovation Model

Synopsis This case traces through a 20-year history of a Chinese high-tech company, Maipu Communications Technology Company. Throughout the company’s growth, Maipu adjusted its innovation models in order to ensure that they remained compatible with corporate strategies, resources and external environments. However, as the company grew bigger, it was finding it more and more difficult to meet its innovation goals. Its current innovation model is a market-driven platform + distributed innovation. While Maipu has achieved some success under this model, it is faced with a myriad of challenges during the execution of the model. The key questions raised by this case are whether Maipu’s current innovation model is suitable for the company at this stage and how the innovation model should be adjusted to propel new innovation and growth opportunities for Maipu in this increasingly competitive market. Research methodology This case was a field research case. The authors paid three visits to Maipu Communications Technology Company, during which the authors conducted in-depth interviews with Mr Zhao, the Head of Maipu’s R&D and Innovation group, and several senior and functional managers of the company. Follow-up communication via telephone and e-mail was conducted to verify the accuracy of the written case. Relevant courses and levels This case is well suited for courses in the areas of strategic management, innovation management, high-tech management, entrepreneurship, and international business. The target audiences of the case are primarily MBA students, although this case can also be used in upper-level undergraduate business courses. Theoretical bases The theoretical basis for this case includes the following management theories: strategy formulation and strategy implementation, business-level and corporate-level strategies, enterprise life-cycle, corporate strategies at various stages of growth, patterns of innovation and applications, and implementation of innovation strategies.

Market orientation, innovation commercialization capability and firm performance relationships: the moderating role of supply chain influence

2017 ◽  
Vol 32 (7) ◽  
pp. 913-924 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeen-Su Lim ◽  
William K. Darley ◽  
David Marion
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Firm Performance ◽  
Market Orientation ◽  
Innovation Management ◽  
Strategy Formulation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Moderating Role

Purpose The study aims to explore supply chain influence (SCI) on the linkages among market orientation, innovation capabilities and firm performance (FP), using the resource-based view as a theoretical backdrop. Design Survey data from 182 top managers who are involved in strategy formulation and innovative direction of their companies was collected and analyzed using moderated multiple regression analysis. Findings Results revealed a moderating role of the SCI in that the proactive market orientation (PMO) and FP relationship is stronger when SCI is high, and innovation commercialization capability (ICC) and FP relationship is stronger when SCI is low. Practical implications Firms pursuing high PMO strategy must collaborate with supply chain function to achieve the full effect of PMO. Additionally, as supply chain is critical to meeting customers’ needs, these firms should allow supply chain to exert greater influence to enjoy the positive effects of PMO in addition to ensuring full integration into marketing strategy implementation. Also, firms with high ICC need to limit SCI to maximize the benefit of ICC on FP, just as innovation management needs to be cognizant of other functional areas. Originality/value The study investigates the potential moderating role of SCI on the relationships among market orientation, ICC and FP. The study fills a gap in the understanding of the nature and role of supply chain in the marketing–supply chain interaction, and the impact on FP.

How rewards fuel or fail innovation

2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 8-12
Author(s):  
Susan Kuczmarski ◽  
Thomas Kuczmarski
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Innovation Process ◽  
Field Research ◽  
High Tech ◽  
Collaborative Culture ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Team Members ◽  
Self Confidence ◽  
Solution Generation ◽  
Self Worth

Purpose The purpose of our research is to explore how rewards serve to fuel a collaborative culture, energize and motivate team members and nurture innovation. Design/methodology/approach In total, 30 in-depth, qualitative interviews were conducted with executives – high-tech, low-tech and no-tech. Findings The following findings emerged from the field research: rewards can be both financial, such as bonuses and incentives, and non-financial, such as extra vacations or other gifts. Huge internal personal benefits accrue from setting up a reward structure, including increased pride, peer recognition, higher self-confidence, greater job satisfaction and enhanced self-accomplishment. When we recognize others, it can impact an individual's self-worth on a profound level. It is described as feedback that sinks into the core. Originality/value Three milestones have been outlined throughout the innovation process where opportunities for recognition can exist: upon recognizing insights for identifying a problem, after understanding and overcoming difficulties encountered during creative solution generation and when recognizing and activating the benefits accrued from pinpointing solutions to the problem.

Understanding open innovation in small and medium-sized museums and exhibition halls

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (11) ◽  
pp. 4357-4379 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fernando E. García-Muiña ◽  
Laura Fuentes-Moraleda ◽  
Trinidad Vacas-Guerrero ◽  
Juan José Rienda-Gómez
Keyword(s):  
Open Innovation ◽  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Innovation Management ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Visitor Experience ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Innovation Model ◽  
Publicly Owned ◽  
Type Of Institution ◽  
Hostile Environments

Purpose The hostile environments in which museums operate force them to be innovative. Most of them have fewer resources and are publicly owned. Because these factors may hinder their innovative potential, this paper aims to propose an open innovation model adapted to this type of organization to improve visitors’ experience. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative method based on a thematic analysis is carried out. Data sources are: (i) focus group with stakeholders from the destination and (ii) in-depth interviews with museums experts. Findings This new framework is important because it brings something new to a field that previous research had barely considered. The study of the implementation of open innovation in publicly owned small and medium-sized museums brings to light the growing importance of the relational, organizational, technological and experiential dimensions, their interactions and their main constituent factors. Research limitations/implications The study is limited to a specific type of institution, and results should not be extrapolated to other contexts. The construct of open innovation is highly complex, and that advises future research to include other players. Quantitative methods and longitudinal techniques will contribute to tackling new challenges in future research works. Practical implications Results are helpful for museum managers and policymakers. Stakeholders improve their comprehension of how an open innovation model works because the paper offers a few guidelines for its active designing. A solid networking based on trust and the emphasis on improving the visitor experience determine making-decision processes. Originality/value The paper provides a systemic innovation management model for museums, where there is almost no previous research. It is theoretically supported in the open innovation paradigm, as well as the absorptive capacity framework. The emerging and central role of the experiential dimension constitutes another notable contribution to literature.

Can innovative knowledge management platforms lead to corporate innovation? Evidence from academician workstations in China

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaofeng Quan ◽  
Hongjun Xiao ◽  
Qiong Ji ◽  
Jinkang Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Network Effects ◽  
Innovation Management ◽  
Theoretical Perspective ◽  
High Tech ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Perspective ◽  
Corporate Innovation ◽  
Excellent Research ◽  
The Impact

Purpose This paper aims to analyse the role of government-led innovative knowledge management platforms in innovation knowledge management, social network effects and innovative resource clusters in the context of academician workstations in China. Specifically, this paper empirically studies the impact of academician workstations on corporate innovation capabilities and the mechanisms behind this impact. Design/methodology/approach This study uses the propensity matching score method and difference-in-differences method to test the relationship between academician workstations and corporate innovation capabilities. Baron and Kenny’s (1986) mediation method is used to test two potential mechanisms. Findings Academician workstations significantly improve corporate innovation capabilities because of their contribution to knowledge and innovation management. The facilitation effects are stronger in non-state-owned firms, high-tech firms and firms in industries with low levels of competition. Further, academician workstations enhance corporate innovation capabilities through their funding effect. Practical implications This paper encourages policymakers to create a better market environment and stable support policies to facilitate sustainable scientific and technological innovation. Originality/value To the best of authors’ knowledge, this study is among the first to empirically analyse the impacts of innovative knowledge management platforms on corporate innovation. It enriches the theoretical perspective of innovation platforms and provides an excellent research perspective for effectively analysing the impacts of innovation platforms. This study also contributes to the literature on the determinants of innovation.

The driving mindsets of innovation: curiosity, creativity and clarity

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian Walsh ◽  
Paul Knott ◽  
Jamie Collins
Keyword(s):  
Innovation Process ◽  
Field Research ◽  
Well Being ◽  
High Tech ◽  
Success Rates ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Implementing Change ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Successful Innovation

Purpose Innovation is an essential process for growth and well-being of organisations and society in general but is difficult to manage successfully. Through a better understanding of the innovation mindsets as established strategists use them in practice, this paper aims to improve firms’ success rates of innovation. Design/methodology/approach To examine how innovation processes play out in dynamic environments, the authors undertook a longitudinal two-year multi-case study in the high-tech sector. Findings Strategists in this study showed distinct phases in their successful innovation journey with three dominant mindsets of curiosity, creativity and clarity. The curiosity phase includes actions focused on discovering and understanding the implications and significance of an opportunity. The creativity phase includes actions focused on creating and testing a wide range of options. The clarity phase consists of actions focused on resourcing and implementing change. Practical implications In adopting this framework for use in the field, the authors recommend strategists take time for discovering and getting to core understanding in the curiosity phase. They should then take action by creating and actively testing a broad range of solution ideas in the creativity phase. Finally, organisations need to take care with clear direction and communication when resourcing and implementing in the clarity phase. Originality/value This novel framework which emerged from the longitudinal field research describes the mindsets of innovation and how these are used at different phases in the innovation process.

UMW Holdings: sustaining a centennial corporation

2013 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Zizah Che Senik ◽  
Adlin Masood ◽  
Khairul Akmaliah Adham ◽  
Noreha Halid ◽  
Rosmah Mat Isa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Strategic Management ◽  
Organization Theory ◽  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Subject Area ◽  
Strategy Formulation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Corporate Strategies ◽  
Gas Drilling ◽  
Equipment Manufacturing ◽  
Automotive Assembly

Title – UMW Holdings: sustaining a centennial corporation. Subject area – Strategic Management and Organization Theory and Design. Study level/applicability – Advanced undergraduate and MBA students taking courses in Strategic Management and Organization Theory and Design. Case overview – By the end of 2011, five years short of its centennial anniversary, UMW Holdings was one of the biggest corporations in Malaysia, registering revenues of RM13.5 billion (US$4.5 billion), and net profit after tax of RM1 billion (US$0.33 billion). By that time, it had 110 subsidiaries, operating in four core businesses of automotive assembly and distribution of Toyota lines of products, automotive components and lubricants original equipment manufacturing (OEM) and replacement equipment manufacturing (REM), heavy equipment, and oil and gas drilling service. In September 2011, the company had targeted its Toyota automotive business to contribute to 50 percent of its revenues, while the other 50 percent would come from its other three businesses, by the year 2015. However, as of the first quarter of 2012, Datuk Syed Hisham Syed Wazir, the Group CEO and his management team realized that, at 72 percent, the automotive business was still the main contributor to the Group ' s revenues. As the company ' s Toyota assembly operation was limited exclusively to the Malaysian market, plus in the face of greater competition within the automotive industries, the company needed to set strategies to achieve its 50:50 plan. The case stimulates discussion on strategy formulation of a mature corporation, involved in diversified business portfolio. Expected learning outcomes – Understanding the process of industry analysis, as well as the formulation and implementation of business-level and corporate strategies, enables case analysts to extend the concepts to many business situations. Supplementary materials – Teaching notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email [email protected] to request teaching notes.

The changing dynamics in the worldwide mobile phone market: creating excellence through innovation management and collaborative relationships

2015 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pankaj Kumar Medhi ◽  
Sandeep Mondal
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply Chains ◽  
Mobile Phone ◽  
Innovation Management ◽  
World Market ◽  
Global Market ◽  
High Tech ◽  
Global Supply Chains ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Market Dominance

Subject area Supply chain management (SCM). Study level/applicability Graduate students. Case overview In recent times, the world market of mobile phone is in a flux due to many phenomena of importance like strong emergence of smartphones, Nokia losing market share in all segments of market and fast technological and supply chain innovation by players like Apple and Google. Elements of SCM and the way technology is acquired have assumed a place of importance to compete in the global market. A new standard of innovation and SCM is emerging together as the rules of market dominance are re-written all-over again. Expected learning outcomes After completion of the case study, the students will understand: role of technological innovation in high-tech industry and global supply chains in changing the consumer behavior world over; the classic battle for market dominance with a new way of innovation management in technology and processes to create most efficient global supply chains; importance of SCM practices of collaboration like tighter partner integration, use of power asymmetry and contract by dominant players to create efficient supply chains; and how visionaries like late Steve Job are shaping the new era of technology. Supplementary materials Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email: [email protected] to request teaching notes.

Examining open innovation practices in low-tech SMEs: insights from an emerging market

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 509-532 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen Oduro
Keyword(s):  
Emerging Economies ◽  
Strategic Alliances ◽  
Open Innovation ◽  
Emerging Market ◽  
High Tech ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Statistical Tool ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Innovation Research ◽  
Innovation Model

Purpose Much of the scholarly works on open innovation have significantly highlighted the application of the model in high-tech industries in the developed world. However, how the phenomenon applies in low-tech small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in developing countries is still marginal and lacks substantive research. This study aims to draw on the network theory of innovation to examine the open innovation orientations of low-tech SMEs in an emerging market context, particularly Ghana. Design/methodology/approach The research design used was a qualitative–quantitative approach: the qualitative phase of the study, involving 31 low-tech SMEs, used a multiple case approach through semi-structured interviews and analyzed the interview responses using NVivo statistical tool; the quantitative phase, including 706 low-tech SMEs, also used a survey questionnaire approach and descriptively analyzed data collected using SPSS statistical tool. Findings Results disclose that the low-tech SMEs’ employment of the open innovation model are preponderantly driven by commercialization purposes, knowledge acquisition motives, financial motives and strategic motives, whereas their open innovation approaches include inbound strategies (collaboration with suppliers, co-creation/customer immersion), outbound strategies (IP licensing out) and coupled strategies (strategic alliances, contract manufacturing, and joint ventures). Moreover, the findings show that the SMEs’ preferred open innovation partners include suppliers, customers, private universities and non-industry, in that order. Finally, results show that the low-tech SMEs’ open innovation advantages include market gains, strategic gains, knowledge gains, operational gains, financial gains and network gains, whereas their open innovation challenges colossally were collaboration barriers and organizational barriers. Practical implications These findings purvey valuable perceptiveness for managers, academicians and policymakers alike; they highlight the importance of open innovation to low-tech SMEs, proven strategies, challenges involved and the mechanisms for effective and efficient adoption of the open innovation model. Originality/value The value of this study reclines in the extension of open innovation research from high-tech industries in the advanced world to low-tech SMEs in emerging economies. Results of the study enrich the knowledge and understanding of how the theoretical model of open innovation is adopted and implemented by the low-tech SME sector in emerging economies.

The effect of innovation-driven policy on innovation efficiency: based on the listed sports firms on Chinese new Third Board

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 735-755 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gang Chen ◽  
John Breedlove
Keyword(s):  
Technical Efficiency ◽  
Income Tax ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Innovation Management ◽  
High Tech ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Tax Relief ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Input Variables ◽  
Positive Effect

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the effect of innovation-driven polices on innovation efficiency of sport firms listed on the new Third Board in China.Design/methodology/approachFirm innovation efficiency, including comprehensive innovation efficiency, pure technical efficiency and scale innovation efficiency were calculated by using data envelopment analysis (DEA) models. The input variables and output variable in the DEA model were selected through correlation analysis. The effects of several innovation-driven policies on the innovation efficiency of sport firms were analyzed by a series of multiple regression analyses.FindingsRegarding the innovation efficiency evaluation of sport firms, total research and development (R&D) investment and total R&D staff are two suitable input variables, and total profit, sales revenue and new effective patent are three suitable output variables. Income tax relief for high-tech enterprise has a positive effect on comprehensive innovation efficiency and pure technical efficiency, and governmental subsidies have a negative effect on comprehensive innovation efficiency and pure technical efficiency. However, pretax deduction of R&D expenses does not have a significant effect on comprehensive innovation efficiency, pure technical efficiency and scale innovation efficiency, and income tax relief for high-tech enterprise and pretax deduction of R&D expenses also have no effect on scale innovation efficiency. For a large-scale sport firm, the negative effect of “governmental subsidies” and the positive effect of “income tax relief for high-tech enterprise” on its pure technical efficiency are more significant. For a sport firm with more R&D staff, governmental subsides and “income tax relief for high-tech enterprise” have more positive effect on its innovation efficiency.Practical implicationsThe study findings could potentially provide practical guidance to both managers and government-industry policymakers in the sports industry.Originality/valueFirstly, this paper focused on Chinese sport firms from a rising industry in a developing country (China). The related conclusions are conducive to the governmental management of new industries and the innovation management of new enterprises. Second, this paper analyzed the effect of three special innovation-driven policies on three types of innovation efficiency and explored enterprise innovation development in more detail. Third, this paper not only discusses the effect of innovation-driven policies on innovation efficiency, but also the heterogeneity of their effects.

Towards a taxonomy of intergenerational knowledge transfer practices

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 81-91
Author(s):  
Kerstin Kuyken ◽  
Mehran Ebrahimi ◽  
Anne-Laure Saives
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Transfer ◽  
Comparative Study ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Qualitative Case Study ◽  
High Tech ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Case Study Design ◽  
Younger Workers ◽  
Intergenerational Knowledge

Purpose This paper aims to develop a better understanding of intergenerational knowledge transfer (IKT) practices by adopting a context-related and comparative perspective. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative case study design involving 83 interviews and non-participative observation in German and Quebec organizations has been chosen. Findings Two distinctive archetypes of IKT emerge from both national contexts: “we-individualizing” (Germany) and “I-connecting” (Quebec), leading to an eightfold taxonomy of IKT practices. Research limitations/implications This research is limited to young and senior workers and to high-tech sectors. Originality/value Comparative and inductive study of IKT, adaptation of IKT practices to national contexts, retaining younger workers. This inductive and comparative study allows a better adaptation of IKT practices to national contexts and therefore a better retention of younger workers.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document