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Article
Publication date: 12 February 2018

Paolo Neirotti, Elisabetta Raguseo and Emilio Paolucci

The adoption of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) has some peculiarities that may depend on the combined effect of size and the…

1938

Abstract

Purpose

The adoption of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) has some peculiarities that may depend on the combined effect of size and the competitive environment. The purpose of this paper is to use a contingency approach to explore how SMEs develop organizational capabilities through ICT investments in response to environmental conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey on 284 SMEs in Italy was conducted and data were analyzed with regression models for testing seven hypotheses on the environmental influence on the development of ICT-based capabilities and the role played by firm size.

Findings

The results show that the environment influences the development of such capabilities in a different way, depending on size. Within munificent environments, ICT-based capabilities are more diffused among larger SMEs, whereas under environmental complexity, this pattern is inverted, with larger SMEs exhibiting a more limited deployment of ICT in support of both their internally and externally oriented processes. Under environmental dynamism medium-sized firms tend to develop more internally oriented ICT capabilities, but fail in reporting superior capabilities for managing external relationships.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to understand the relationship between the environment and ICT investments in SMEs. Since the combined effect of size and the competitive environment may influence considerably the ICT investments in SMEs, this study investigates the organizational responses with respect to how SMEs use ICT to address their external environment. This focus provides a contribution to understand the challenges that SMEs are facing in the current technological and market environment, where changes in the ICT paradigm raise the level of complexity and dynamism and bring changes in competition levels that leave few resources for growth to SMEs.

Details

Journal of Enterprise Information Management, vol. 31 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0398

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Article
Publication date: 28 May 2024

Naheed Bashir

Despite the increasing studies concerning external knowledge for innovative firms or for innovations, little research demonstrates as what are those capabilities that enable firms…

144

Abstract

Purpose

Despite the increasing studies concerning external knowledge for innovative firms or for innovations, little research demonstrates as what are those capabilities that enable firms to explore and assess high-valuable knowledge. The aim of this study is to examine those capabilities that aid innovative firms to search and identify the potential knowledge for open innovation. This study is an empirical and theoretical examination of knowledge search and identification capabilities of the UK-based biotechnology firms. The literature has been drawn from the research streams into knowledge management, open innovation and dynamic capabilities.

Design/methodology/approach

Forty-five semi-structured interviews with senior-level innovation and R&D managers were completed, and thematic analysis using NVivo 12 was performed.

Findings

Evidence from 45 interviews with senior-level innovation and R&D managers in the UK-based biotechnology firms and thematic analysis was used to develop a process framework capturing the key capabilities. By identifying the role and contribution of each of the capabilities in knowledge identification in the practices of open innovation, this study contributes to open innovation and knowledge management literature.

Practical implications

Managerial implications suggest knowledge-oriented leads greatly influence the development of identification capabilities. Hence, firms with knowledge-oriented leads are better crafted approaches to achieve competitive advantages in the practices of open innovation.

Originality/value

This study offers a new theoretical perspective and empirical evidence to view knowledge identification capabilities as the dynamic capabilities. This study offers a process framework of identification capabilities.

Details

Business Process Management Journal, vol. 30 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-7154

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Article
Publication date: 3 January 2017

Olga Matthias, Ian Fouweather, Ian Gregory and Andy Vernon

The purpose of this paper is to focus on the application and exploitation of Big Data (BD) to create competitive advantage. It presents a framework of application areas, and how…

6428

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on the application and exploitation of Big Data (BD) to create competitive advantage. It presents a framework of application areas, and how they help the understanding of targeting and scoping specific areas for sustainable improvement. Empirical evidence demonstrates the application of BD in practice and tests the framework.

Design/methodology/approach

An exploratory approach is adopted to the secondary research which examines vendors’ offerings. The empirical research used the case study method.

Findings

The findings indicate that there is opportunity to create sustainable competitive advantage through the application of BD. However there are social, technological and human consequences that are only now beginning to emerge which need to be addressed if true long-term advantage is to be achieved.

Research limitations/implications

The research develops a framework and tests it only in two dimensions. This should be expanded. The vendor analysis limitations lie within the nature of the information available and the difficulties in mitigating against bias.

Practical implications

The suggested framework can help academics and managers to identify areas of opportunity to do so, setting new levels of performance and new agendas for business.

Originality/value

This work contributes to service operations management, building on Kranzberg (1986) and the impact of technology and on Fosso Wamba et al. (2015) by developing a systems application framework to further understanding of BD from a practical perspective to extend their research taxonomy insights. The case studies demonstrate how the use of BD enhances operational performance.

Details

International Journal of Operations & Production Management, vol. 37 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-3577

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Book part
Publication date: 5 December 2017

Robert P. Wright

Our preoccupation with the Repertory Grid Technique has left little time and attention to the core ideas articulated in Kelly’s (1955) Theory of Personal Constructs. After more…

Abstract

Our preoccupation with the Repertory Grid Technique has left little time and attention to the core ideas articulated in Kelly’s (1955) Theory of Personal Constructs. After more than 20 years engaging with the method, I have (re)discovered his theorizing about man’s quest for knowing, to be the most insightful. This chapter shares my reflections/reflexions about the crucial role he placed on the notion of “anticipation.” I position this importance within the context of the challenges of our times and advocate that his “psychology of the unknown” is just as important today as it was 62 years ago.

Details

Methodological Challenges and Advances in Managerial and Organizational Cognition
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78743-677-0

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Article
Publication date: 1 July 2006

M. Webster, R. Beach and I. Fouweather

This paper sets out to discuss the development of an e‐business strategy by a UK soft drinks company. It is based within the Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector (also known…

9130

Abstract

Purpose

This paper sets out to discuss the development of an e‐business strategy by a UK soft drinks company. It is based within the Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector (also known as Consumer Packaged Goods), which is characterised by powerful retailers, tier‐1 suppliers of industrial end‐products and ingredient/raw material producers further upstream. The paper aims to examine the tensions created at tier‐1 level relating to the adoption of e‐business solutions for B2B activities.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on the literature to describe the technological options for achieving e‐commerce, focusing particularly on Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) and internet‐mediated e‐commerce. It then explores the current uptake of e‐commerce, and the drivers and barriers that relate to its adoption. The theoretical issues identified are explored empirically using data gathered from a case study of Princes Soft Drinks. A detailed survey of organisations within its supply base was conducted in order to inform the development of its future e‐business strategy.

Findings

The results of the survey indicate a lack of enthusiasm among Princes' supply chain members for the adoption of e‐commerce generally and for internet‐mediated e‐commerce solutions in particular.

Research limitations/implications

The empirical survey is limited to the UK soft drinks sector and allows for the development of descriptive findings. These findings, discussed within the theoretical context of the paper, have potentially wider implications for the FMCG sector as a whole.

Practical implications

The work has significant implications for the development of Princes' e‐business strategy, and – by extrapolation – for other companies operating in similar commercial environments.

Originality/value

The paper reports original empirical research in the commercially important FMCG sector. Its value stems in part from the examination of the supply chain tensions created at tier‐1– between powerful e‐committed retailers and e‐reluctant industrial suppliers.

Details

Supply Chain Management: An International Journal, vol. 11 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1359-8546

Keywords

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Book part
Publication date: 1 June 2022

S. Asieh Hosseini Tabaghdehi

Since the COVID-19 outbreak, the digital economy through the digital transformation of production and consumption has surged globally. In recent rapid technological revolution…

Abstract

Since the COVID-19 outbreak, the digital economy through the digital transformation of production and consumption has surged globally. In recent rapid technological revolution businesses are moving their operations and workforce to a virtual environment, where the setting and fundamental of the traditional business are changed considerably. Hence, this chapter explores further the structure of the digital supply and digital consumption, and its opportunities and challenges in promoting the digital economy in new normal. We further highlight the rise of some key concepts such as digital globalisation, digital innovation and ethical risks at individual, organisation and country level.

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Article
Publication date: 20 June 2020

Alberto Sardi, Enrico Sorano, Valter Cantino and Patrizia Garengo

Current literature recognised big data as a digital revolution affecting all organisational processes. To obtain a competitive advantage from the use of big data, an efficient…

2892

Abstract

Purpose

Current literature recognised big data as a digital revolution affecting all organisational processes. To obtain a competitive advantage from the use of big data, an efficient integration in a performance measurement system (PMS) is needed, but it is still a “great challenge” in performance measurement research. This paper aims to review the big data and performance measurement studies to identify the publications’ trends and future research opportunities.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors reviewed 873 documents on big data and performance carrying out an extensive bibliometric analysis using two main techniques, i.e. performance analysis and science mapping.

Findings

Results point to a significant increase in the number of publications on big data and performance, highlighting a shortage of studies on business, management and accounting areas, and on how big data can improve performance measurement. Future research opportunities are identified. They regard the development of further research to explain how performance measurement field can effectively integrate big data into a PMS and describe the main themes related to big data in performance measurement literature.

Originality/value

This paper gives a holistic view of big data and performance measurement research through the inclusion of numerous contributions on different research streams. It also encourages further study for developing concrete tools.

Details

Measuring Business Excellence, vol. 27 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1368-3047

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 14 March 2022

Shaobo Wei, Jinmei Yin and Wei Chen

Drawing on the dynamic capabilities theory, this paper proposes that supply chain (SC) strategies (i.e. the lean SC and agile SC strategies) will mediate the relationship between…

1251

Abstract

Purpose

Drawing on the dynamic capabilities theory, this paper proposes that supply chain (SC) strategies (i.e. the lean SC and agile SC strategies) will mediate the relationship between big data analytics (BDA) and SC performance. Furthermore, from the perspective of strategic alignment, this study hypothesizes that the effect of the SC strategy on SC performance is differently moderated by the information system (IS) strategy (i.e. the IS innovator and IS conservative strategies).

Design/methodology/approach

This study used 159 match-paired questionnaires collected from Chinese firms to empirically test the hypotheses.

Findings

Results show the positive direct and indirect impact of BDA on SC performance. Specifically, the lean and agile SC strategies mediate the relationship between BDA and SC performance. Furthermore, the results indicate that the IS innovator and IS conservative strategies differentially moderate the effect of the lean and agile SC strategies on SC performance. Specifically, the IS innovator strategy positively moderates the effect of the agile SC strategy on SC performance. By contrast, the IS conservative strategy positively moderates the effect of the lean SC strategy on SC performance but negatively moderates the effect of the agile SC strategy on SC performance.

Originality/value

This study provides a comprehensive understanding of how SC and IS strategies can help firms leverage BDA to improve SC performance.

Details

The International Journal of Logistics Management, vol. 33 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0957-4093

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Article
Publication date: 1 January 2010

Christos Tsinopoulos and Keith Bell

The purpose of this paper is to develop a model for overcoming the key barriers to the implementation of supply chain integration systems by small engineering to order (ETO…

1812

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a model for overcoming the key barriers to the implementation of supply chain integration systems by small engineering to order (ETO) companies.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative data from three in‐depth case studies are collected. The three case studies are small UK ETO companies, i.e. manufacturing companies that customise generic product types to meet specific customer requirements and only make these to order.

Findings

The paper identifies three key barriers: management awareness of the benefits and implementation challenges of these systems, perceived risk to the business and to information security and intensity of skills needed for their successful implementation. The paper proposes an iterative model that aims at overcoming these barriers.

Research limitations/implications

The authors apply the knowledge on technology adoption in the context of small ETO companies to explain the apparent lack of implementation of supply chain integration systems by small ETO organisations; and propose a model to overcome these barriers. The main limitation is the lack of full validation of our model. Although this model has been presented and discussed the with case study companies, it has not been fully implemented yet. A full implementation and subsequent review would provide unequivocal validation.

Practical implications

The paper presents a model for overcoming the key barriers of implementation of supply chain integration systems by small ETO companies. Managers and consultants that aim at implementing such systems can use this model prior to implementation to reduce the potential impact of these barriers on the implementation.

Originality/value

There are two contributions of this paper. The first is the explanation of the barriers that inhibit the implementations of supply chain integration systems by small ETO companies. The second is the development of the model for overcoming these.

Details

Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, vol. 21 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-038X

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Article
Publication date: 10 November 2020

Himanshu Gupta, Sarangdhar Kumar, Simonov Kusi-Sarpong, Charbel Jose Chiappetta Jabbour and Martin Agyemang

The aim of this study is to identify and prioritize a list of key digitization enablers that can improve supply chain management (SCM). SCM is an important driver for…

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Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this study is to identify and prioritize a list of key digitization enablers that can improve supply chain management (SCM). SCM is an important driver for organization's competitive advantage. The fierce competition in the market has forced companies to look the past conventional decision-making process, which is based on intuition and previous experience. The swift evolution of information technologies (ITs) and digitization tools has changed the scenario for many industries, including those involved in SCM.

Design/methodology/approach

The Best Worst Method (BWM) has been applied to evaluate, rank and prioritize the key digitization and IT enablers beneficial for the improvement of SC performance. The study also used additive value function to rank the organizations on their SC performance with respect to digitization enablers.

Findings

The total of 25 key enablers have been identified and ranked. The results revealed that “big data/data science skills”, “tracking and localization of products” and “appropriate and feasibility study for aiding the selection and adoption of big data technologies and techniques ” are the top three digitization and IT enablers that organizations need to focus much in order to improve their SC performance. The study also ranked the SC performance of the organizations based on digitization enablers.

Practical implications

The findings of this study will help the organizations to focus on certain digitization technologies in order to improve their SC performance. This study also provides an original framework for organizations to rank the key digitization enablers according to enablers relevant in their context and also to compare their performance with their counterparts.

Originality/value

This study seems to be the first of its kind in which 25 digitization enablers categorized in four main categories are ranked using a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) tool. This study is also first of its kind in ranking the organizations in their SC performance based on weights/ranks of digitization enablers.

Details

Industrial Management & Data Systems, vol. 121 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-5577

Keywords

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