Technology For Competitive Advantage Research Articles

The Rising and Fall of Mobile Phone Enterprises: Patent-Based Competitive Advantage Analysis

The mobile phone has been one of the most critical technological innovations in the last three decades. However, the pioneer and legendary mobile phone grants no longer hold their competitive advantage. Nowadays, many major mobile phone manufacturers are just newcomers of the past ten or fifteen years. The development of the mobile phone industry is a massive example of revealing the sustainability of competitive advantage and exploring the role of the patented invention in the competitive position of technology products. The current study analyses the rise and fall of mobile phone companies from the perspective of patent analysis. We summarize the key market shareholders of mobile phones between 1990 and 2019 and search the patent database to obtain the number of patented inventions of these mobile phone companies. The study analyses the yearly trend of patented inventions in different technology fields. By correspondence analysis, the study figures out the technological competitive advantage of these mobile phone companies in different periods. We aim to explore the rise and fall of mobile phone companies from the perspective of patented innovation and to realize the role of technology advantage as the roots of competitiveness in the mobile phone industry.

Impact of government subsidy on the optimal strategies of improving water use efficiency for a high-water-consumption manufacturer

PurposeIn order to encourage the high-water-consumption (HWC) manufacturers to carry out water-saving transformation relying on self-strength or outsourcing to a water-saving service company (WSSC) during production processes, government subsidies are provided according to water-saving efforts (WSE) or investment cost. In this context, the authors derive the participant's equilibrium decisions and the manufacturer's water-saving strategy. Additionally, the effects of subsidies on WSE and stakeholders' profits are discussed.Design/methodology/approachMathematical models including optimization model and Stackelberg game model are constructed under different subsidy schemes.FindingsThe study finds that (1) there exists a threshold related to the subsidy coefficient for the HWC manufacturer when choosing between self-saving and outsourcing-saving. (2) When the technological competitive advantage between WSSC and manufacturer is within a certain range, government's subsidy promotes HWC enterprises to choose outsourcing-saving. (3) Given a water-saving mode, subsidy on investment cost is more effective for the government to achieve more environmental performance.Research limitations/implicationsFirst, subsidy endogeneity can be considered to explore the optimal interval for government subsidies to maximize social welfare. Second, in outsourcing-saving, other types of contract can be discussed. Another extension is about model uncertainties. Finally, other policies on improving water efficiency can be also examined.Practical implicationsThe paper includes implication for HWC manufacturers to select the best water-saving mode under subsidy, and it allows policymakers to understand the efficiency of proposed subsidies.Originality/valueDecisions on water-saving efforts, selection of water-saving modes and operational planning are also regarded as business strategies in the paper. Particularly, the influences of different government subsidies are also considered and compared.

A Theoretical Study on the Economic Feasibility of Proton Exchange Membrane Electrolysis Cells for Nitrogen Fixation

The Haber-Bosch process for the thermochemical synthesis of ammonia transformed the fertilizer industry by allowing for ammonia production in industrial scales. Since its invention in the early 1900s, the process has enabled the continuous expansion of the global population. The process operates at high temperatures (700 K) and pressures (100 bar) and takes advantage of economies of scale to produce around 150 million tons of ammonia per year at an efficiency of up to 70%. However, the operating conditions and the massive scale of the process lead to high levels of energy consumption and elevated fertilizer prices due to additional transportation costs from the highly centralized production facilities to the decentralized locations of use. In addition, the process relies on methane reforming as a hydrogen source, making ammonia the commodity chemical with the most significant carbon footprint. One possible strategy to overcome the shortcomings of the Haber-Bosch process is the decentralized production of ammonia-based fertilizers by a proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis plant. Electrochemical ammonia synthesis by a PEM electrolysis cell offers renewable and clean production of ammonia and, consequently, has attracted interest in the scientific community. This technology would be coupled with renewable energy sources to harness nitrogen and water from the air to produce fertilizers near the location of use. This proves advantageous for the agricultural industry because the inexpensive feedstock materials and reduced transportation costs may improve access to fertilizers in the developing regions. However, the efficiencies reported for this technology are still too low to be competitive with the Haber-Bosch process. A detailed theoretical study on the economic feasibility of PEM electrolysis cells for nitrogen fixation is nonexistent, which hinders the development of this technology. A detailed economic analysis is valuable to determine the cost of the technology and the efficiency levels that have to be achieved before the technology is competitive. This work presents a comprehensive economic analysis to investigate the efficiency threshold that would make the technology viable. First, a thermodynamic energy analysis is used to investigate the thermodynamic characteristics of an ammonia production facility while also incorporating the electrochemical characteristics of a PEM electrolysis cell. The model developed is coupled with experimental data to determine the system losses, energy inputs, and the system required size. The system losses and energy inputs are then used to calculate the systems energy and operation costs. Then, a detailed manufacturing cost analysis is used to determine the system capital cost. The model serves to define the optimal manufacturing process to reduce cost. Finally, a life cycle analysis is performed to calculate the systems social and environmental costs. The system performance gathered from the thermodynamic, manufacturing, and life cycle analyses are compared to the current ammonia fertilizer method (Haber-Bosch process) to determine the technology competitive advantage. This work offers a better understanding of the current state of the use of PEM electrolysis cells for ammonia production. In addition, this work highlights the systems threshold values that have to be achieved to provide a competitive advantage of the Haber-Bosch process.

Optimisation of laser beam cutting parameters of high density composite fibre cement flat board

At the beginning of the research work we encountered two major problems. First, literature for laser beam machining of fibre cement is virtually zero. This fact does not exclude the research of the subject by others, of course, but it may in any case indicate its confidentiality (technological competitive advantage). Second, the exact composition of the fibre cement material is protected, but the boards we use are available from manufacturer by code number, so the experiment can be clearly reproduced. For this reasons, we have decided to use the rigid, classic Design of Experiments method. Based on our previous experience, the effect factors were chosen in the group of Laser power, Cutting velocity, Cutting gas pressure, Focal length, Laser frequency and Cutting gas type, at a total of 17 factor levels. The necessary and sufficient conditions are met by the 2-Factor-Interaction (2FI) fractional factorial experiments, instead of full factorial 6FI experiment series. Based on our very first experiments, it was found that the high-density composite fiber cement material can be cut with laser beam technology. Experiments and related visual and measurement responses clearly define the significant effect factors. The experiments proved our zero hypotheses, the “p-values”, derived from the analysis of the response parameters, were below 0.05% (the significance limit usually is 0.1%), for each responses.We answered the questions of the fastest and cheapest technology lineup, to laser beam cut a composite fibre cement board to the desired size, with the expected quality.

Efficiency Research of Chinese Commercial Banks Based on Super-Efficiency DEA Method

This paper tries to analyze Chinese three types of bank’s efficiency changes and differences, after the financial crisis, through the integrated use of DEA and super efficiency DEA method. The results show that: the efficiency of Chinese commercial Banks in general is on the rise, the comprehensive technical efficiency growth stems mainly from scale efficiency improvement, pure technical efficiency is stagnant, and scale efficiency presents convergence among all kinds of banks, while the technical level is the core strength of banks’ current and future competition. State-owned banks with the technology competitive advantage and scale efficiency improved, began to catch up with other banks, reversed the operational inefficiency; City commercial banks due to the system advantage were more easily to be in the efficient production frontier surface.

Using Social Technologies for Competitive Advantage: Impact on Organizations and Higher Education

The number of individuals engaging in social technologies for both personal and business reasons is staggering. This phenomenon is growing exponentially and fast becoming an integrated, cross platform experience which will impact every individual online. Social technologies used specifically by organizations for business support, the purposes and the benefits realized are addressed in this paper. Based on research results and a review of related literature, two issues are addressed: 1) How organizations can rethink their social strategy to gain competitive advantage; and 2) How social technologies education should be incorporated into the curriculum so students are prepared for life beyond graduation.

New Product Development in Malaysia: Does Organizational Background Really Matter?

New Product Development (NPD) is vital in assisting Research and Development (R&D) based organizations to adapt to the changes in markets and technology for competitive advantage. Ensuring the success of new products and optimization of new product performance is critical and essential for Research and Development based organizations. Hence, this study is carried out to explore does organizational background in term of company’s ownership (i.e. local or multinational companies) and operational scales (i.e. number of Research and Development staffs) affect NPD performance of Research and Development companies in Malaysia. In line with this, 8 New Product Development performance attributes were identified from literature review. These attributes were subsequently formulated into a survey questionnaire and responded by 186 respondents. Thereafter, the effect of organizational ownership and operational scale toward NPD performance are examined separately via Independent Sample t-test and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Finding from the study revealed that the level of NPD performance in multinational R&D companies is higher than local R&D companies. Findings from this research also implied that NPD performance can be further improved by increasing number of R&D staffs.

The Effect of Open Innovation and Organizational Learning on Technological Competitive Advantage in Venture Business

The Effect of Open Innovation and Organizational Learning on Technological Competitive Advantage in Venture Business

Patent citation network analysis of core and emerging technologies in Taiwan: 1997–2008

Identifying core technologies and emerging technologies is essential for formulating national technology strategies and policies for pursuing technological competitive advantage. This study presents a quantitative method for identifying core technologies and emerging technologies in the Taiwan technological innovation system. The objective was to gain an overview of technological development in the country by analyzing patent citation networks and by identifying five core technologies and emerging technologies in Taiwan based on United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) patents granted to Taiwan during 1997---2008. The findings indicate the most appropriate management of technology and innovation and the best patent strategy and technology policy that the Taiwan government should pursue. Research institutes, industries and academia are also given research directions for choosing the technologies in which they should invest resources in order to strengthen the Taiwan technological innovation system and to increase its competitive advantage in global technology.

Review of "Tech mining: Exploiting new technologies for competitive advantage" by Alan L. Porter and Scott W. Cunningham" John Wiley & Son, 2005

Review of "Tech mining: Exploiting new technologies for competitive advantage" by Alan L. Porter and Scott W. Cunningham" John Wiley & Son, 2005

Identifying and capturing knowledge for website usage: a platform for progress

Increasingly, organisations are seeking to exploit emerging technologies for competitive advantage. Although the internet is not a new phenomenon, the drive towards e-business has grown exponentially only in the last decade. E-Business, however, has not been problem-free. Security issues (e.g. web vandalism), legal problems (e.g. legality of electronic contracts), social exclusion, bandwidth restrictions and inadequate websites have all contributed towards business-to-customer reticence. The purpose of this paper is to contribute towards the improvement of websites, through the use of a proposed Knowledge Dichotomy Matrix. This model will illustrate how organisations can tackle the issue of collecting and representing knowledge portals that best reflect their organisation. In addition, barriers to the capture of knowledge will also be discussed.

GI extranet: a case study in applying technology for competitive advantage

A consortium of competing regional engineering firms has cooperated to create an extranet to support the creation of virtual enterprises, to market regional engineering expertise and to improve business communications with various government and industrial instrumentalities. The strategic advantage of cooperating with other SMEs on tendering for large projects justifies cooperation. Cooperation generates economies of scale and permits access to tenders and contracts normally beyond the capacity of individual firms. The extranet provides an accessible and relatively inexpensive communications infrastructure not affordable individually by the firms.

Operations strategies of banks — using new technologies for competitive advantage

This paper discusses how new technologies are being employed by various banks to streamline their operations and creating sustainable competitive advantage. We use a conceptual operations strategy framework consisting of four elements: mission, distinctive competence, objective and policies to discuss the managerial implications of new technologies employed by various banks. It is concluded that operations must be recognized as a strategic function in banking institutions and investment in new technologies should be strategically directed to strengthen various operations decisions such as quality, process, capacity and facility.

Human resource management: issues and challenges in the new millennium

Investigates three aspects of human resource management facing future challenges, personnel, technology and globalization. Suggests that the human resource professionals in a successful business must be able to attract and retain individuals who have the ability to manage a globally responsive business. Covers the use of technology for competitive advantage; advocates global strategies in operations management and empowerment of the individual.

Book Review: Managing Technology for Competitive Advantage

Book Review: Managing Technology for Competitive Advantage

Research and development performance measurement: a case study

The rising costs of Research and Development (R&D) and the increasing dependence of companies on technology for competitive advantage are causing both external investors and managers to seek better measures of R&D productivity and effectiveness. One major difficulty in evaluating R&D performance is that it is simply one of several activities in successful product development. However, notwithstanding the practical difficulties and limitations of R&D evaluation, the use of financial appraisal methods can assist communication, build consensus and provide a context which decision-makers can use to evaluate the more subjective dimensions of projects. The case study reported here exemplifies the relevance of features generally associated with good performance measurement; it also highlights the role of management accounting, especially target costing, when cost is a critical design parameter. The longitudinal view of the specific product development project examined in this case highlights a fusion of management accounting and design techniques as well as the role of accounting as an integrating vernacular that links all project team participants.

Sources of technical innovation in the network of companies providing chemical process plant and equipment

The purpose of this paper is to explore issues concerning technological innovation in the network of firms linked to the chemical industry, with particular reference to the process plant contracting industry. While technological and economic maturity inhibit the research and development activities of plant contractors, little evidence was found of contractors adopting novel strategies to capture special advantage from technology developed by equipment manufacturing firms. It is suggested that the changing economic and technological environment is creating a climate where new or closer contractor-equipment manufacturer relationships should receive greater attention. Appropriate alliances between contractors and equipment manufacturers can not only help to reduce plant design, procurement and erection costs, but also offer a means to counter the competitive threat from more specialist firms; in particular the large equipment manufacturers that possess their own project contracting skills. Furthermore, collaboration in niche and ‘technology fusion’ type innovation offers a means of generating scope for technological competitive advantage, whilst sharing cost and risk. Whilst contractor-equipment manufacturer alliances are one option the nature of the market demands operating company involvement to facilitate commercialisation.

Monitoring science and technology for competitive advantage

Monitoring science and technology for competitive advantage

FROM APATHY TO ALACRITY: MANAGERS AND NEW TECHNOLOGY IN PROVINCIAL NEWSPAPERS

ABSTRACTThe article explores why provincial newspaper managers have shifted from a position of reluctance and uncertainty about new technology to enthusiasm and zeal for the process and product development opportunities it offers. the transformation is assessed in terms of changes in the industrial relations context, market conditions and technological developments between the late 1970s and early 1990s. This can be characterized as moving from reactive management to proactive management, and the article examines how the latter reflects the development of new business opportunities through application of new technology to the information‐gathering process, the pre‐press production process and the product. Data are drawn from case study interviews and trade/professional publications.The analysis suggests that there is evidence of three prime managerial objectives/motives for introducing new technology: cost, control and market. Each of these were of varying importance for managers at different times, and were affected by technological uncertainty and ignorance. Attitudes transformed because of the changing context and the pursuit of functional interest, with the result that newspaper managers are now in a better position to exploit new technology for competitive advantage.

Environmental uncertainty, strategic, planning, and technological competitive advantage

Abstract Strategic and competitive considerations have been long separated from the technological innovation activities of the firm. Part of the reason lies with the complexities involved in integrating technology and innovation issues into the firm's overall strategic planning. This study explores the effects of environmental uncertainty and planning processes (i.e., strategic planning sophistication, technology-strategic planning integration) on the firm's competitive advantage obtained through technological innovations. Contrary to the theoretical predictions, findings revealed that planning factors did not modify the impact of environmental uncertainty on the firm's technological competitive advantage. That is, managers strive to achieve technological competitive advantage by relying on intuitive, informal approaches rather than using formal, sophisticated strategic plans. These intuitive approaches may not fully tap the firm's best potential to achieve technological competitive advantage. Efforts must be directed toward effectively integrating technology into the firm's strategic planning.