scholarly journals Digital Product–Service Innovation and Sustainability: A Multiple-Case Study in the Capital Goods Industry

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 6342
Author(s):  
Alberto de la Calle ◽  
Inmaculada Freije ◽  
Aitor Oyarbide

Digitalisation, servitisation, and sustainability are keywords for the current and future development of the manufacturing industry. However, their interaction in the context of an organisation and its supply chain is unclear. This study examines how digital product–service innovation (PSI) or digital servitisation affects sustainability, considering the triple bottom line perspective, as well as identifies the underlying causes. Moreover, this study analyses the role played by supply-chain strategic collaboration, both internal and external to the company, in digital PSI and sustainability. Using a multiple-case study methodology and B2B market perspective, four companies belonging to the capital goods industry were analysed. Our findings indicate that digitalisation is leveraging both basic and advanced services in their impact on economic and environmental sustainability dimensions, while the results are limited in social sustainability. In addition, supply-chain integration is relevant for digital PSI. Internal integration is required for both basic and advanced services, while external integration is especially important in advanced services. We conclude by emphasising that companies should acquire digital capabilities to develop defensive and offensive business strategies that ultimately affect sustainability.




2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 333-343 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alfred Huan Zhi Chan ◽  
Mohd Dahlan Malek ◽  
Ferlis Bahari

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify higher authority organizational stressors encountered by higher education deans. Design/methodology/approach This current research employed a qualitative approach utilizing a contextual paradigm with a multiple case study methodology. Findings Out of ten investigated deans in a public higher education institution in Malaysia, nine reported experiences of organizational stressor elements arising from higher authority. Three non-overlapping subthemes were systematically discovered. Practical implications Successful identification of these higher authority organizational stressors has implications for higher education management policies. Policies that reduce or eliminate these stressors may create a positive and progressive environment for deans and the higher education field. Originality/value This study will thus serve to promote a deeper understanding of higher authority organizational stressors encountered by higher education deans.





2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 647-671
Author(s):  
Marc van den Berg ◽  
Hans Voordijk ◽  
Arjen Adriaanse

Purpose The purpose of this study is to explore how demolition contractors coordinate project activities for buildings at their end-of-life. The organizations are thereby conceptualized as information processing systems facing uncertainty. Design/methodology/approach A multiple-case study methodology was selected to gain in-depth insights from three projects with different end-of-life strategies: a faculty building (material recycling), a nursing home (component reuse) and a psychiatric hospital (element reuse). Using a theory elaboration approach, the authors sought to explain how and why demolition contractors process information for end-of-life coordination. Findings End-of-life strategies differ in the degree of building, workflow and environmental uncertainty posed to the demolition contractor. Whether or not a strategy is effective depends on the (mis)match between the specific levels of uncertainty and the adopted coordination mechanisms. Research limitations/implications The explanatory account on end-of-life coordination refines information processing theory for the context of (selective) demolition projects. Practical implications The detailed case descriptions and information processing perspective enable practitioners to select, implement and reflect on coordination mechanisms for demolition/deconstruction projects at hand. Originality/value Reflecting its dual conceptual-empirical and inductive-deductive focus, this study contributes with new opportunities to explain building end-of-life coordination with a refined theory.



Author(s):  
Helen Perks ◽  
Dominic Medway

This article investigates the nature of resource-based processes in the development of new ventures, adopting a business duality lens. Business duality occurs where a new venture is developed alongside an established business. The research employs a multiple case study methodology situated in the farming sector. The details of resource assembly and deployment are examined and presented through four stages of the entrepreneurial process: initiation, experimentation, mature and late stage. The findings offer insight into the manner in which resource ties between the businesses relate to processes of resource assembly and deployment and in addition, inform a business duality-based taxonomy. This depicting three generic approaches to managing resource-based processes in the development of new ventures in the farming sector: holistic innovators, reactive innovators and cautious innovators. We conclude by considering the implications of our arguments for new venture activity in other business duality contexts.



2014 ◽  
Vol 114 (9) ◽  
pp. 1396-1414 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rieke Bärenfänger ◽  
Boris Otto ◽  
Hubert Österle

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to assess the business value of in-memory computing (IMC) technology by analyzing its organizational impact in different application scenarios. Design/methodology/approach – This research applies a multiple-case study methodology analyzing five cases of IMC application scenarios in five large European industrial and service-sector companies. Findings – Results show that IMC can deliver business value in various applications ranging from advanced analytic insights to support of real-time processes. This enables higher-level organizational advantages like data-driven decision making, superior transparency of operations, and experience with Big Data technology. The findings are summarized in a business value generation model which captures the business benefits along with preceding enabling changes in the organizational environment. Practical implications – Results aid managers in identifying different application scenarios where IMC technology may generate value for their organizations from business and IT management perspectives. The research also sheds light on the socio-technical factors that influence the likelihood of success or failure of IMC initiatives. Originality/value – This research is among the first to model the business value creation process of in-memory technology based on insights from multiple implemented applications in different industries.



2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clodie Tal

This paper describes the development of discourse and reflection competencies by three early-age student teachers through repeated children’s book reading (RCBR) in small, heterogeneous groups. The students were enrolled in a four-track, early-education preparation program at Levinsky College of Education in Israel. Research based on a multiple-case-study methodology, focused on an analysis of the students’ interpretation of and reflections on the transcripts of the discourse throughout the three years of their fieldwork. Findings indicate that, over the three years, all three students relaxed their control of the discourse, allowing for more continuous literary discourse among the children. Differences in the developmental trajectories of the three students were manifested in the extent to which literary understanding and distinctive interpretations by the children were emphasized. Over the three years, all three students also developed a genuine concern for the children’s well-being and participation in the group. Analysis of the students’ protocols yielded a tentative formulation of milestones in the development of discourse and reflection competencies through teaching preparation studies.



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