Gregory N. Stock and Mohan V. Tatikonda
This paper empirically examines the process of acquiring technology from a source, external to the firm, and incorporating it into a new product or operational process under…
Abstract
This paper empirically examines the process of acquiring technology from a source, external to the firm, and incorporating it into a new product or operational process under development. We refer to this key activity in product and process innovation as external technology integration. This paper develops a conceptual model of external technology integration based on organizational information processing theory and a wide range of technology management literature. Field interviews were conducted to evaluate the validity of the model across diverse settings. Our results indicate general support for the conceptual model. We close with a discussion of the implications of this study for both theory and practice.
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Roger W. Schmenner and Mohan V. Tatikonda
To provide an update on a paper published in 1987 in IJOPM.
Abstract
Purpose
To provide an update on a paper published in 1987 in IJOPM.
Design/methodology/approach
Provides an assessment and update of “An agenda for research on the flexibility of manufacturing processes”.
Findings
Gerwin's seminal work added welcome rigor to a concept, manufacturing flexibility, which had gained prominence during the previous decade. Finds that many of Gerwin's insights have stood the test of time. A number of things have changed since that time, but others have remained much as they were. Machines have become more capable and computer‐based controls have improved machine and process flexibility, but the character of that flexibility has remained very much the same.
Originality/value
Revisits Gerwin's conceptualization of manufacturing process flexibility and subsequent progress in understanding it.
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Abstract
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Melek Akın Ateş, Jan Van den Ende and Guido Ianniello
The purpose of this paper is to investigate inter-organizational coordination (IOC) patterns between the buying firm, design agency, and component supplier in new product…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate inter-organizational coordination (IOC) patterns between the buying firm, design agency, and component supplier in new product development (NPD) projects and to identify the determinants of these approaches.
Design/methodology/approach
Seven NPD projects are examined using the multiple-case study method. Data are collected from five design agencies, two buying firms, and two suppliers in Italy and the Netherlands.
Findings
Building on organizational information-processing and resource dependence theories, and based on the case study findings, four patterns of IOC approaches are proposed: buyer as mediator, buyer-designer partnership, designer as integrator, and team design activities. Two determinants of these approaches are suggested: the degree of novelty of the product/project (radical vs incremental) and the design approach (user oriented vs design driven).
Research limitations/implications
Although the NPD projects are chosen from a wide variety of industries, the relatively small number of cases limits generalizability. The four IOC approaches proposed in this study should be tested in wider samples, possibly by means of the survey method.
Practical implications
The findings suggest that practitioners need to understand the determinants of the different IOC approaches to manage joint NPD projects most effectively. The authors also suggest that practitioners pay attention to the distinct roles of different types of suppliers while deciding on the appropriate coordination mechanisms to adopt. Finally, the results illustrate that buying firms need to consider empowering a supplier in an incremental NPD project if the supplier has a very distinctive capability that does not exist in the buying firm.
Originality/value
Previous research primarily focusses on dyadic-level buyer-supplier relationships in NPD projects. In this study, the authors adopt triads as the unit of analysis and specifically focus on cases that involve both component suppliers and design agencies.
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Rola Imad Fanousse, Dilupa Nakandala and Yi-Chen Lan
This article provides the first systematic review of literature on effective organisational practices for reducing innovation project uncertainties to promote project performance…
Abstract
Purpose
This article provides the first systematic review of literature on effective organisational practices for reducing innovation project uncertainties to promote project performance. Innovation is the lifeblood of organisations, while simultaneously being one of the most challenging processes to manage. This systematic review seeks to examine best practice for reducing uncertainties and thus mitigate the high failure rates in innovation projects.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper provides a systematic review of the literature on innovation project management and encourages an understanding of how intra-organisational collaboration reduces uncertainty and thus increases project performance.
Findings
Based on an analysis of the systematic literature review findings, the impact of intra-organisational collaboration in reducing uncertainties in innovation projects is uncovered. Three types of project uncertainties were found to be dominant in the context of innovation project management: task, technological and market uncertainties. Five dimensions of intra-organisational collaboration are also identified, namely collaborative relationship, collaborative leadership, communicating and sharing information, trust formation and joint decision-making.
Originality/value
The authors situate five intra-organisational collaboration dimensions as key mechanisms that yield organisational learning as an outcome. On the other hand, they also uncovered that organisational learning is a key enabler in the relationship between intra-organisational collaboration and task, market and technological uncertainties reduction. Therefore, intra-organisational collaboration is identified as a critical practice in enhancing the performance of innovation projects. The study proposes a multi-dimensional conceptual model, providing a mechanism for furthering a research agenda for improving the performance of innovation projects.
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Xifang Ma, Zhengyun Rui and Genyuan Zhong
This study aims to provide a better understanding into how large-scale companies overcome their rigidity and bureaucracy, and transform entrepreneurial orientation (EO) into…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to provide a better understanding into how large-scale companies overcome their rigidity and bureaucracy, and transform entrepreneurial orientation (EO) into organizational responsiveness (e.g. interdepartmental collaboration [IDC]). It also clarifies the double-edged role of organizational culture in shaping IDC, specifically within the Chinese economy that is deeply influenced by Confucianism.
Design/methodology/approach
Datas were randomly collected from companies that reside in the Yangtze River Delta region. With a sample of 115 large-scale EO Chinese firms, consisting of 402 department managers and 115 executives. The study aggregates the scores to create an overall measurement for EO, collectivism, power distance and IDC in the analysis. Further, confirmatory factor analyses were used to measure the structural model fitness, and multiple regression analysis was used to assess the hypotheses.
Findings
The results show that in competitive environments, IDC, as a strategic response to EO and a risk aversion of inertia and bureaucracy, fully mediates the positive relationship between EO and organizational creativity. Furthermore, the positive association is more pronounced under high cultural collectivism or low power distance in large-scale firms.
Research limitations/implications
This paper contributes to the understanding of EO approach at the organizational level. The results posit that when large companies adopt EO, they are proactive rather than passive and would exhibit IDC as an important strategic responsiveness. Moreover, different organizational cultural orientations (i.e. high collectivism and low power distance) help to build IDC before cultivating innovation.
Practical implications
The results in this study suggest that large companies should focus on developing IDC to overcome knowledge fragmentation, bureaucracy and inertia. Also, large firms should develop Human Resource Management practices, such as creating job rotation and workflow, as well as cultural trust and common beliefs. In contrast, they should be on guard against status differences and workplace hierarchy’s cultural context.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that considers the roles of IDC and organizational culture and examines how large-scale entrepreneurial-oriented companies breed innovation.
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Gopalakrishnan Narayanamurthy and Anand Gurumurthy
The purpose of this paper is to describe a leanness assessment methodology that takes into account the interaction between lean elements for computing the systemic leanness and…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to describe a leanness assessment methodology that takes into account the interaction between lean elements for computing the systemic leanness and for assisting continuous improvement of lean implementation.
Design/methodology/approach
Key elements determining the leanness level were identified by reviewing the relevant literature and were structured as a framework. Graph-theoretic approach (GTA) was used as the assessment methodology for its ability to evaluate the interaction between the elements in the developed framework.
Findings
Interactions between the lean elements were configured. Application of the proposed GTA for assessing systemic leanness was demonstrated. Scenario analysis was performed and a scale was developed to assist firms in comparing their systemic leanness index.
Research limitations/implications
This paper is unique in developing an assessment approach for measuring the systemic leanness. In addition, this study explains how the implementation of lean thinking (LT) in a value stream can be continuously improved by proposing a systemic leanness index that can be benchmarked. The proposed approach to measure systemic leanness can be tested across different value streams in future for extending its generalizability.
Practical implications
Proposed framework and leanness assessment approach presents an innovative tool for practitioners to capture the systemic aspect of LT. Proposed assessment approach supports practitioners in achieving continuous improvement in lean implementation by revealing the lean elements that need to be focused in future.
Originality/value
Study introduces a new perspective for LT by studying the importance of interactions between the lean elements and by incorporating them to assess the systemic leanness.
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Prihana Vasishta, Ankita Dhiman, Shagun Smith and Anju Singla
This study systematically reviews the role of decentralized finance (DeFi) in enhancing the quality, affordability, access and usage of financial services, specifically targeting…
Abstract
Purpose
This study systematically reviews the role of decentralized finance (DeFi) in enhancing the quality, affordability, access and usage of financial services, specifically targeting underserved populations. The aim is to investigate DeFi’s potential in addressing financial exclusion and promoting global financial inclusion.
Design/methodology/approach
A systematic literature review was conducted, analyzing 67 peer-reviewed articles. The review focused on extracting actionable insights and recommendations regarding DeFi’s impact on financial inclusion.
Findings
The study reveals that DeFi, through the utilization of blockchain technology, can significantly improve accessibility, affordability and usability of financial services. By eliminating intermediaries and reducing entry barriers, DeFi platforms democratize finance and support financial inclusion on a global scale. The research identifies specific mechanisms through which DeFi can enhance financial services for marginalized communities, including decentralized lending, digital wallets and blockchain-based remittances.
Research limitations/implications
The study is constrained by the current literature and data availability on DeFi’s impact on financial inclusion. Future research should explore the scalability, sustainability and long-term effects of DeFi solutions in diverse contexts.
Originality/value
This research uniquely contributes to the literature by examining the intersection of DeFi and financial inclusion, providing innovative approaches to overcoming financial exclusion. The study highlights DeFi’s potential to transform financial services and empower underserved populations economically.
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Abhijeet Ghadge, Samir Dani and Roy Kalawsky
This paper examines supply chain risk management (SCRM) from a holistic systems thinking perspective by considering the different typologies that have evolved as a result of…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper examines supply chain risk management (SCRM) from a holistic systems thinking perspective by considering the different typologies that have evolved as a result of earlier research. The purpose of this paper is to identify important strategic changes in the field and to outline future requirements and research opportunities in SCRM.
Design/methodology/approach
The systematic literature review (SLR) methodology employed by this research was used to evaluate and categorise a literature survey of quality articles published over a period of ten years (2000‐2010). Additionally, the findings from the SLR have been strengthened through cross validation against results obtained from an associated text mining activity.
Findings
The SLR methodology has provided a rich, unbiased and holistic picture of the advances in the field of SCRM. Consequently, important new research areas have been identified based on a multi‐perspective descriptive and thematic data analysis. In addition, the analysis, based on evolved typologies, indicates a growth of SCRM from a nascent to a fairly established activity over the past decade.
Practical implications
The systematic approach undertaken for the literature review will provide future researchers and managers with an insightful understanding of the scope of the SCRM field. Also, the literature review provides important clues on new research directions for SCRM through identification of gaps in current knowledge.
Originality/value
The holistic approach to SCRM was found to be an important missing link in earlier literature surveys. The outcome of the SLR reported in this paper has provided critical insights into the present and future scope of the SCRM field. The identified research insights, gaps and future directions will encourage new research techniques, with a view to managing the risks in the globalized supply chain environment.
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Biao Yang, Ying Yang and Sharon Williams
The paper aims to explore the application of manufacturing postponement in a service setting.
Abstract
Purpose
The paper aims to explore the application of manufacturing postponement in a service setting.
Design/methodology/approach
In elaborating on the many key differences between goods and services highlighted in the literature, it has been argued that postponement strategies developed in manufacturing have a potential for improving service performance. The authors then examine the implications of postponement for the service push‐pull boundary and the line of visibility.
Findings
A focus on postponement at the service push‐pull boundary enables more activities to be performed in advance. Its benefits include reducing costs and shortening service delivery time. Postponement can also assist service providers in re‐locating the line of visibility to develop a more effective service operation.
Originality/value
While the significant economic benefits of postponement have been documented in manufacturing companies, the literature has also mentioned the potential role of postponement in service. However, very little has been written with respect to the exploitation of the transferability and applicability of postponement to a service setting. In this paper, the authors have explored what value postponement might have to offer for service operations. The application of postponement has a potential for service performance akin to what is expected of a manufacturing organisation.