scholarly journals Innovation capability maturity in non-R&D performers: a reference model

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 213-226
Author(s):  
Ramon Baptista Narcizo ◽  
Alberto Gabbay Canen ◽  
Iara Tammela ◽  
Rodolfo Cardoso ◽  
Jamile Eleutério Delesposte

Highlights: The prevalence of Research and Development (R&D) as an inducing factor for innovation has been questioned, and studies show that low-tech companies are able to innovate. Innovation capability is essential to increase productivity and improve competitiveness. However, when formal R&D is considered as the main parameter in its evaluation, it tends to underestimate it. The extent and heterogeneity of studies on innovation in non-R&D practitioners is a relevant problem and, despite theoretical and empirical advances, it is not satisfactorily resolved yet. Goal: This article presents a reference model for innovation capability maturity in low-technology, non-R&D performing companies, oriented to guide decision makers and the institutions supporting these organizations. Design / Methodology / Approach: The method used to construct the model is based on the proposition of Ahlemann and Gastl (2007) for the construction of reference models based on empirical evidence. Results: The model is based on ten organizational dimensions and their effects on the organization's performance. Five maturity levels are defined, synthesizing the fundamental characteristics of innovation capability in non-R&D practitioners or low technology companies. Limitations of the investigation: Although the model has been tested and validated, more applications and tests may still be required. Practical implications: The model is an important tool for decision-making, at the management level, in low-tech companies that aspire to broaden their innovation capability. Originality / Value: The model has significant potential academic repercussions, in terms of the expansion of knowledge, as well as for the industry, since it can contribute to the increase of the competitive performance of companies.

2017 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 192-206 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina Holm-Petersen ◽  
Sussanne Østergaard ◽  
Per Bo Noergaard Andersen

Purpose Centralization, mergers and cost reductions have generally led to increasing levels of span of control (SOC), and thus potentially to lower leadership capacity. The purpose of this paper is to explore how a large SOC impacts hospital staff and their leaders. Design/methodology/approach The study is based on a qualitative explorative case study of three large inpatient wards. Findings The study finds that the nursing staff and their frontline leaders experience challenges in regard to visibility and role of the leader, e.g., in creating overview, coordination, setting-up clear goals, following up and being in touch. However, large wards also provide flexibility and development possibilities. Practical implications The authors discuss the implications of these findings for decision makers in deciding future SOC and for future SOC research. Originality/value Only few studies have qualitatively explored the consequences of large SOC in hospitals.


2015 ◽  
Vol 43 (3) ◽  
pp. 7-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jim Moffatt

Purpose – This case example looks at how Deloitte Consulting applies the Three Rules synthesized by Michael Raynor and Mumtaz Ahmed based on their large-scale research project that identified patterns in the way exceptional companies think. Design/methodology/approach – The Three Rules concept is a key piece of Deloitte Consulting’s thought leadership program. So how are the three rules helping the organization perform? Now that research has shown how exceptional companies think, CEO Jim Moffatt could address the question, “Does Deloitte think like an exceptional company?” Findings – Deloitte has had success with an approach that promotes a bias towards non-price value over price and revenue over costs. Practical implications – It’s critical that all decision makers in an organization understand how decisions that are consistent with the three rules have contributed to past success as well as how they can apply the rules to difficult challenges they face today. Originality/value – This is the first case study written from a CEO’s perspective that looks at how the Three Rules approach of Michael Raynor and Mumtaz Ahmed can foster a firm’s growth and exceptional performance.


2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 117-139 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clinton Amos ◽  
Sebastian Brockhaus ◽  
Amydee M. Fawcett ◽  
Stanley E. Fawcett ◽  
A. Michael Knemeyer

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to evaluate how service perceptions influence customer views of the authenticity of corporate sustainability claims. The goal of this paper is to help supply chain decision-makers better understand boundary conditions in order to design more enduring and impactful sustainability programs.Design/methodology/approachThe authors employ behavioral experiments, subjecting two theoretically derived hypotheses to verification across five diverse industries and two distinct sustainability vignettes.FindingsCustomer service perceptions emerge as a significant boundary condition to the perceived authenticity of sustainability efforts. Subjects attributed significantly higher authenticity toward sustainability efforts in above average vs below average service quality contexts. Further, respondents attributed deceptive motivations to sustainability efforts at companies with below average service.Research limitations/implicationsThe authors confirm the underlying tenet of social judgment theory, which suggests thata prioriperceptions create a zone of acceptability or rejection. Ultimately, investing in sustainability can lead to counterproductive cynicism.Practical implicationsThe authors infer that customers’ willingness to give companies credit for sustainability initiatives extends beyond service issues to any practice that influencesa prioriperceptions. Supply chain managers must rethink their role in designing both customer service and sustainability systems to achieve positive returns from sustainability investments.Originality/valueThe authors challenge the assumption that customers universally positively view sustainability efforts. If customers holda priorinegative service perceptions, otherwise well-designed sustainability programs may invoke cynical reactions. Thus, sustainability programs may not inoculate firm reputations from adverse incidents. Given they touch both service and sustainability systems, supply chain managers are positioned to holistically influence their design for competitive advantage.


2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Mendoza-Silva

PurposeInnovation is considered an important stage in the process of competitiveness of companies. While there is an extensive literature in the management and innovation field that shows the characteristics that enhance a firm's ability to innovate, there is still no consensus on its determinants and nature. This study aims to advance the understanding of innovation capability (IC) by conducting a systematic review of relevant literature at the firm level.Design/methodology/approachThe study reviews the literature by applying the categorization and contextualization of qualitative strategies. The study gathered 137 peer-reviewed papers from Scopus and Web of Science databases.FindingsThe papers were analysed and synthesized into an integrated framework that links IC with its internal and external determinants, and its consequences. In doing this, this study proposes directions for future investigations that might enlighten a better understanding of IC.Practical implicationsThe study provides elements that can be useful during the design and implementation of innovative initiatives in a firm.Originality/valueThe paper jointly examines in the same model the nature, antecedents and consequences of IC. In the same vein, the framework provides the little-researched links between those themes in the IC literature.


2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 34-36

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings Increased competitiveness and sustained success are possible when established businesses engage in entrepreneurial activities within the firm. The effectiveness of so-called “intrapreneurship” can be increased through training that considers key personality traits and certain elements of career adaptability, which have been previously identified as positively impacting on innovativeness. Originality/value This briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.


2020 ◽  
Vol 123 (1) ◽  
pp. 159-175
Author(s):  
Alberto Mazzoleni ◽  
Enrica Pollonini

PurposeWe developed a model to demonstrate how multiple interrelated aspects of a firm influence its recourse to third-party financing, which frequently depends on the characteristics of each food production chain.Design/methodology/approachWe conducted an empirical research on a relevant sample of small- and medium-sized Italian dairy firms. Our research methodology is inspired by the grounded theory (Glaser and Strauss, 1967).FindingsOur findings illustrated that firm indebtedness is the result of intertwined variables, linked to different firm dimensions, including growth, financial structure and economic dynamics.Research limitations/implicationsA portion of the analysed phenomenon is not explained using the sample and econometric tools.Practical implicationsThere are practical implications for the decision-makers in a firm (in particular, the managers and the shareholders) as the model allows to evaluate the influence of a set of mutually interdependent firm variables for the indebtedness level.Originality/valueFirst, we considered the recourse to third-party financing within the context of the systems theory (Millová and Blatný, 2015) and from the perspective of linked causes and mutually connected variables. Second, our research focussed on a well-defined food chain and on features of firms operating in this context. Last, our model considered the impact of the recent economic crisis, which motivated us to review the existing models.


2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Thiago de Almeida Rodrigues ◽  
Caroline Maria de Miranda Mota ◽  
Udechukwu Ojiako ◽  
Fikri Dweiri

PurposeThe purpose is to identify the main characteristics of dry ports (DPs) in Brazil, discussing the role of this logistic player, challenges and opportunities. Furthermore, this study provides a structured framework to drive DP decision-makers, identifying and assessing a network of means–end objectives, which could be replicable to other contexts.Design/methodology/approachThis article approached initially a literature review and exploratory research to discuss the main characteristics of DPs in Brazil. The second step was to conduct a qualitative analysis following the value-focused thinking (VFT) approach in two case studies in Pernambuco state to assess the achievement of the main objectives.FindingsThis article identified that the main characteristics of DPs in Brazil are offering additional services with a cheaper storage cost, handling mainly import cargo and being connected to seaports through highways. Moreover, this study resulted in a framework to assess the objectives of DPs, which could be replicable in other contexts, improving the current operations of DPs.Practical implicationsThe framework to assess DPs' objectives bridged the gap between the literature and the practice working as a tool to drive decision-makers to improve the current performance of DPs in Brazil. Additionally, the main issues, challenges and opportunities discussed provide managers, policymakers and DPs operators with valuable insights into this theme.Originality/valueThis paper is the first study to present a framework to assess the objectives of DPs as a valuable tool to drive decision-makers to improve DPs operations. From this study, lessons could be learned and the process described could be replicable in other countries.


2017 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 162-181 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Jena ◽  
Sumati Sidharth ◽  
Lakshman S. Thakur ◽  
Devendra Kumar Pathak ◽  
V.C. Pandey

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to elucidate the methodology of total interpretive structural modeling (TISM) in order to provide interpretation for direct as well as significant transitive linkages in a directed graph. Design/methodology/approach This study begins by unfolding the concepts and advantages of TISM. The step-by-step methodology of TISM is exemplified by employing it to analyze the mutual dependence among inhibitors of smartphone manufacturing ecosystem development (SMED). Cross-impact matrix multiplication applied to the classification analysis is also performed to graphically represent these inhibitors based on their driving power and dependence. Findings This study highlights the significance of TISM over conventional interpretive structural modeling (ISM). The inhibitors of SMED are explored by reviewing existing literature and obtaining experts’ opinions. TISM is employed to classify these inhibitors in order to devise a five-level hierarchical structure based on their driving power and dependence. Practical implications This study facilitates decision makers to take required actions to mitigate these inhibitors. Inhibitors (with strong driving power), which occupy the bottom level in the TISM hierarchy, require more attention from top management and effective monitoring of these inhibitors can assist in achieving the organizations’ goals. Originality/value By unfolding the benefits of TISM over ISM, this study is an endeavor to develop insights toward utilization of TISM for modeling inhibitors of SMED. This paper elaborates step-by-step procedure to perform TISM and hence makes it simple for researchers to understand its concepts. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that analyzes the inhibitors of SMED by utilizing TISM approach.


2015 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 101-124 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ernie Ko ◽  
Yu-Chang Su ◽  
Chilik Yu

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide insights into the multiple anti-corruption agencies (ACAs) in Taiwan and their conflict resolution. The birth of the Agency Against Corruption (AAC) in 2011 created the unintended consequence of sibling rivalry with the elder Ministry of Justice Investigation Bureau (MJIB). Design/methodology/approach – A historical background of these agencies is discussed and followed by an analysis of the diversified conflicts among the prosecutor’s office, the AAC and the MJIB. The empirical sources of this study include 17 in-depth interviews with government officials both at ministerial level and field level, scholars and NGO representatives. Findings – The redundancy of ACAs in Taiwan is a fact, which is extremely difficult to change in the foreseeable future in the light of current political and fiscal constraints. This paper concludes that the conflicts among multiple ACAs and their operational weaknesses will not fade away after a mere directive from their superior, the Ministry of Justice, unless genuine cooperation is put into place in various individual cases. Practical implications – This paper provides a road-map for decision makers to improve collective anti-corruption performance. Taiwan’s AAC serves as the latest example testing the efficacy of the multiple specialized ACAs. Originality/value – This pioneering study provides insights into Taiwan’s anti-corruption policy and practices. More investigative studies should be conducted on the effectiveness of multiple ACAs in other countries.


2014 ◽  
Vol 6 (5) ◽  
pp. 429-441
Author(s):  
João Gomes ◽  
Daniela Rodrigues ◽  
Mónica Montenegro ◽  
Jorge Costa

Purpose – This article aims to identify the holiday intentions of Portuguese residents, highlighting the importance and evolution of the internal market and the constraints that lead to a significant decrease of those taking holidays in recent years. Design/methodology/approach – The article is based on official tourism statistics and on an ongoing research by Instituto de Planeamento e Desenvolvimento do Turismo (IPDT) on “the holiday intentions of Portuguese residents regarding summer holidays”. Findings – The article finds that tourism in Portugal continues to grow and, in 2013, witnessed a record number of foreign tourists. Despite this success, domestic tourism showed a decrease, explained by the context of economic crisis that affects the country since 2009. However, other reasons such as professional commitments, and the avoidance of peak season for summer holidays, are also referred as reasons for not taking summer holidays. Practical implications – Results allow for a clear understanding of Portuguese residents’ profile regarding holiday intentions for summer holidays. The information presented and analyzed may be seen as very relevant in assisting decision makers in their strategy making process. Originality/value – This article seeks to illustrate the holiday intentions of the Portuguese residentes in a comparative study carried out over a three-year period. The results allow drawing conclusions about the tourism behavior of residents in Portugal during a severe economic crisis.


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