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Explores the idea of trajectories of innovation in software development. Patterns of Innovation are analysed within social and institutional contexts, and within the context of changes in the ways computer technology is used. Three main trajectories of innvation in software development are discussed: technical change (e.g. languages, techniques, tools, methods); organizational and managerial change; and commodification (the substitution of packaged products for custom development). Sub‐trajectories are also described. Concludes that the scope and heterogeneity of software development activity has supported the formation of a number of different and competing trajectories which lead to quite different conclusions about the future of software development.

This study aims to demonstrate empirically the varied mechanisms through which supply chain practices of indigenous Chinese companies are influenced by foreign‐owned multinational companies (MNCs) operating within China. It also provides empirical evidence of how the foreign‐owned MNCs are influenced by the coercive pressures arising from the local cultural norms and begins an exploration of the mechanisms through which isomorphic pressures operate between industries.

The study adopts a multi‐disciplinary approach by applying institutional theory from the field of organisational studies. The study is based on 27 in‐depth interviews in matched pairs of firms consisting of an indigenous Chinese firm and a foreign‐owned MNC in three industries. The interviews also include suppliers and third‐party logistics providers and hence the study extends beyond the dyad.

The findings show a “startling homogeneity” between the SCM practices of the paired firms and across the three industries studied. They also provide empirical evidence of the rich and varied mechanisms through which isomorphic pressures operate, and demonstrate that the pressures affect the foreign‐owned MNCs as well as the Chinese firms.

The study identifies a wide range of mechanisms that firms can use to model their SCM practices on those of other firms. The study also identifies a range of implications for policy.

To the authors' knowledge, this study is the first to explore empirically the rich and varied mechanisms through which isomorphic pressures operate.

This paper sets out, first, to integrate HR strategies into knowledge management (KM) systems; second, to examine the type of HR strategies to be pursued and third, it looks at the probable behaviour effects of such a strategy in the creation, distribution and use of knowledge.

The paper discusses recent literature on the link between KM and human resource management (HRM).

The HRM strategy and the general strategy of a firm make up the general KM strategies. Two were identified in this paper: exploitative strategy and explorative strategy. Both strategies have behaviour effects, which have some impact on the KM process. Thus, the exploitative strategy will put greater emphasis on knowledge storage, technical skills, as well as distributing explicit knowledge via IT solutions. This increases the risk that firms adopting such strategy will be locked into past design and to be unable to reach for future applications. Explorative strategy places greater weight on knowledge creation, as well as on human interaction to transfer tacit knowledge and use knowledge to increase innovation and new learning. Firms adopting such strategy tend to lack structure and processes to utilise the innovations into competitive advantages.

The analysis of the paper is based on literature review, therefore the concepts developed in the paper need empirical testing.

This paper attempts to integrate HRM into KM systems.

The literature in the field of knowledge management shows a certain preoccupation with information technology (IT) and technical solutions while it reflects a limited view of organisational knowledge. The practice of knowledge management is commonly degraded to implementation of new IT‐based systems, neglecting important organisational aspects, in particular human and social issues. This paper presents a case that involves a small Danish software company where these matters have been taken into account. The starting point for the utilisation of IT was a study of the concepts, knowledge and learning. Embedded in the daily activities of employees, IT, as just one of several measures, is intended to support and facilitate learning rather than regulate or impede the process. This will be demonstrated with two examples from the case. In this context, we will also examine to what extent it makes sense to distinguish between different types of knowledge and knowledge processes and how far different perspectives of knowledge management contribute to the deployment of appropriate IT support.

Diversified trading networks have recently drawn a great deal of attention. In the process, the importance of diversity has perhaps been overemphasized. Using the trade in port wine from Portugal to Britain as an example, this essay attempts to show how a market once dominated by general, diversified traders was taken over by dedicated specialists whose success might almost be measured by the degree to which they rejected diversification to form a dedicated “commodity chain.” The essay suggests that this strategy was better able to handle matters of quality and the specialized knowledge that port wine required. The essay also highlights the question of power in such a chain. Endemic commodity-chain struggles are clearest in the vertical brand war that broke out in the nineteenth century, which, by concentrating power, marked the final stage in the transformation of the trade from network to vertical integration.

Examines the tenth published year of the ITCRR. Runs the whole gamut of textile innovation, research and testing, some of which investigates hitherto untouched aspects. Subjects discussed include cotton fabric processing, asbestos substitutes, textile adjuncts to cardiovascular surgery, wet textile processes, hand evaluation, nanotechnology, thermoplastic composites, robotic ironing, protective clothing (agricultural and industrial), ecological aspects of fibre properties – to name but a few! There would appear to be no limit to the future potential for textile applications.