Brazilian Manufacturing Research Articles

Analysis of business models innovation – a multiple case study

Purpose This paper aims to analyze the business model innovation in medium and large Brazilian manufacturing companies located in Rio do Sul State. Design/methodology/approach A holistic multiple case study in five companies was developed. Data were collected through interviews and analyzed according to the content analysis technique. Findings The main motivation to business model innovation was the innovation in products and services, while the difficulties were the factors relating to the cost. The most common practice among cases was innovation in value proposition and the most widely used method was learning-by-searching. While part of the theory was demonstrated in the case studies, new motivations and practices were identified. The investigation of the learning process on business models’ innovation is pioneered in this study. Further studies on this subject are required. Originality/value New business models are likely to provide new opportunities to better address customer needs, generating differentiating itself from its competitors. It is a subject little investigated in the international context, and there are no studies to investigate the experience of Brazilian companies.

EXPLORING THE COMPLEMENTARITY BETWEEN FOREIGN TECHNOLOGY, EMBEDDED TECHNOLOGY AND INCREASE OF PRODUCTIVE CAPACITY

This study analyzes the complementarity of foreign technology acquired under license agreements, technology embedded in machinery and equipment and increase in a company’s productive capacity. We use panel data on Brazilian manufacturing companies from the World Bank Surveys. We used the random effects models, estimated by maximum likelihood. The results indicate that foreign technology, embedded technology and increase of productive capacity have a positive and significant impact on labor productivity. The complementarity test reveals that the relationship between the two technologies analyzed is conditionally substitutive and that the relationship between each of these technologies and increase of productive capacity is conditionally complementary.

MANAGERS’ INFLUENCE ON COMPANY CAPABILITIES

ABSTRACT Purpose: This study aims to verify the moderating role of managers’ characteristics, age, and tenure (time in the sector, position, company), in the relation between the realized absorptive capacity (RACAP) and the architectural marketing capabilities (CAM). Originality/value: The present study considers the human element as a factor that affects the relations between the capacities of the company. It contributes theoretically to help understand what can impact the formulation and implementation of marketing strategies and theoretically strengthen the role of the human element. As a practical contribution, it has been shown that it is not enough to seek external knowledge, it is necessary that it is transformed and then used effectively in the design and implementation of marketing strategies. Design/method/approach: Quantitative research, with transverse temporal data collection. This study empirically tested the hypotheses based on a sample of 343 marketing managers from Brazilian manufacturing industries. Data were collected through a survey. Data were processed by means of modeling of structural equations in AMOS software. Findings: The characteristics of managers (age and tenure) moderate the relationship between a part of RACAP (knowledge transformation) and CAM (architectural marketing capability). More experienced managers should be valued because it has been proven that in this sector, they make a difference when it comes to transforming knowledge and using it in their strategies.

Ecosystem of Innovation in Industry 4.0

The article identifies how Research and Development (R&D) collaborations in startups can influence digital innovation in Brazilian manufactures. A qualitative multiple case study was performed with startups incubated at the Federation of Industries of Paraná (FIEP), through semi-structured interviews to the Chief Executive Officer (CEOs) and case document’s, applying the content analysis. The results indicate that the sources of knowledge of the startups and the collaboration with companies, universities, government development agencies and incubators, characterize the actions in the ecosystem of open innovation. It has been found that the complexity of the innovation ecosystem of startups is a strategic asset, and the nature of the collaborations is informal, coupled with a stage of maturity considered low in startups. This study contributes to highlight the nature, dynamics and progress of startup collaborations in the development of digital transformation, and the challenges for the leverage of Industry 4.0 in Brazil.

Inducing Brazilian manufacturing SMEs productivity with Lean tools

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a method for assisting micro and small companies of the industrial sector with the adoption of Lean practices.Design/methodology/approachThe paper outlines the method construction steps, which used a design science research approach.FindingsThis research led to the structuring of a method for implementing Lean Manufacturing tools in micro and small companies of the industrial sector. The developed method contributed to the knowledge in Lean Manufacturing by systematizing its tools in a heuristic approach that can be applied to an operation using overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) as a guiding indicator.Practical implicationsThis method can be used to guide the implementation of Lean tools in SMEs industries.Originality/valueThe originality of this paper lies in the adoption of an operation-focused approach only (rather than an approach that begins with the mapping of an entire process) and the use of OEE as the basis for prioritization of improvements to be performed and operational control.

R&D investment and the arrangement of innovation capabilities in Brazilian manufacturing firms

This paper aims at identifying the different arrangements of innovation capabilities for firms with different levels of R&D investment. The four innovation capabilities model (development, operations, management and transaction) by Zawislak et al., (2012) was crossed with the three level – low, medium and high – R&D intensity classification by Legler and Frietsch (2007). A multiple regression was applied on data from a survey of 1,331 Brazilian manufacturing firms, results clearly show different arrangements of innovation capabilities for each level of R&D investment. Operations capability does not generate innovation performance in any level. Development capability becomes increasingly relevant to performance, as R&D investment increases, on the other hand, management and transaction capabilities turn to be less prominent.

An empirical examination of the product variety management in Brazilian bus body manufacturer

An empirical examination of the product variety management in Brazilian bus body manufacturer

Critical success factors of Six Sigma implementations in companies in Brazil

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify the critical success factors (CSFs) associated with the Six Sigma (SS) implementation in companies operating in Brazil.Design/methodology/approachThe research was tested based on survey questionnaire responses from a sample of 45 Brazilian manufacturing and services companies that have implemented SS programmes. An exploratory factorial analysis (EFA) was conducted to statistically identify conclusions regarding CSFs in SS implementation.FindingsBased on the survey of empirical data, the investigated individual CSFs were reduced in five main critical factor categories: data availability, prior infrastructure and training, goals and gains, implementation of the solution and resistance to change. They have been shown to be the extremely important factors for SS implementation in Brazilian companies.Practical implicationsThis study helps SS managers focus on the most effective factors (best practices) in SS implementation. Consequently, this may guide a company’s resources allocation and efforts to guarantee a successful SS implementation.Originality/valueDespite a vast body of literature in SS CSFs, this paper demonstrates those factors within a Brazilian context. Moreover, the tested content of this study fills the research gap by providing reliable and useful CSFs of SS implementation, which contributes to increase the external validity of the SS construct. On top of that, although the results reinforce the importance of well-known, traditional CSFs in SS implementation, they also identify contingent factors related to risk perception, which are barely mentioned in previous literature.

The mediating effect of employees’ involvement on the relationship between Industry 4.0 and operational performance improvement

This study aims at investigating whether EI (Employees’ Involvement) constitutes the mediating link relating Industry 4.0 technologies to operational performance improvement in emerging countries. When manufacturing companies within this socio-economic context adopt Industry 4.0 technologies, they may either reinforce or undermine the importance of practices related to EI, hence affecting the level of operational performance improvement. In this sense, we carried out a survey with 147 Brazilian manufacturers that have already started to implement Industry 4.0 technologies concurrently with their existing continuous improvement programmes, which are highly based on EI practices. Findings indicate the EI indeed has a positive mediating effect on the relationship between Industry 4.0 adoption and operational performance improvement. This outcome suggests that the high-tech movement promoted by Industry 4.0 advent does not disregard the need for empowering and committing employees. This fact is also true even in contexts where employees’ condition may rise additional barriers for Industry 4.0 implementation such as emerging economies. Therefore, the implementation of Industry 4.0 seems to be a promising approach for assisting employees on continuous improvement and reinforcing the need for their participation and engagement, especially in manufacturers from sectors with higher levels of technological intensity.

The luck of being of the right gender and color: a detailed discussion about the wage gaps in the Brazilian manufacturing industry

This work analyzed the wage discrimination in the Brazilian manufacturing industry. By recurring to the most updated database, several gaps were analyzed between white and non-white citizens, and between males and females. We detailed the Brazilian manufacturing industry considering its different segments of technology. Using Mincerian equations for the two most recent decades, we observed a reduction in the wage gap between workers, due to their individual characteristics of schooling, experience, means of residence and professional positions. We also discussed the distribution of impacts these characteristics have on wages, concluding the most significant are in segments more intensive in technology, indicating that these segments prefer to offer better-off jobs for white men than the segments based on lower technological intensity.

Multiproduct Firms, Firm Dynamics, and the Productive Mix of Brazilian Manufacturing Firms

Abstract This paper studies the Brazilian manufacturing sector in line with the literature on heterogeneous firm. We focus i) on the characteristics of firms that are multi-product (MP), multi-sector and multi-industry; and ii) on the analysis of their scope, including the determinants of product switching, behavior over business cycle, and relation with several firm's characteristics. MP corresponds to 37% of all manufacturing firms, but generates 81% of the output. They employ more workers, are more likely to be exporters, have higher labor productivity and higher TFP. The extensive margin due to adding and retirement of products contributes more to output growth than entry and exit of firms. All margins are positive correlated to GDP growth: the intensive margin has an almost perfect correlation, followed by the product margin, with values around 0.91, and then by firm's margin, with correlations around 0.60. When restricting the study to continuing firms, it was found that half of the annual output growth (from 2005 to 2009) was originated by firms that switched products. Those that have net added (dropped) items had higher (smaller) increase in output, in employees, and in the TFP. Having higher TFP, more employees, or being an exporter increase the probability of only adding or only dropping items in the future.

License to Kill: Understanding the Concept of State-Corporate Crime in the Taurus Case

Since 2006, about 100 cases of deaths or injuries caused by defects in weapons of the Brazilian manufacturer Taurus were reported in the national press, causing people to think about the Corporatio...

Lean Six Sigma in developing countries: evidence from a large Brazilian manufacturing firm

Purpose Although the literature on Lean Six Sigma (LSS) implementation has evolved, a deeper understanding of the LSS practices applied in organisations in developing countries is needed. This paper aims to analyse LSS in a manufacturing company in the context of LSS implementation in an emerging economy. Design/methodology/approach This paper uses case-based research. Data collected in a large manufacturing company through multiple sources of evidence were triangulated to derive the findings. This paper analyses aspects related to the implementation of both programmes and their synergy, as well as some critical and failure factors. Findings The main results show that Lean and Six Sigma are applied separately in two different programmes. Some aspects that are necessary to increase the integration of both approaches were identified while considering each phase of the DMAIC and the current approach applied by the company. Although some positive results have been achieved, there are many critical and failure factors that may influence the implementation of both approaches, such as employee training and changes in the organisational environment. Finally, the comprehensive integration of both approaches needs to be undertaken by the company. Research limitations/implications The findings from this single case study cannot be generalised. Practical implications This paper may be used as a guiding reference for managers and consultants to help them when working towards more successful LSS implementation. Originality/value First, this paper investigates LSS in a manufacturing firm located in a developing country; this issue is still seldom addressed in the literature. Second, it may contribute to practitioners’ knowledge by delivering insights into a real context, as well as the relevant issues to be addressed when implementing LSS in similar contexts.

Sustainability evaluation model for manufacturing systems based on the correlation between triple bottom line dimensions and balanced scorecard perspectives

Abstract The evolution of the concept of sustainability associated with the demands of society has transformed the management models of manufacturing systems. Several models of sustainability evaluation based on indicators that represent the economic, environmental and social dimensions of the triple bottom line (TBL) concept have been proposed in the literature. However, the definition and coverage of sustainability indicators have become a challenge. Thus, the aim of this article is to propose a sustainability evaluation model based on a correlation matrix between the dimensions of the TBL concept and the perspectives (learning and growth, process, market and financial) of the balanced scorecard (BSC) management model. Based on the literature review, this study proposes performance indicators for each of these correlations, obtained via the TBL X BSC matrix, which resulted in the sustainability evaluation model. This model also provides a governance logic establishing a flow to assure the compliance of the matrix. The proposed model was applied to a Brazilian manufacturer in the market of food and beverage, through visits and interviews. This application showed that the 12 correlations of the TBL X BSC matrix allow for a comprehensive and detailed evaluation of a manufacturing system, because it involves the TBL dimensions and the BSC perspectives, and enables the definition of indicators for each correlation. The model can also be useful for defining performance indicators for sustainability assessment models and can be integrated into multi-criteria decision methods to improve organizational sustainability and performance.

The role of marketing capabilities, absorptive capacity, and innovation performance

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyze effects of absorptive capacity (ACAP) on organizational performance. The model looks at the mediating influence of marketing capabilities (innovative capability and new product development capability (NPDC)) and innovation performance (IP).Design/methodology/approachThis study takes a quantitative approach by using survey data from 333 Brazilian manufacturer managers involved with strategic marketing processes. Structural equation modeling was used to test the theoretical hypotheses.FindingsResults indicate that ACAP does not have a direct impact on organizational performance. The relation is fully mediated by marketing capabilities (innovative capability and NPDC) and IP.Research limitations/implicationsAccording to the research findings, managers should put efforts in the ACAP as well as marketing capabilities that will result in better organizational performance. This research is limited to the context of manufacturer firms in Brazil. However, it is suggested that an application of this research can be conducted in different industries and different countries.Originality/valueThis study contributes to theory and management practice. First, no study has explored all these constructs together. Through the relationship between ACAP and performance, the authors found that marketing capabilities and IP can fully mediate the former proposed relation. The authors’ contribution is the understanding of the role of ACAP influence on performance. Managers should be encouraged to invest in companies’ ACAP as well as marketing capabilities to differentiate themselves from competitors and improve performance.

COMPETITION, INCENTIVES AND INNOVATION IN BRAZILIAN MANUFACTURING

ABSTRACT This paper analyses competition and fiscal incentives impacts on Brazilian manufacturing firms' R&D and innovative performance. We consider domestic and foreign competition, informatics law incentives and R&D and innovation law incentive, and many kinds of R&D (internal, external and continuos) and innovative activity (process and product, to Brazilian market only and to firms' main market). Our empirical evidence from an unbalanced panel of microdata from Brazilian innovation survey (Pintec) shows that both law incentives are important to R&D and innovation firms' performance, local competition as well, but with quite different intensities. Foreign competition has limited and weak impact. This set of results is important to policymakers optimize incentives and competition level on innovation policy design. Keywords Competition. Incentives. R&D. Innovation. Brazilian manufacturing.

Cytotoxicity evaluation of orthodontic miniscrews

O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a citotoxicidade induzida por mini-implantes ortodônticos conforme recebidos pelo fabricante, após a exposição a fluoretos, e após a exposição ao meio bucal. Oitenta e quatro mini-implantes de fabricantes brasileiros (SIN, INP e Neodent) foram divididos em sete grupos (n = 12): G1 - SIN como recebido do fabricante; G2 - SIN imerso durante quinze dias em NaF 0,05%; G3 - SIN exposto ao meiobucal; G4 - INP como recebido do fabricante; G5 - INP imerso durante quinze dias em NaF 0,05%; G6 - Neodent como recebido do fabricante; G7 - Neodent imerso por quinze dias em NaF 0,05%. Sua citotoxicidade foi avaliada por testes de exposição direta e indireta usando a levedura S. cerevisiae. O estresse oxidativo também foi avaliada por meio de teste de coloração de colônias. Os resultados mostraram não haver redução significativa da viabilidade celular sobre a exposição direta ou indireta a mini-implantes.

Uma avaliação sobre a problemática dos clipes de aneurismas no Brasil

Este estudo utiliza a sistemática da utilização dos clipes de aneurisma para tecer considerações sobre a metodologia de fabricação, utilização e controle de próteses no Brasil. Inicialmente, abordamos alguns aspectos das normas internacionais que regem a fabricação de clipes de aneurisma, analisando algumas características físicas e mecânicas de 600 clipes nacionais, comparando a metodologia nacional de fabricação e fornecimento com as normas internacionais. Este trabalho leva às seguintes conclusões: 1) Não existe diferença significativa entre a qualidade dos dois fabricantes de clipes nacionais testados. 2) Embora os clipes importados tenham apresentado desempenho superior, alguns detalhes de fabricação podem tornar os nacionais tão bons quanto os importados. 3) Alguns aspectos da norma ISO 9713 podem ser revistos e aplicados nas normas nacionais de produção e fornecimento de clipes e implantes em geral. 4) Para benefício de todos, quais sejam, a comunidade neurocirúrgica, a indústria nacional, a ANVISA (Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária) e os agentes normatizadores (ABNT – Agência Brasileira de Normas Técnicas), recomenda-se que as sociedades brasileiras da especialidade tomem assento e participe da formulação das normas de fabricação dos materiais utilizados em neurocirurgia.

THE SERVITIZATION IN INDUSTRY 4.0, FACING CHALLENGES AND TENDENCIES

Since 1995, productivity growth in the Brazilian manufacturing sector has been slowing down, is partly due to productivity gains and associated falling relative prices of manufacturing in relation to services. Many manufacturing firms are adapting to offer integrated solutions based on the needs of their customers. Within this context, servitization and digital technologies become key factors for firms immersed in the so-called ‘Industry 4.0’. The aim of this work is to analyse the relationship between the servitization and digitalization, as well as its tendencies, challenges and barriers that impede the implementation of digital services in the industrial and commercial sectors, from a theoretical perspective. Digitalization and servitization are treated as related factors of value-creation in the firm, and thus a source of competitive advantage.

Data-driven production control for complex and dynamic manufacturing systems

Digitalization allows for production control based on the current state of the manufacturing system. Thereof, this paper proposes and applies a data-driven adaptive planning and control approach that uses simulation-based optimization to determine most suitable dispatching rules in real-time under varying conditions. The data integration between the real manufacturing system and the simulation model is implemented through a data-exchange framework. The approach is evaluated in a scenario of a Brazilian manufacturer of mechanical components for the automotive industry, achieving better operational performance compared to the procedure previously applied by the company as well as in comparison to static dispatching rules.