scholarly journals Decoupling Strategy and Modular Design for Loosely Coupled Organizations

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Jing Zhang ◽  
Fengyan Li ◽  
Xiangmin Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Division Of Labor ◽  
Dynamic Capabilities ◽  
Modular Design ◽  
Network Governance ◽  
Two Dimensions ◽  
Functional Design ◽  
Dependency Matrix ◽  
Loosely Coupled ◽  
Design Structure ◽  
Effective Network

Under the technological innovation network, loosely coupled organizations featured by weak connections and relative independence have formed through the dynamic division of labor and knowledge sharing of enterprises. The loosely coupled organizations greatly enhance cooperation performance, but face problems such as poor flexible matching between partners and low innovation efficiency. Meanwhile, modular organizations can connect with other organizations to realize a specific operational goal via contracts and carry prominent features such as collaborative innovation, adaptive division of labor, and dynamic capabilities, offering an effective network governance model for collaboration between enterprises. Based on the two dimensions (looseness and coupling) between organizations, this paper uses the design dependency matrix (DDM) to map demands for functional/design modules, under the division of labor within products and the decisions on product modules, and preliminarily decouple the functional/design modules. Based on clustering DDM, a decision structure matrix (DSM) was constructed, and the clustering decoupling algorithm was adopted to create clustering design structure modules. Referring to these clustering modules, intraproduct division of labor was performed to realize the modular cooperation between organizations.

Modular event-based systems

2002 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 359-388 ◽  
Author(s):  
LUDGER FIEGE ◽  
GERO MÜHL ◽  
FELIX C. GÄRTNER
Keyword(s):  
Product Development ◽  
Formal Specification ◽  
Modular Design ◽  
Coupled Systems ◽  
Loosely Coupled Systems ◽  
Loosely Coupled ◽  
Design And Implementation ◽  
Systems Research ◽  
Event System ◽  
Event Based

Event-based systems are developed and used to integrate components in loosely coupled systems. Research and product development have focused so far on efficiency issues but neglected methodological support to build such systems. In this article, the modular design and implementation of an event system is presented which supports scopes and event mappings, two new and powerful structuring methods that facilitate engineering and coordination of components in event-based systems. We give a formal specification of scopes and event mappings within a trace-based formalism adapted from temporal logic. This is complemented by a comprehensive introduction to the event-based style, its benefits and requirements.

Structural Design Exploration for Product Architecture Design

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Masato Toi ◽  
Yutaka Nomaguchi ◽  
Kikuo Fujita
Keyword(s):  
Modular Design ◽  
Design Method ◽  
Critical Issue ◽  
Product Architecture ◽  
Architecture Design ◽  
Hierarchical Tree ◽  
Design Structure ◽  
Representative Model ◽  
Shaped Graph ◽  
Mathematical Operations

Abstract This paper proposed a design support method based on structuralization and analysis of various design candidates of product architecture design. The product architecture is a basic scheme that assigns the function of the product to physical components. In the conventional modular design method, a concise model, i.e., a graph or a matrix, is used to express the interactions of the system’s components and aims to support the designer grasping the system behavior. The Design Structure Matrix (DSM) is a representative model of system architecture and enables quantitative evaluation of design candidates. While various design candidates are generated through mathematical operations, it is difficult to understand their relationships from simple comparisons because of discrete behavior and the size of the problem. It must be a critical issue at the stage of selecting and interpreting the design candidates. In the proposed method, the design candidates are classified and structuralized as a dendrogram by the hierarchical clustering method. The comparison of clusters of each branch of dendrogram clarifies the system leverage points. The information of the system is summarized into the hierarchical tree-shaped graph that corresponds to the dendrogram. The designer can explore the design candidates with such a graph-based based interpretation of underlying structures effectively.

scholarly journals Application of Service Modular Design Based on a Fuzzy Design Structure Matrix: A Case Study from the Mining Industry

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-19
Author(s):  
Xin Wang ◽  
Bo Luo
Keyword(s):  
Modular Design ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Design Method ◽  
Mining Industry ◽  
Design Structure Matrix ◽  
Modeling Tools ◽  
Structure Matrix ◽  
Design Structure ◽  
Service Activities ◽  
The Relationship

The development of customized service is an important way to transform and upgrade China’s mining industry. However, in practice, there remain problems, such as the slow market response speed of service providers and the contradiction between the large-scale development of service providers and the personalized service needs of service demanders. This paper uses the theory and method of service modular design to solve these problems and explores the process-based service modular design method. Service modular design depends largely on the determination of the relationship between service activities and the reasonable division of modules. However, previous research has rarely made use of modular design methods and modeling tools in the mining service context. At the same time, evaluations of the relationship between service activities relying on knowledge and those relying on experience have been inconclusive. Therefore, this paper proposes a service modularization design method based on the fuzzy relation analysis of a design structure matrix (DSM) that solves the optimal module partition scheme. Triangular fuzzy number and fuzzy evidence theory are used to evaluate and fuse the multidimensional and heterogeneous relationship between service activities, and the quantitative processing of the comprehensive relationship between service activities is carried out. On this basis, the service module structure is divided, followed by the construction of the mathematical programming model with the maximum sum of the average cohesion degree in the module and the average coupling degree between modules as the driving goal. The genetic algorithm is used to solve the problem, and the optimal module division result is obtained. Finally, taking the service modular design of SHD coal production enterprises in China as an example, the feasibility of the proposed method is verified.

scholarly journals Dynamics of the evolution of the strategic management concept: From the planning school to the neostrategic approach

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 7-28
Author(s):  
Tomasz Kafel ◽  
◽  
Bernard Ziębicki ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Strategic Management ◽  
Dynamic Capabilities ◽  
Technology Development ◽  
Two Dimensions ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Research Results ◽  
Main Research ◽  
Management Concepts ◽  
Management Concept ◽  
Selection Of

Purpose: Strategic management has been developing in business theory and practice for over 50 years. Presently, it constitutes the main area of research interest in management science. The contemporary conditions of business operations create new challenges for strategic management, such as the use of dynamic capabilities in strategy building, relational strategies, networking of organizations, technology development and automation of processes, and global strategies. These challenges are often referred to as neostrategic management. The purpose of this publication is to present the findings of research concerning new strategic management concepts and challenges. Methodology: The main research method of this article was a narrative literature review. On the basis of the research, the development of the concepts as well as contemporary trends and challenges of strategic management were characterized. There is also a synthesis of the problems and research results presented in the articles in this special issue of JEMI. Findings: Various schools and approaches to strategy formulation have been created. They indicate different factors that allow for success in strategic management such as: setting long-term goals, selection of programs and their execution plans (planning school); connection of the enterprise with the environment (evolutionary school); focusing attention on competitive advantage and achieved performance (position-based school); focus on one’s own resources and competences (resource school); use of opportunities and creating innovation (simple rules school); selection of the best option and orientation in business management (real options school); or eclectic perspectives, integrating the listed approaches. The strategic management concept has two dimensions. The first dimension is related to the emergence of subsequent, new strategic management concepts, which often hark back to the previous schools and approaches. The second dimension of development applies to operationalization and adjustment of the previous concepts to the changing conditions. Implications for theory and practice: The paper characterizes the research results presented in the articles included in this JEMI issue. They deal with various problems and challenges in the field of strategic management, such as the relationship between market dynamics, market orientation and performance of enterprises; the innovativeness of companies as a contemporary strategic orientation of companies; the strategy implementation and the management of the organization change; problems of strategic management of the development of the city. Originality and value: The problems presented in the study relate to challenges and new concepts in strategic management. They enrich the existing knowledge on the development of strategic management, and also create inspiration for further research in this area.

scholarly journals Dynamic capability of the firm: analysis of the impact of internationalisation on SME performance in an emerging economy

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahfuzur Rahman ◽  
Dieu Hack-Polay ◽  
Sujana Shafique ◽  
Paul Agu Igwe
Keyword(s):  
Firm Performance ◽  
Emerging Economies ◽  
Dynamic Capabilities ◽  
Emerging Economy ◽  
Two Dimensions ◽  
Dynamic Capability ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Market Expansion ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

PurposeInternationalisation is considered as a key strategy for the growth of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between dynamic capability, SMEs internationalisation and firm performance in the context of emerging economies and to evaluate the impact of financial, asset and market expansion on internationalisation of SMEs.Design/methodology/approachUsing primary data from 212 SMEs from Bangladesh, structural equation modelling and mathematical (hierarchical reflective) model, the analysis enabled the measurement of the casual relationship on the impacts of internationalisation.FindingsThe results revealed that internationalisation of SMEs has significant impact on both financial and non-financial performance of SMEs in an emerging economy- Bangladesh. The paper found internationalisation impacts on two dimensions (financial and non-financial) with eight defined indicators – higher sales, higher profit, assets maximisation, market expansion, competitive advantage, better reputation, better customer service and added knowledge.Originality/valueDespite several studies that examine the relationship between SME internationalisation and firm performance, limited research exists on emerging economies. This is contrary to the fact that SMEs are one of the main vehicles for growth in those economies such as Bangladesh. In this research, the authors use the theories of dynamic capabilities to conceptualise how internationalisation becomes a core SME capability for SMEs in an emerging economy.

A Practical Approach for Managing Uncertainty in Remanufacturing: Identifying Leverage Points Using Design Structure Matrix

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Koji Kimita ◽  
Johannes Matschewsky ◽  
Tomohiko Sakao
Keyword(s):  
Production Planning ◽  
High Variability ◽  
Design Structure Matrix ◽  
Production Planning And Control ◽  
Leverage Points ◽  
Structure Matrix ◽  
Loosely Coupled ◽  
Planning And Control ◽  
Design Structure ◽  
And Control

Abstract Remanufacturing is a crucial component for our societies to move toward a circular economy. Compared to new manufacturing, the distinctive nature of remanufacturing is found to have high variability, high uncertainty and, thereby, complexity. Therefore, remanufacturers need to enhance their ability to adjust their systems flexibly. Especially, the ability to reconfigure the production planning and control is crucial for reacting to the high variability and uncertainty. However, few practical methods to do that are available so far. Therefore, to solve this problem, this paper aims to propose a method for designing processes of production planning and control in remanufacturing based on the concept of loosely coupled systems. In the proposed method, Design Structure Matrix (DSM) is applied to identify loosely coupled subsystems that enable to localize impacts of changes within themselves. These subsystems are also utilized to appropriately determine leverage points, as well as allocate human resource. Through the application to a real case of remanufacturing, the proposed method was found to be effective for reconfiguring teams and processes for production planning and control depending on given uncertainties, as well as performing production planning and control activities efficiently.

Microdivisionalization as a way toward dynamic capability

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Roger (Rongxin) Chen ◽  
Liang Wang ◽  
Eric Ping Hung Li ◽  
Guodong Hu
Keyword(s):  
Dynamic Capabilities ◽  
Top Management Teams ◽  
Business Strategies ◽  
Exchange Relationships ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Loosely Coupled ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Market Opportunities ◽  
Present Case Study

PurposeAs entrepreneurial top management teams in multidivisional forms are typically treated in pertinent literature as the default organizational solutions for developing dynamic capabilities, the emerging innovative organizational forms tend to be overlooked, even though they could be a viable means of transforming established enterprises. The present case study examines how Haier's microenterprise and platforms influenced the firm's dynamic capabilities development.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents a qualitative case study of Haier Group Corporation in China.FindingsThe findings indicate that Haier employed a loosely coupled relationship between its headquarters and the microenterprises, developed quasi market-based exchange relationships and established peer-to-peer learning opportunities and coordination among its microenterprises. Data analyses further revealed that Haier has adopted three-step routines to capture market opportunities and enhance operational efficiency. This research extends the sensing-seizing-reconfiguration model typically recommended in the existing literature. It also demonstrates that organizational configuration is an important aspect of dynamic innovation. In summary, the study results showcase microdivisionalization as a new way for developing dynamic capabilities to better adapt to the ever-changing market environments.Originality/valueIn summary, our study showcased microdivisionalization as a new way for firms to change the organization structure and business strategies to better adapt to the ever-changing market environments.

A method for remanufacturing process planning and control using loosely coupled systems

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-53
Author(s):  
Koji Kimita ◽  
Johannes Matschewsky ◽  
Tomohiko Sakao
Keyword(s):  
Process Planning ◽  
Coupled Systems ◽  
Loosely Coupled Systems ◽  
Loosely Coupled ◽  
Planning And Control ◽  
Design Structure ◽  
Crucial Component ◽  
Preliminary Validation ◽  
Functional Teams ◽  
And Control

Abstract Remanufacturing is a crucial component for our societies to move toward a circular economy. Compared to new manufacturing, the distinctive nature of remanufacturing is found to have high variability, high uncertainty and, thereby, complexity. Therefore, remanufacturers need to be able to adapt to the complexity and to flexibly adjust their processes. Especially, the ability to remanufacturing process planning and control is important. However, few practical methods supporting that are available so far. Therefore, this paper aims to propose a method for designing teams and processes in remanufacturing based on the concept of loosely coupled systems. In the proposed method, Design Structure Matrix (DSM) is applied to identify loosely coupled sub-systems that enable to localize impacts of changes within themselves. These sub-systems are also regarded as cross-functional teams that reduce coordination efforts among line departments and therefore increase the adaptability against uncertainties. As a preliminary validation, the proposed method was applied to a real case of remanufacturing, and then found to be effective for creating teams and processes for remanufacturing process planning and control depending on given uncertainties.

Governing integrated care networks through collaborative inquiry

2018 ◽  
Vol 32 (7) ◽  
pp. 860-874
Author(s):  
Matthias Mitterlechner
Keyword(s):  
Integrated Care ◽  
Collaborative Inquiry ◽  
Meaning Making ◽  
Repetitive Sequences ◽  
Network Governance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Information Transparency ◽  
Health And Social Care ◽  
Innovative Thinking ◽  
Effective Network

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop a theory of governing in integrated care networks. Asking how and why the governance of these networks emerges and evolves over time, it responds to calls for more innovative thinking in this field. Design/methodology/approach Data result from a rare longitudinal qualitative case study conducted with the Healthcare Centre Lower Engadin, the lead organisation of pioneering health and social care network in a rural Swiss region. Findings Actors governed the network through repetitive sequences of collaborative inquiry, a practice through which they defined and addressed recurrent problems of network governance and joint network action in creative and experimental ways. Research limitations/implications Explaining how and why the governance of integrated care networks emerges and evolves, this study adds a dynamic theory to previous research, which has studied the determinants of effective network governance without considering their temporal evolution. It also contributes to the wider network literature, drawing attention to the pivotal role of meaning making, creativity and experimentation for understanding network governance dynamics. Practical implications The study invites practitioners to reflect on how they want to design collaborative inquiry in their own contexts. Important design levers include the creation of communication forums, trust and information transparency. Originality/value The study adds a rare longitudinal perspective on the governance of integrated care networks.

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