Books and journals Case studies Expert Briefings Open Access
Advanced search

Search results

1 – 10 of over 125000
To view the access options for this content please click here
Article
Publication date: 26 October 2010

Towards a theory of endogenous market structure in strategy: Exploring the endogeneity of demand‐side determinants of firm investment strategy and market structure

Lalit Manral

The thought and rationale of sustainable competitive advantage in strategy are significantly influenced by the Schumpeterian models of dynamic competition in IO and…

HTML
PDF (123 KB)

Abstract

Purpose

The thought and rationale of sustainable competitive advantage in strategy are significantly influenced by the Schumpeterian models of dynamic competition in IO and evolutionary economics. Yet, most analytical accounts of sustainable competitive advantage fail to explain how firms' investment choices influence, and are simultaneously influenced by, the co‐evolution of “external” industry competition and “internal” firm competences. This paper aims to contribute to the development of a theory of endogenous market structure in strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

Two alternative assumptions are developed – concerning temporally heterogeneous firm investment strategy – that lie central to a proposed behavioral theory of endogenous market structure. Additionally, a theoretical description is provided of the endogeneity of the demand‐side determinants of firm investment strategy and industrial market structure. Finally, guidelines are provided for empirical application of [incorporating] the alternative assumptions and theoretical arguments.

Practical implications

It is expected that the theoretical arguments in the paper will influence strategy scholars to develop dynamic models of firm performance that render themselves amenable to sound empirical analyses.

Originality/value

The paper contributes towards developing a theory of endogenous market structure in strategy.

Details

Journal of Strategy and Management, vol. 3 no. 4
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/17554251011092719
ISSN: 1755-425X

Keywords

  • Investments
  • Demand management
  • Market system
  • Economic sustainability
  • Competitive advantage

To view the access options for this content please click here
Article
Publication date: 19 March 2018

An evolutionary theory of demand-side determinants of strategy dynamics

Lalit Manral

This paper aims to explain how the dynamic demand environment influences strategic firm behavior along an industry’s evolutionary path. A conceptual gap concerning the…

HTML
PDF (287 KB)

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to explain how the dynamic demand environment influences strategic firm behavior along an industry’s evolutionary path. A conceptual gap concerning the influence of demand-side environmental factors (vis-à-vis changes in technology and policy) on firms’ strategic choices motivates the theory developed herein. The paper’s contribution to the literature on “evolutionary perspective in strategy” also addresses an important gap in the emerging literature on “strategy dynamics”.

Design/methodology/approach

The conceptual framework in this paper features a dynamic demand environment that provides the structural context for firms’ strategic choices. It conceptualizes demand-side competence as a mediating firm-specific construct to explain the endogenous relationship between the characteristics of the demand environment and firms’ path dependent demand-side investments.

Findings

A review of the literature on evolutionary perspective in strategy reveals an important conceptual gap concerning the structural determinants of dynamic firm behavior. There is no explanation of the endogenous relationship between dynamic demand structure, firms’ dynamic demand-side competence, and temporally heterogeneous strategic choices.

Originality/value

The demand-side explanation of how idiosyncratic firm behavior is endogenously determined, with both structural characteristics (demand structure) and firm competences (demand-side competence), addresses an important conceptual gap. The novelty of the theory developed herein lies in its explication of the effect of dynamic demand environment on the evolution of idiosyncratic strategic firm behavior – entry, investment and exit – along the evolutionary path of an industry. The theory developed herein not only explains the effect of both determinants of idiosyncratic strategic firm behavior – the external industry environment (dynamic market structure) and internal firm environment (dynamic firm competences) – but also explains how the determinants evolve along the industry’s lifecycle.

Details

Management Research Review, vol. 41 no. 3
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/MRR-08-2017-0249
ISSN: 2040-8269

Keywords

  • Exit
  • Entry
  • Strategic management and leadership
  • Demand structure
  • Demand-side competences
  • Demand-side investments
  • Evolutionary theory

Content available
Article
Publication date: 28 July 2020

Supply-side structural reforms from the perspective of global production networks – based on the theoretical logic and empirical evidence of political economy

Fusheng Xie, Ling Gao and Peiyu Xie

This paper examines the different features of China's economic development in different stages of economic globalization. The study finds that the investment- and…

Open Access
HTML
PDF (1.5 MB)

Abstract

Purpose

This paper examines the different features of China's economic development in different stages of economic globalization. The study finds that the investment- and export-based growth model drove China's high-speed economic growth between 2000 and 2007, which came into existence around 2000 when China plugged into the global production network.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper also finds that China slowed down to the New Normal because of the disruption to the socio-economic underpinnings of this growth model. As China adapts to and steers the New Normal, supply-side structural reforms can channel excess capacity to the construction of underground pipe networks in rural areas of central China and fix capital while advance rural revitalization.

Findings

At the same time, enterprises must strive to build a key component development platform for key component innovation and the standard-setting power in global manufacturing.

Originality/value

The establishment of a domestic production network integrating the integrated innovation-driven core enterprises and modular producers at different levels can satisfy the dynamic demand structure of China in which standardized demands and personalized demands coexist.

Details

China Political Economy, vol. 3 no. 1
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/CPE-05-2020-0008
ISSN: 2516-1652

Keywords

  • Production network
  • Production method innovation
  • Key component innovation
  • Rural revitalization

To view the access options for this content please click here
Article
Publication date: 25 October 2011

Evolution of industries based on systemic technologies: How demand environment influences firm investment strategy?

Lalit Manral

The extant “supply‐side” frameworks of industry evolution fail to predict the evolutionary patterns in industries based on systemic technologies. This paper aims to…

HTML
PDF (112 KB)

Abstract

Purpose

The extant “supply‐side” frameworks of industry evolution fail to predict the evolutionary patterns in industries based on systemic technologies. This paper aims to describe the complex demand environment in industries based on systemic technologies and to explain how the continuously evolving demand structure influences the choice and level of firm investments in the above context.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper identifies a conceptual gap in the “technology‐centric” literature on industry evolution by conducting a detailed interpretive survey of the literature that focuses on the demand‐side determinants of firm‐ and industry‐level technological processes underlying industry evolution, and co‐evolution of the technological system underlying an industry and the consumer applications based on the same.

Practical implications

The paper provides a set of empirically verifiable mechanisms to explain competing firms' choice and level of investment under conditions of technological and demand uncertainty in industries based on systemic technologies. On one hand, firms' investments influence the evolution of both the technological system(s) and their constituent components that underlie such industries and, on the other, firms' investments influence the consumption of the array of consumer applications that are generated in these industries.

Originality/value

The theoretical explanation provided herein not only enhances the understanding of the role of demand‐side factors as determinants of rate and direction of technological advances but also lies central to the understanding of the evolution of industries based on systemic technologies. More specifically, the paper explains how the interaction between continuously evolving demand structure in the downstream market(s) for consumer applications and the technological components comprising the technological system influences competing firms' choice and level of investments.

Details

Journal of Strategy and Management, vol. 4 no. 4
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/17554251111181025
ISSN: 1755-425X

Keywords

  • Systemic technologies
  • Industry evolution
  • Firm investment strategy
  • Demand structure
  • Industrial sociology
  • Organizational development

To view the access options for this content please click here
Article
Publication date: 18 November 2013

Review of mid- and long-term predictions of China's grain security

Xinye Lv

This paper analyzes the factors that potentially affect grain security in China and reviews the techniques used for prediction. It reviews and compares forecasts for grain…

HTML
PDF (819 KB)

Abstract

Purpose

This paper analyzes the factors that potentially affect grain security in China and reviews the techniques used for prediction. It reviews and compares forecasts for grain security in 2020 and 2030 with the aim of making some judgments, from the perspective of grain supply and demand, about the future grain security situation in China.

Design/methodology/approach

In this article, the paper will introduce the methods and results of the forecast and also focus on the predictions for grain security in 2020 and 2030 in order to give a clear review of previous researches in this regard.

Findings

The results indicate that the traditional threats to food supply and demand in China still exist, while demand for biomass energy continues to rise. With regard to grain aggregate, the grain supply-demand balance will still be relatively tight for both 2020 and 2030. In terms of structure, grain for feed will experience increase – mainly driven by the supply of corn – adding to the unabated structural issues confronting regional grain supply and demand. In the future, therefore, China should try to preserve favorable factors that increase grain production, optimize grain structure and production, maintain the proper scale and make-up of grain imports and exports, and work for a sound global trading environment for grain.

Originality/value

This article contributes to existing literature by analyzing the factors affecting grain security in China and reviewing prediction techniques and forecasts for grain security in China in 2020 and 2030. The findings suggest that China needs to take appropriate measures to ensure future grain security.

Details

China Agricultural Economic Review, vol. 5 no. 4
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/CAER-05-2013-0086
ISSN: 1756-137X

Keywords

  • Agricultural policy
  • Food policy
  • Agricultural supply and demand analysis

To view the access options for this content please click here
Article
Publication date: 14 June 2011

Criteria for omnibearing imbalance of macroeconomic system structures and their strategic optimization

Lixin Tao, Yingfan Guo and Weiwei Du

The purpose of this paper is to propose and demonstrate criteria for omnibearing imbalance of macroeconomic system structure (regions, industries, urban and rural areas…

HTML
PDF (63 KB)

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose and demonstrate criteria for omnibearing imbalance of macroeconomic system structure (regions, industries, urban and rural areas, departments, ownership, etc.) and their strategic optimization, for structural optimization of the global regional macroeconomic system, providing universal application of the formula for calculating, and quantitative basis.

Design/methodology/approach

Relevant statistical data will compare receipts (GBC) model calculation to quantitatively determine structural imbalance and the formation of structural optimization and direction and intensity of the strategic program.

Findings

Contemporary system science believes that all things take the form of systems, and that the output function depends on the internal structure of systems. Therefore, the system structure must be judged by the output benefit. Although the output benefit of a society's macroeconomic system is enslaved to the system's external environment (the peripheral environment, international economy, or even global economy), the state of the system's internal structure directly determines its output benefit. In reverse, the output benefit of the macroeconomic system is also the reference to evaluate its internal structure.

Research limitations/implications

Research on the macroeconomic system structural imbalances and optimization with universal applicability.

Originality/value

The paper is of great significance with regard to the theory, methodology, and practice for structural optimization of the global regional macroeconomic system.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. 40 no. 5/6
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/03684921111142395
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

  • Macroeconomics
  • Cybernetics
  • China

To view the access options for this content please click here
Article
Publication date: 1 March 1981

An Experimental Analysis of the Use of Echelon Holding Costs and Single Stage Lot‐Sizing Procedures in Multi‐Stage Production/Inventory Systems

Urban Wemmerlöv

Three simple, single pass multi‐stage lot‐sizing heuristics are examined using simulation. The heuristics are based on using different cost policies in single stage…

HTML
PDF (675 KB)

Abstract

Three simple, single pass multi‐stage lot‐sizing heuristics are examined using simulation. The heuristics are based on using different cost policies in single stage lot‐sizing procedures when applied to a multi‐stage setting. The focus is on the echelon holding cost policy and its performance relative to using “full value” holding costs and McLaren's adjusted setup costs. It is shown that echelon holding costs can lead to an extremely poor overall cost performance. A simple measure that will detect situations for which the echelon holding cost policy is potentially not suitable is suggested and evaluated. Application of the proposed measure results in substantial cost improvements for the echelon holding cost policy; despite this, the policy was outperformed by the MLSA policy in most cases. More research is needed, however, before any conclusive evidence can be presented on the effectiveness of echelon holding costs in multi‐stage lot‐sizing.

Details

International Journal of Operations & Production Management, vol. 2 no. 2
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/eb054680
ISSN: 0144-3577

To view the access options for this content please click here
Article
Publication date: 25 April 2008

Inventory inaccuracy and performance of collaborative supply chain practices

Kazim Sari

This paper aims to explore the impact of inventory system inaccuracies on the benefits of collaborative supply chain practices under various supply chain scenarios. To…

HTML
PDF (127 KB)

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the impact of inventory system inaccuracies on the benefits of collaborative supply chain practices under various supply chain scenarios. To achieve this purpose, two popular collaboration initiatives are considered in a four‐stage supply chain. The first practice is a vendor managed inventory program where the distributor takes the full responsibility of managing the retailer's inventory. The second practice is a collaborative planning, forecasting, and replenishment program where all members work together to plan, forecast, and replenish the product.

Design/methodology/approach

The study utilizes Monte Carlo computer simulation in an experimental design.

Findings

The analysis suggests that while the inaccurate inventory records result in significant performance reductions for all supply chain configurations, their impact is substantially greater for the supply chains where members collaborate more closely on key supply chain management activities. In addition, the author also realize that the adverse impact of inaccurate inventory information is stronger under the conditions where lead times are shorter and/or where demand uncertainty in market place is lower.

Practical implications

This analysis provides a means for practitioners to realize the importance of inventory accuracy to successful adaptation of collaborative supply chain practices. Moreover, this research also helps in understanding the supply chain conditions where the attempts of eliminating or reducing errors in inventory information are more crucial and more beneficial.

Originality/value

Although there is a range of research focusing on collaborative practices, none of these studies considered the errors in inventory information. This is the first study to investigate the impact of inaccurate inventory information on the benefits of collaborative practices.

Details

Industrial Management & Data Systems, vol. 108 no. 4
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/02635570810868353
ISSN: 0263-5577

Keywords

  • Supply chain management
  • Supplier relations
  • Simulation

To view the access options for this content please click here
Article
Publication date: 7 November 2016

Inventory management in food companies with statistically dependent demand

Fernando Rojas and Victor Leiva

The objective of this paper is to propose a methodology based on random demand inventory models and dependence structures for a set of raw materials, referred to as…

HTML
PDF (546 KB)

Abstract

Purpose

The objective of this paper is to propose a methodology based on random demand inventory models and dependence structures for a set of raw materials, referred to as “components”, used by food services that produce food rations referred to as “menus”.

Design/methodology/approach

The contribution margins of food services that produce menus are optimised using random dependent demand inventory models. The statistical dependence between the demand for components and/or menus is incorporated into the model through the multivariate Gaussian (or normal) distribution. The contribution margins are optimised by using probabilistic inventory models for each component and stochastic programming with a differential evolution algorithm.

Findings

When compared to the non-optimised system previously used by the company, the (average) expected contribution margin increases by 18.32 per cent when using a continuous review inventory model for groceries and uniperiodic models for perishable components (optimised system).

Research limitations/implications

The multivariate modeling can be improved by using (a) other non-Gaussian (marginal) univariate probability distributions, by means of the copula method that considers more complex statistical dependence structures; (b) time-dependence, through autoregressive time-series structures and moving average; (c) random modelling of lead-time; and (d) demands for components with values equal to zero using zero-inflated or adjusted probability distribution.

Practical implications

Professional management of the supply chain allows the users to register data concerning component identification, demand, and stock levels to subsequently be used with the proposed methodology, which must be implemented computationally.

Originality/value

The proposed multivariate methodology allows it to describe demand dependence structures through inventory models applicable to components used to produce menus in food services.

Propuesta

Este trabajo propone una metodología basada en modelos de inventarios con demanda aleatoria y estructura de dependencia para un conjunto de materias primas, denominadas “componentes”, usadas por servicios de alimentación que producen raciones alimenticias denominadas “menús”.

Diseño/Metodología

Los margen de contribución de servicios de alimentación que producen menús son optimizados empleando modelos de inventarios con demandas aleatorias dependientes. La dependencia estadística entre demandas de componentes y/o menús es incorporada en el modelado mediante la distribución gaussiana (o normal) multivariada. La optimización de los márgenes de contribución se logra usando modelos de inventarios probabilísticos para cada componente y programación estocástica mediante el algoritmo de evolución diferencial.

Resultados

El margen de contribución esperado (promedio) aumenta en un 18,32% usando modelos de inventario de revisión continua para abarrotes y modelos uniperiódicos para componentes perecederos (sistema optimizado), en relación al sistema no optimizado usado anteriormente por la compañía.

Originalidad

La metodología multivariada propuesta permite describir estructuras de dependencia de la demanda mediante modelos de inventario aplicables a componentes usados para producir menús en servicios de alimentación.

Implicancias prácticas

Una administración profesional de la gestión de la cadena de suministros permite registrar datos de la identificación del componente, su demanda y sus niveles de stock para ser usados posteriormente con la metodología propuesta, la que debe estar implementada computacionalmente.

Limitaciones

El modelado multivariado puede ser mejorado (a) utilizando distribuciones probabilísticas univariadas (marginales) distintas a la gaussiana, mediante métodos de cópulas que recojan estructuras de dependencia estadística más complejas; (b) considerando demandas de componentes con valores iguales a cero, mediante distribuciones probabilísticas infladas en cero; (c) usando dependencia temporal, mediante estructuras de series de tiempo autorregresivas y de media móvil, y (d) modelando el lead-time en forma aleatoria.

Details

Academia Revista Latinoamericana de Administración, vol. 29 no. 4
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/ARLA-12-2015-0336
ISSN: 1012-8255

Keywords

  • Contribution margins
  • Multivariate distribution
  • Optimization methods
  • Probabilistic inventory models
  • Statistical dependence
  • dependencia estadística
  • distribuciones multivariantes
  • márgenes de contribución
  • modelos de inventarios probabilísticos
  • métodos de optimización
  • modelos de inventarios probabilísticos

To view the access options for this content please click here
Book part
Publication date: 15 June 2007

Drivers of Freight Transport Demand and their Policy Implications

Odette van de Riet, Gerard de Jong and Warren Walker

HTML
PDF (291 KB)
EPUB (961 KB)

Abstract

Details

Building Blocks for Sustainable Transport
Type: Book
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/9780857245168-005
ISBN: 978-0-85-724516-8

Access
Only content I have access to
Only Open Access
Year
  • Last week (310)
  • Last month (1160)
  • Last 3 months (2998)
  • Last 6 months (5637)
  • Last 12 months (10874)
  • All dates (125074)
Content type
  • Article (101881)
  • Book part (17235)
  • Earlycite article (4037)
  • Case study (1381)
  • Expert briefing (515)
  • Executive summary (23)
  • Graphic analysis (2)
1 – 10 of over 125000
Emerald Publishing
  • Opens in new window
  • Opens in new window
  • Opens in new window
  • Opens in new window
© 2021 Emerald Publishing Limited

Services

  • Authors Opens in new window
  • Editors Opens in new window
  • Librarians Opens in new window
  • Researchers Opens in new window
  • Reviewers Opens in new window

About

  • About Emerald Opens in new window
  • Working for Emerald Opens in new window
  • Contact us Opens in new window
  • Publication sitemap

Policies and information

  • Privacy notice
  • Site policies
  • Modern Slavery Act Opens in new window
  • Chair of Trustees governance statement Opens in new window
  • COVID-19 policy Opens in new window
Manage cookies

We’re listening — tell us what you think

  • Something didn’t work…

    Report bugs here

  • All feedback is valuable

    Please share your general feedback

  • Member of Emerald Engage?

    You can join in the discussion by joining the community or logging in here.
    You can also find out more about Emerald Engage.

Join us on our journey

  • Platform update page

    Visit emeraldpublishing.com/platformupdate to discover the latest news and updates

  • Questions & More Information

    Answers to the most commonly asked questions here