Reconciling visions and realities of virtual working: findings from the UK chemicals industry

The emergence of advanced technologies such as Grid computing will, some suggest, allow the final realisation of visions of virtual organisations. This will, according to its advocates, have entirely positive impacts, creating communities of experts, increasing flexibility, reducing the need for travel and making communications more efficient by crossing boundaries of time and space. Such predictions about future patterns of virtual working are, unfortunately, rarely grounded in real working practices, and often neglect to account for both the rich and varied interpretations that may exist of what constitutes virtual working and the constraints and concerns of those who would do it. This chapter gives attention to the consequences of different views over what virtuality might mean in practice and, in particular, considers virtuality in relation to customer and supplier relationships in a competitive and commercial context. The discussion is based upon a three year study that investigated contrasting visions of what was technically feasible and might be organisationally desirable in the UK Chemicals industry. Through interviews with managers and staff of companies both large and small that research provided insights into the different meanings that organisations attribute to the virtuality of work and to the acceptability of potential implementations of a middleware technology. It was found that interpretations of virtuality amongst the potential users and participants were strongly influenced by established work practices and by previous experiences of relationships-at-a-distance with suppliers and customers. There was a sharp contrast with the enthusiastic visions of virtual working that were already being encapsulated in the middleware by the technical developers; visions of internet-only interaction were perceived as rigid, alienating from well-established ways of working with suppliers and customers and unworkable. In this chapter we shall capture these differences by making a distinction amongst compet

Exploring The Antecedents Of Successful E-business Implementations Through ERP : A Longitudinal Study of SAP-based Organisations 1999-2003

This research was carried out between 1999 and 2003 on the use of e-business applications in ERP-based organisations. A composite research method based on structured case studies was developed for this study. It combined the application of case methods by Carroll et al. (1998], Klein and Myer (1998), and Eisenhardt (1989). This was used to provide a focused, yet flexible structure, as a dynamic approach to case study interpretive research. The research method used three distinct models at three progressive stages of the study, to provide a multi-faceted view of each case. This composite case-based method was developed to maintain the balance between research rigour and relevance. A pilot case study of nine Australian SAP sites helped ground the theory of the study. This was followed by three stages of study of eleven international cases within a diverse industry context. The method revealed the antecedents of e-business success using the findings from case analyses against three separate research models B2B interaction, e-business change, and virtual organising. A final conceptual framework was developed as new theory of e-business transformation. The theory views e-business transformation as realising the benefits from virtual organising within complex B2B interactions by utilising the facilitators of successful e-business change. The research demonstrates that successful e-business transformation with ERP occurs when value propositions are realised through integration and differentiation of technologies used to support new business models to deliver products and services online. The associated management practice evolves through efficiency from self-service, effectiveness through empowerment towards customer care, and value enhancement from extensive relationship building with multiple alliances. The new theory of e-business transformation identifies the stages of e-business growth and development as a comprehensive plan that should assist managers of ERP-based organisations in migrating their company towards a successful e-business organisation. The detailed analysis of the findings offers a foundational per11pectlve of strategies, tactics and performance objectives for e-ERP implementations. The strength of the theory lies in the synthesis of multiple case analyses using three different lenses over three separate time periods. The triangulation of the three research frameworks provides a method for study at appropriate levels of complexity. It is evolutionary in nature and is content driven. Other researchers are urged to apply similar multi-viewed analysis

The impact of information communication technologies on the performance of international joint ventures in relation to the communication and culture dynamics

This study endeavoured to investigate the effects of Information CommunicationTechnologies (ICTs) on the performance of International Joint Ventures (IJVs) byfocusing on specific variables known to affect performance i. e. culture (national andcorporate) and communication.Given the increasing use of ICTs in business processes this thesis focused on whetherthe utilisation of ICTs affected the communication and cultural dynamics within IJVsand whether any correlating effect on IJV performance occurred. Three researchquestions were developed, firstly, how ICTs impacted on communication between INpartners, secondly, how ICTs affected the cultural diversity that exists betweenpartners and thirdly, if the use of ICTs in communication channels had any subsequenteffect on IN performance.Research was undertaken using the multiple embedded case study approach allowingdata to be linked to theory in an inductive and deductive process. The contextualsetting was the European Telecommunications sector since it is a geographical areawith an inherent cultural diversity and an industry with a significant number of IJVs.The sample selected focused on five IJVs created between UK and other EU partnersduring the time period 1995 to 1997. Data was collected primarily through the use ofsemi-structuredin terviews with directors of eachp arent company.Within and cross case analysis of the results enabled common themes and new ideas toemerge, indicating that the use of ICTs does affect communication channels and isdependent upon the importance of the interaction. Cultural diversity that existsbetween IJV partners is also affected but at a superficial level, however, resultsrevealed that the use of ICTs does not enhance the performance of IJVs.Results also highlight unexpected findings, that of, two new variables affecting IJVperformance which are a unique corporate culture and a common vision for the IJV

Developing SMEs through large firm-small firm linkages

This thesis aims to explore the prospects for small and medium enterprise (SME) development using inter-finn linkages between large and small finns in Kenya A wide range of strategies has been adopted already for the development of small enterprises globally, but limited use appears to have been made, outside Japan, of inter-finn linkages as a specific strategy. Despite the recent global movement towards inter-finn relationships as a strategy for achieving efficiency through the down-sizing of large finns, externalisation of activities, and adoption of lean production techniques, no attempt appears to have been made to use the strategy for SME development, possibly because little is known about how inter-finn linkages between large and small .finns are fonned. This thesis aims to con1ribute to the development of this understanding by using an inductive, qualitative research approach to explore the fuctors influencing the sourcing strategies of large finns in Kenya, to detennine whether these have some potential for SME development both in the country and more generally. The study focuses on the Kenyan vehicle assembly industry and examines, through in-depth case studies, the sourcing activities of three vehicle assembly plants and four franchise holders. Overnll, the research lends support to the argument that for various reasons largely related to m.arlcet failure, and a non-conducive business environment, large firms in Kenya's motor vehicle industIy are reluctant to outsource voluntarily from local small finns, and that when they do, relations appear to be arms-length and adversarial. The research also reveals that in the Kenyan environment, contrary to the arguments of transaction cost theory, outsourcing decisions are predicated on the need to comply with compulsory regulations in order to gain access to resources and m.arlcets, rather -than primarily on cost minimisation. Consequently, strategies which assure access to resources such as foreign exchange and impo.rt licenses were found to override purely efficiency considerations. The findings imply that although there are some prospects for SME development using this approach, the selection of small enterprises as suppliers by managers of large firms is limited by large firms' perceptions of the suitability of such suppliers, and that if SME development is to take place through such linkages, strategies which either change the image of small suppliers, or improve the attitudes oflarge buyers have to be adopted

Interplay between network configurations and network governance mechanisms in supply networks a systematic literature review

Purpose: This work systematically reviews the extant academic management literature on supply networks. It specifically examines how network configurations and network governance mechanisms influence each other in supply networks. Design: 125 analytical and empirical studies were identified using an evidence-based approach to review the literature mainly published between 1985 and 2012. Synthesis: Drawing on a multi-disciplinary theoretical foundation, this work develops an integrative framework to identify three distinct yet interdependent themes that characterize the study of supply networks: a) Network Configurations (structures and relationships); b) Network Governance Mechanisms (formal and informal); and c) The Interplay between Network Configurations and Network Governance Mechanisms. Findings: Network configurations and network governance mechanisms mutually influence each other and cannot be considered in isolation. Formal and informal governance mechanisms provide better control when used as complements rather than as substitutes. The choice of governance mechanism depends on the nature of exchange; role of management; desired level of control; level of flexibility in formal contracts; and complementary role of formal and informal governance mechanism. Research implications: This nascent field has thematic and methodological research opportunities for academics. Comparative network analysis using longitudinal case studies offers a rich area for further study. Practical Implications: The complexity surrounding the conflicting roles of managers at the organisation and network levels poses a significant challenge during the development and implementation stage of strategic network policies. Originality/value: This review reveals that formal and informal governance mechanisms provide better control when used as complements rather than as substitutes

Technologies and Innovations in Regional Development: The European Union and its Strategies

The subsequent volume revolves around the Social-Fields-Approach (SOFIA) as an approach to conceptualization and operationalisation for the purpose of empirical research. It contributes a new perspective and approach in research on innovation. We believe that SOFIA can have implications for both academic research and practical applications in reshaping the existing instruments and governance arrangements in innovation policy. Whilst applying SOFIA, we urge researchers to leverage the plurality of different qualitative, quantitative and mixed-method approaches in innovation studies, including less conventional methods, such as QCA (Ragin, 2008). Diligent application of SOFIA can also subsequently lead to the development of high-level theoretical contributions

An exploration of learning in the community energy sector in England and the role of networks in its facilitation

Despite recent growth, a changing policy landscape challenges the long-term position of community energy [CE]. Organisational learning [OL] is argued to offset the negative impacts of removing key financial mechanisms, ensuring continued CE growth. This thesis, conducted between January 18’ and June 23’, offers a learning-based exploration of CE and the contributing role of networks to these processes. An extended interpretation of the ‘4I’ learning framework is adopted as the main theoretical lens to investigate how learning processes unfold within and between CE organisations. This is achieved through a mixed-methods research design comprising 15 semi-structured interviews with senior CE representatives alongside a 17-question survey, returning 38 responses, distributed across national and regional mailing lists. Together, the data draws a picture of CE organisations' current state and networks in England by providing insights into their core characteristics, propensity to learn and network interactions. Findings highlighted the role of individuals operating within the sector. Their high skillsets and expertise saw them operating across multiple roles, spanning organisational boundaries and engaging in simultaneous learning processes between organisational levels. Contrary to initial perceptions, the created classification profiles suggested that CE organisations are much more alike than they differ. Social impact was surprisingly undervalued, suggesting they were becoming a secondary feature of the CE approach. CE networks were found to play an important role, initially offering learning and partnership opportunities with multiple CE and non-CE actors to their members. These new relationships were found to substitute network engagement for CE members, allowing them to benefit from joint partnerships and further learning opportunities. Developed CE networks were found to be well coordinated and comprise strong structures allowing for cooperation and engagement. However, regional discrepancies between CE networks suggest a shortage of cross-regional learning capabilities that impede CE development in cohorts represented by less-developed networks, necessitating greater cross-regional network collaboration

Managing knowledge in IT-based innovation: the case of business-to-business electronic commerce implementation

This thesis is concerned with understanding the way in which knowledge is managed in IT-based innovations. Although there is a growing body of research on how to leverage knowledge to improve organisational performance, particularly in the field of "knowledge management", most studies divorce knowledge from its context and fail to consider the purpose for which knowledge is managed. One such purpose is the integration of IT-based innovations, during which knowledge about complex IT is integrated with context-specific organisational knowledge, in order to develop firm-specific solutions. However, existing research in IS implementation and IT-based innovation tends to be fragmented and falls short of providing a comprehensive analytical framework for understanding the management of knowledge in IT-based innovations. An analytical framework based on the processes of knowledge creation, sharing and retention is developed by reviewing literature in the area of knowledge management, IS implementation, IT-based innovation and organisational knowledge. As this research adopts a constructivist view of IT and knowledge, an interpretive case study approach was selected for the empirical investigation. The implementation of B2B e-commerce was selected, as it has been commonly described as knowledge-intensive. This research provides both a chronological and thematic description guided by the analytical framework of the integration of B2B e-commerce at ComCo and AutoCo, two large original equipment manufacturers in the vehicle manufacturing sector. One major contribution of this research is the development of an analytical framework that focuses specifically on understanding the management of knowledge in the integration of IT-based innovations. The analysis has revealed the existence of "knowledge phases" - periods of time in which the relationship between knowledge creation, sharing and retention is based on a stable pattern of organisational activities in order to serve a specific purpose