Company Interviews Research Articles

Organizational innovation outcomes in SMEs: Effects of age, size, and sector

Innovation studies concentrate on factors contributing to innovation. However, governments seek clearer understanding of innovation outcomes in their appraisal of the costs and benefits of policies to promote innovation in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This study examines organizational innovation (OI) outcomes in SMEs. Based on company interviews and a mail survey, the findings reveal OI results in enhanced productivity, margin, market leadership, and working environments. However, OI does not lead to operational efficiency and employees’ retention. Organizational innovation leads to companies operating outside their core competency but does not have an adverse environmental impact. Organizational innovation has greater impact on small firms. The paper includes practical and theoretical implications.

Individual Tourists from the Chinese Mainland to Hong Kong: Implications for Tourism Marketing in Fashion

Since the implementation of the Individual Visit Scheme (IVS), the number of tourists from the Chinese Mainland (CM) to Hong Kong (HK) has increased dramatically. These IVS tourists have huge consumption power and account for 50–70% of the total sales revenue of many HK fashion retailers. In this context, the authors explore the consumer attitudes and preferences of the IVS tourists. Based on a random sampling method involving over 2,000 CM tourists, a questionnaire survey was conducted. The findings show that IVS tourists have complex attitudes towards higher-end brands and their extended products. Moreover, statistically significant results are found in relation to: the comparison of HK consumers with IVS tourists; the analysis of gender attitudes; and the regional analysis. Company interviews have been conducted and specific managerial insights are presented.

Predictors of Employability of Engineering Graduates in Campus Recruitment Drives of Indian Software Services Companies

The purpose of this paper is to identify predictors of employability of undergraduate engineering students in campus recruitment drives of Indian software services companies. Data with respect to the academic background of 559 engineering graduates from a reputed engineering college in South India along with their performance in various non-technical training were analyzed vis-à-vis their performance in the campus recruitment drives of major Information Technology companies in India. Correlation and multiple regressions were performed to test hypotheses. It was observed in this study that knowledge of engineering (GPA) and proficiency in English language are important predictors of continuous employability11 1The term ‘Continuous Employability’ denotes the ability of an individual to remain employable in more than one company. of engineering graduates in campus interviews of software services companies. It was also found that unlike in other core engineering sectors, female students are better performers than their male counterparts in campus recruitments in software services industry. Outcome of this study would be of greater relevance to college management, Training & Development professionals, recruiters as well as the student fraternity in developing those skills that are required to enhance employability of fresh graduates in software services industry.

A New and Efficient Intelligent Collaboration Scheme for Fashion Design

Technology-mediated collaboration process has been extensively studied for over a decade. Most applications with collaboration concepts reported in the literature focus on enhancing efficiency and effectiveness of the decision-making processes in objective and well-structured workflows. However, relatively few previous studies have investigated the applications of collaboration schemes to problems with subjective and unstructured nature. In this paper, we explore a new intelligent collaboration scheme for fashion design which, by nature, relies heavily on human judgment and creativity. Techniques such as multicriteria decision making, fuzzy logic, and artificial neural network (ANN) models are employed. Industrial data sets are used for the analysis. Our experimental results suggest that the proposed scheme exhibits significant improvement over the traditional method in terms of the time-cost effectiveness, and a company interview with design professionals has confirmed its effectiveness and significance.

A influência da estrutura organizacional nos controles internos de uma fundação para pesquisa, prevenção e assistência do câncer do interior paulista

This work focuses on a discussion about the extent to which the level of organizational structure interferes in the internal control practices of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), especially those related to health. The objective of this work was to observe the efficiency of the internal control tests applied within the organizational structure of the Foundation for Cancer Research, Prevention and Care, checking the reliability of the accounting records and operational controls. A case study in a third sector health organization was the chosen methodology. The case study involved company interviews and the analysis of confidential reports. After an evaluation of the organizational structure (of the relations between officials and volunteers) and the application of evaluation proceedings on the quality of the internal controls, the extent to which the organizational structure interferes with the internal control practices of the hospital was assessed. It was revealed that there are structured mechanisms of control in the institution, however the implementation of these controls is inadequately performed. It was further detected that the level of the organizational structure does indeed interfere in internal control practices at the entity.

Researching the implementation of motivation practices in human resources in hotels: an experience from a Greek resort

The aim of this paper is to present the implementation of major motivation practices in the hotel industry, through the prism of Human Resources Department of a well established Greek resort. In order for the above aim to be achieved, an extensive literature review took place in conjunction with a questionnaire-based survey. The survey was conducted on all levels of company employees and interviews were performed with selected executives. The main motivational factors have been identified and their affect on the manpower was analysed. The valuable knowledge that was gained, regarding the practical implementation and usage of the motivation theories, allowed us to provide a list of suggestions. Those suggestions targeted on the improvement of hotel employees' motivation, in conjunction with the new motivational trends as they are recorded in international literature.

Transferring knowledge in Quebec–Mexico partnerships: the case of the dairy industry

This work seeks to contribute to technology transfer case study literature, by exploring the possibilities of an international trade between Mexico and Quebec in dairy industry under an international agreement’s environment. We report this probable exchange on an exploratory study, based on previous studies made at HEC Montreal at the International Technology Transfer course. This was explored in terms of knowledge and technology transfer, involving an innovative product. We present evidence based on public information and company interviews’ results which, analyzed through a theoretical framework of knowledge and technology transfer, suggests a possible future partnership, involving knowledge transfer. Our results show that, even if the two companies selected have similar cooperative-type structures, they do not behave in similar way. Both enterprises could better complement each other in terms of R&D, marketing, benchmarking, process and entrepreneurial capabilities. Furthermore, our research indicates that both enterprises could better face on industry’s threats in domestic and international competition, which could be used as a basis for further research in international technology transfers.

Searching for needles in a haystack: Identifying innovations to prevent MSDs in the construction sector

This study identified innovations that could potentially reduce the risk of MSDs in the construction sector. The action research approach was based on a collaborative model of researchers working with workplace representatives. We searched for innovations being used by construction companies. From a potential database of 125 innovations, the study focused on 20 innovations that varied in their penetration into worksites in the geographical area, represented a variety of trades, and were a cross-section of tools and work organizational processes. It examined the attributes of the innovations, and the barriers to their adoption. The analysis was based on observations of workers, surveys of workers and construction-safety consultants, and company interviews. The study found that innovations were adopted by companies for multiple advantages including productivity and quality, but not necessarily ability to reduce MSD risks, their non-complexity, and cost. The major barriers for adoption were the traditional culture of the construction sector rather than financial ones.

Mass customisation of knitted fashion garments: Factory Boutique Shima – a case study

Complete garment knitting technology makes it possible to produce a ready-made flat-knitted garment directly on the knitting machine without time-consuming post-knitting processes such as cutting and sewing. Factory Boutique Shima in Japan, a shop for on-demand production of customised knitted garments, uses a complete garment technology for customisation. Here, a customer can be a codesigner and customise a garment in accordance with his/her personal taste in style, material, pattern and colour. The aim of this paper is to present an example of how complete garment knitting technology has been used for mass customisation of knitted products by studying Factory Boutique Shimas's design and production concept. The method employed is an inductive approach based on company visits and interviews.

Toward a More Embedded Production System? Automotive Supply Networks and Localized Capabilities in Poland

ABSTRACTThe article addresses the embeddedness of automotive production in Poland in terms of supply networks. A comprehensive analysis of more than 550 suppliers, supported by company interviews, shows that foreign‐owned producers become embedded in Poland in the automotive supplier networks they have largely created themselves. Numerous local suppliers gain access to export markets and become integrated in a Europe‐wide production system. This trend has been accompanied by significant upgrading of foreign affiliates and domestic firms in terms of product quality, cost efficiency, adaptability, and fast response, but far less in nonproduction competences such as R&D. It is argued that the competences of automotive suppliers in Poland are built upon the localized capabilities, which are a product of the dynamic interplay between the activity of foreign firms and the changing local environment comprising various stakeholders. The localized capabilities constitute elements of a company's sunk costs and are embedding automotive producers in Poland. At the same time, the dependence on decisions and innovations from abroad and the limited development of local design and brands may constrain the future role of suppliers from the semiperipheral economy of Poland.

Supply chain strategy in a global paper manufacturing company: a case study

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyze the relationship between corporate and supply chain strategy, as well as its implementation in a multinational paper producing company. Traditionally paper producing companies have had a strong interest in developing a physical infrastructure for their customer deliveries. However, supply chain thinking is still an unstructured issue in the case company.Design/methodology/approachThis research work is mainly based on the case company's strategy material and interviews with senior management, is mainly qualitative and is based on a constructive research approach aimed at trying to find a workable and forward looking solution based on the three strategies.FindingsThe core findings concern the individual business division strategies, which jointly comprise the corporate strategy. Some of the business divisions do have a certain amount of supply chain management aims in their strategies. Furthermore, there is no real corporate supply chain strategy.Research limitations/implicationsThe research was conducted at a company with strong presence in Northern Europe, which limits its applicability. Thus, the research results mainly reflect a Northern European business environment and cannot be generalized on a global level.Practical implicationsThe conclusions of the research work include a recommendation for a new management model for the corporate supply chain strategy, which is based on cooperation between the business divisions and logistics organization.Originality/valueThe value of this paper is based on the practical analysis of the case company's business divisions' strategies and interactivity between the logistics organization and the implementation of its strategy.

Emerging concepts for implementing strategy

PurposeEarlier research by the author defined the practices of 11 of Australia's long‐term high performing organisations over the 25 year period from 1982 to 2007. It highlighted the importance of effective execution and leadership as key characteristics of these winning organisations. This paper aims to build on these findings by exploring the detailed concepts that organisations of all types can use to more effectively execute their strategic plans.Design/methodology/approachThe research involved a survey of over 1,000 senior executives to identify these winning organisations followed by in‐depth research and company interviews. These investigations also exposed some of the tools and techniques being applied to effectively execute strategic plans and these insights are used as the platform for this paper.FindingsBeing a winning organisation in Australia has little to do with charismatic leaders, seeking great breakthrough ideas, rolling out precise mission statements or creating the perfect organisational structure. The key findings can be summarised in a winning framework that identifies effective execution of plans and strategies as the pivotal element. The research emphasises the need for balancing strategy formulation with strategy execution and highlights the critical dimensions of focused leadership, visible management systems and use of project management tools and techniques.Originality/valueThe paper provides leaders and leadership teams with some practical tools that will improve execution of their strategic plans and boost their organisation's productivity and business performance.

Valuing technology along a timeline of technological maturity

The issue of assessing technology for business application remains a foremost concern for managers in industry. Many managers know that there is something unsatisfactory about the standard use of Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) techniques, particularly when there is high uncertainty and a need for strategic flexibility. However, whatever the lack of hard data, it is also unsettling to rely on pure 'gut feel'. It is proposed that a time-based view of valuation, built on technological maturity concepts, can assist in the assessment of technology development projects. The paper draws on interviews in UK telecommunications, aerospace and pharmaceutical companies.

Intra‐firm decision‐maker perceptions of relocation risks

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to understand the risk perceptions of persons responsible for business relocation.Design/methodology/approachThe empirical material consists of interviews in companies that have considered relocation seriously or have recently relocated. The empirical material is augmented by a literature review.FindingsThe risk perceptions can be divided into five categories. These are: financial risks, functional risks, corporate culture risk, interest group risk and future risk.Practical implicationsWhen a company relocates, the stress and anxiety of the persons responsible for the process should be considered. Also, when doing relocation‐related business, reducing relocation risks should be considered when planning the business model and marketing.Originality/valueThis paper combines relocation literature in a multi‐disciplinary manner and adds empirical understanding of the phenomena in question.

Ireland's Foreign‐Owned Technology Sector: Evolving Towards Sustainability?

ABSTRACT For some, Ireland's pursuit of an exogenous‐led development model has proved to be the cornerstone of recent economic success. Others point to recent high‐profile closures and argue that foreign‐owned operations are attracted to Ireland solely because of the advantageous tax breaks and lucrative grants scheme offered by the Irish government. We pay tribute to both arguments by pushing the level of enquiry beyond that of supply and backward linkages to try and gauge the actual performance of affiliates themselves. This brings some interesting facets of the Irish foreign direct investment scene to light. We highlight complexity of process, attainment of broader investment remits, and the emergence of a managerial class as integral to the ability of affiliates to adapt to and exploit organisational change. By examining 10 case studies and making use of media searches and company interviews, we highlight evidence of Ireland's largest technology transnational corporation affiliates showing positive performance advances. With these movements come, what we term, increased nodal significance of Irish operations within the global production network of their corporations. We argue against policy and theories that see these movements as linear and provide evidence of how some Irish operations have leveraged control and gained significant regional and global remits that have resulted in their growing significance, both in the corporation and in the country in which they are based. In the same line we argue that embeddedness in terms of supply linkages does not fit the Irish case and instead employ the term “network anchoring” of affiliates as they increase their nodal weighting through increased mandates.

Sectoral Innovation Systems, Corporate Strategies, and Competitiveness of the German Economy in a Globalised World

The EU Barcelona target assumes a close causal relationship between corporate R&D, the competitiveness of business firms and the economic performance of industrial countries. Testing this hypothesis, this paper contrasts innovation and production activities in four research-intensive manufacturing sectors (chemicals and pharmaceuticals, motor vehicles, machinery, and electrical engineering). Starting point are observed long-term changes in world-wide value added of the manufacturing sector. The empirical analysis is based on a unique survey of R&D-intensive business firms in Germany and 50 personal interviews in large industrial companies. The results show that there is no simple connection between R&D and competitiveness. Moreover, the likely consequences of promoting R&D differ substantially between industries.

Market and collaboration orientations: examining the supply/demand chain effects

Market success requires a clear customer orientation supported by efficient processes. Yet, the findings from 394 surveys and 51 company interviews show that strong functional orientations promote silo thinking, which leads to counterproductive decision making. The gaps between the customer and supply sides of organisations are particularly pervasive and detrimental. Indeed, the failure to align the supply- and demand-side processes undermines value creation, hindering a company's competitiveness. This research shows that companies can develop a collaboration orientation to mitigate the dysfunctional silo effects. As companies do so, they are able to deliver higher levels of customer value and business performance. The approaches to cultivating such a collaboration orientation are discussed.

Sales and operations planning: an exploratory study and framework

PurposeThe paper seeks to develop a framework for sales and operations planning (S&OP) that is based on previous literature and company interviews. It is designed to help managers understand how effective their S&OP processes are and how to progress to advanced stages.Design/methodology/approachThe S&OP literature, is reviewed and the results of a number of company interviews are presented. These lead to a new framework, with descriptions of each stage, and to implementation insights for managers.FindingsAfter highlighting key dimensions for establishing a firm's S&OP maturity on a five‐stage framework and, with the use of this framework, exploring in a preliminary way the relationship between firm size or process type (job shop, batch flow, continuous flow, etc.) and its degree of S&OP plan integration, little apparent relationship was found. However, the data suggest that business processes are enablers of S&OP plan integration, but that information technology is not clearly so.Research limitations/implicationsThe results are based on a thorough review of the literature and on 15 in‐depth company interviews. Because the sample size is small, the results should be considered to provide only preliminary insights.Practical implicationsManagers can use the framework to assess their S&OP process maturity. To advance to higher S&OP integration, managers should focus on leadership of business processes that can enable effective S&OP plan integration. These processes include organizational structure, meetings and collaboration across functional areas, and performance measurements. Information technology tools may also be enablers, but they do not appear to be the primary drivers.Originality/valueThe framework separates business processes from information processes. It is quite extensive and therefore provides managers with an indication of the maturity of their S&OP processes. Also presented are insights into an intuitive, albeit challenging, process for advancing through the stages of maturity. Finally, a perspective on the future of S&OP integration is suggested that is focused on optimizing profits rather than myopically maximizing revenues or minimizing costs.

The impact of EU accession on corporate governance reform in Bulgaria

Since the start of its post-socialist transformation in 1989, Bulgaria has imported a large number of formal institutions from advanced market economies, including the EU-15. However, the adoption of EU and other international rules has not been effective due to weak enforcement and application by domestic actors such as the securities regulator, courts, and company owners/managers. The failures of corporate governance in Bulgaria until the early 2000s can be attributed to the broad institutional context (the lack of rule of law) as well as the creation of quasi-public companies as a result of the first wave of mass privatisation (1996–97). Since 2002, information disclosure and protection of shareholder rights have improved significantly. The article examines the proposition that this is partly due to the prospect of EU accession, which has certainly influenced the attitudes and expectations of domestic actors. Based on company surveys and in-depth interviews, the paper analyses how the securities regulator and company owners/managers have been adapting to the imported formal rules.

A swift response framework for measuring the strategic fit for a horizontal collaborative initiative

Companies operate globally and face increasing competition. Collaboration between companies could be a critical factor to remain competitive. Extensive academic research addressed the collaboration inside a supply chain (vertical collaboration). Despite persuasive research, a literature survey indicates some major theoretical shortcomings, as presented in this paper. A major theoretical and practical shortcoming is the lack of a strategic decision support framework for the implementation of horizontal collaboration (collaboration between different supply chains). An appropriate collaboration-feasibility test is needed here. Two companies strategically ready to work together should first test if no insurmountable practices inhibit the collaboration. If such practices are present, initiating a collaborative strategy will be probably a waste of time and effort. This paper starts with determining the key elements influencing feasibility based on a literature study and in-depth interviews in different companies. The Supply Chain Operations Reference (SCOR) model is used. These quantitative elements are hierarchically classified and are combined in a feasibility-test model. At the same time, lower-level hierarchical qualitative elements such as company characteristics are aggregated using the analytic hierarchy process as a method of multi-criteria decision-making and are integrated in the model in order to evaluate the different collaboration-types. The model is validated by means of several case studies of which one is presented in this paper.