Human Knowledge Resources and Interorganizational Systems

This paper analyses how human knowledge resources affect capabilities and subsequently attainment of operational and strategic benefits. We test a conceptual model using data from two qualitative case studies and a quantitative field study. The findings indicate that human knowledge positively influences IOS capabilities related to cross-organizational business processes and transfer of knowledge. The data show that strategic benefits are the consequence of knowledge transfer, when the transfer supports business processes resulting in operational benefits

The impact of cyberattacks on small states

The “Impact” series has often emphasized the importance of size and volume to survive in software and IT. But what if the size of your country is small and you face the same cyberthreats as much larger countries in the world? That is the case with small states that face the same cyberattacks while often having less means to defend themselves. You cannot grow a small state into a large state just to be able to defend yourself better against cyberattacks. What you can do is explained in this column.—Les Hatton and Michiel van Genuchte

An Empirical Exploration of Multi-Attribute Bidding: Redefining Intermediary Roles in Electronic Markets

The vast majority of electronic markets have been based purely on a single variable (price) as the factor that determines ‘the winner’. Multi-attribute auctions are likely to be more appropriate for procurement scenarios where factors other than price need to be considered in determining the outcome. Nevertheless, there is a scarcity of empirical research on multi-attribute electronic auctions. In particular, there is little empirical evidence of how multi-attribute auctions fit with our theoretical conceptualisation of electronic markets. This paper uses the market design aspects of multi-attribute auctions to explore a multivariable electronic auction, using frameworks from electronic market process design and systematic sourcing. Evidence from the case study illustrates that multi-variable electronic auctions can be used to procure a wider range of operating and manufacturing input that has been considered possible with traditional, price only, auctions. The findings reveal how the use of an electronic auction intermediary creates a middle ground of interaction between spot and systematic sourcing, by automating for the buyer certain general parameters and trade context processes

Samurais and Ninjas: Ambidexterity @ AXA Konzern AG

In our digital world, organizations are struggling with the handling of disruptive innovations and corresponding ambidexterity (i.e. IT ambidexterity and bimodal IT). Ambidexterity describes the ability to combine two opposing components and to simultaneously manage the exploration of new possibilities as well as the exploitation of old certainties. IT ambidexterity and bimodal IT illustrate ambidexterity on IT level and IT function level. Bimodal IT illustrates the IT function decomposition into the traditional mode (focusing on stability) and the agile mode (centering on speed and experimentation). The chapter presents the result of an explorative case study conducted at AXA Konzern AG. Particularly, it investigates AXA Konzern AG’s exploitative and explorative initiatives which should support its future development in order to overcome disruptive innovations. This chapter outlines, based on a concrete example, the impact of ambidexterity, IT ambidexterity and bimodal IT on business, IT and sourcing strategies