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11 – 20 of over 2000Euripidis Loukis, Ioakim Sapounas and Konstantinos Aivalis
This paper aims to investigate the effect of two external factors – the “generalized” competition an organization faces, and the strategy it follows in response to its external…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to investigate the effect of two external factors – the “generalized” competition an organization faces, and the strategy it follows in response to its external environment – on the business value generated by its ICT investment.
Design/methodology/approach
For achieving these research objectives econometric models of output are constructed, using firm‐level data from Greek companies, which have been collected through a survey through a structured questionnaire. These econometric models are based on the microeconomic production theory (Cobb Douglas production function). For operationalizing the “generalized competition” an organization faces are used the five dimensions of the generalized competition of M. Porter's “five forces framework”.
Findings
Concerning the above generalized competition dimensions it is concluded that higher level of bargaining power of suppliers results in higher ICT business value generation. Also, concerning strategy it is concluded that in organizations following a strategy of frequent introduction of new innovative products and services is generated higher ICT business value.
Originality/value
This paper investigates the effect of external environment related factors on the business value generated by ICT investment. The conclusions constitute of first evidence that there are external conditions that result in higher business value from ICT investment by necessitating a more efficient and effective use of ICT.
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Manjeet Kharub and Rajiv Sharma
The purpose of this paper is to measure and analyze the competitive advantage of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) based upon the Porter’s diamond framework. The major…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to measure and analyze the competitive advantage of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) based upon the Porter’s diamond framework. The major objective is to contribute toward better understanding of various determinants of the diamond model in context within Indian MSMEs.
Design/methodology/approach
Extent review of the literature has been done to identify various critical factors contributing to developing a competitive advantage. Exploratory factor analysis and internal consistency tests were performed to verify scales validity and reliability of measuring instrument (questionnaire). In research design, a case study approach has been used, in which MSMEs operating in the pharmaceutical, electrical and electronics, automobile, food and textile sectors were considered.
Findings
Study findings indicate that the pharmaceutical sector is more competitive followed by food (112.491) as revealed by the high value of surface area i.e. 150.931. The competitiveness among MSME sectors is mostly affected by demand conditions followed by firm strategy, structure and rivalry. Moreover, the score of diamond axes indicates significant difference with respect to determinants. For instance, in the textile sector, the determinants such as factor conditions and related and supporting industries scored low, for example, 4.710 and 4.280, respectively, which indicates it needs to be strengthened as this sector stands at last position with minimum surface area, for example, 67.398.
Research limitations/implications
Owing to the time and resource constraints, this study was conducted in MSMEs situated in the state of Himachal Pradesh, India, and thus generalizations of results are rather limited.
Practical implications
This study is one of the original being undertaken by authors which helps to underline the importance of various determinants which may help the MSME units to improve competitiveness by implementing effective competitive strategies. The study could be extended to other regions of the country.
Originality/value
This study is a result of extended research on competitiveness and provides an instrument to measure firm ability to be competitive. CEO’s, managers and policy makers from industries as well as government will be able to use this to evaluate their competitive positioning and identify key problem areas which required improvements.
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The purpose of this paper is to examine the challenges that small firms in the UK clothing manufacturing sector encounter. It has been suggested that small manufacturers' main…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the challenges that small firms in the UK clothing manufacturing sector encounter. It has been suggested that small manufacturers' main problems are based on an inadequate information‐sharing structure. This research will explore the strategic significance of information to effective supply chain decisions in small garment‐manufacturing firms.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper is designed to employ Porter's five forces to explain the key factors influencing competition in the UK garment manufacturing industry and the relationship of information technology as a facilitator of shared information. In‐depth interviews and observations are conducted in a multiple case approach.
Findings
Empirical evidence shows that the slow and inefficient reaction of small garment manufacturers to competitive pressures is associated with inaccurate and untimely information sharing among trading partners.
Research limitations/implications
The methodological approach justified the particularity, the specificity, and the boundedness required in case studies and demonstrates the depth of thoroughness and authentic explanations. It might, however, be useful to obtain a broader and wider sampling frame in any future research.
Practical implications
A successful supply chain will have implications for the upstream and downstream managers, who need to integrate their supply chains as part of a team that creates and adds value to the garments that end up in the hands of the consumers.
Originality/value
This paper has been able to stimulate concerns and interests in owner/managers of small garment manufacturers with special reference to their information needs. The evidence obtained demonstrated the overriding need for structured information strategies that will encourage the efficient flow of accurate and timely information across their supply chains.
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Strategy valuation is not merely a measurement technique that is applied after the strategy formulation process is completed. Its real power lies in the way it can be integrated…
Abstract
Strategy valuation is not merely a measurement technique that is applied after the strategy formulation process is completed. Its real power lies in the way it can be integrated throughout the strategy formulation effort.
By analyzing and discussing the case, students should be able to identify macro environmental factors that impact business decision-making; apply Michael Porter’s five forces…
Abstract
Learning outcomes
By analyzing and discussing the case, students should be able to identify macro environmental factors that impact business decision-making; apply Michael Porter’s five forces framework; evaluate sources of synergy; understand the concept of disruptive innovation; choose sources of competitive advantage; apply the value proposition canvas; and apply tenets of Blue Ocean strategy.
Case overview/synopsis
The grocery retail market in India accounts for nearly 70% ($608bn) of the total retail market ($883bn). The brick-and-mortar multi-tiered distribution network for groceries encompasses a million wholesalers and distributors and 12 million retail outlets. These retail outlets serve as customer touch points where bulk of grocery shopping is done. The online grocery industry is a miniscule $5.5bn. High incomes, change in purchase behaviour, inclination towards speed and convenience on the demand side and alacrity on the supply side have paved the way for new format, quick commerce. Trends and forecasts suggest that quick commerce, a high cash burn business, will grow exponentially. Zomato has jumped onto the quick commerce bandwagon with the acquisition of loss-making Blinkit. The case analyses the quick commerce industry through the lens of Michael Porter’s five forces framework and the Blue Ocean strategy. It elaborates the profitability drivers of the industry and also examines the sources of synergy from the acquisition.
Complexity academic level
This case is suitable for a class on strategy in postgraduate-level courses. It can be used in a session on entrepreneurship and innovation.
Supplementary materials
Teaching notes are available for educators only.
Subject code
CSS 11: Strategy.
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Aydin S. Oksoy, Matthew R. Farrell and Shaomin Li
The purpose of this study is to investigate if a firm's exchange complexity profile (that is, the linkages between the firm and its environment) influences investor behavior at…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to investigate if a firm's exchange complexity profile (that is, the linkages between the firm and its environment) influences investor behavior at the negotiation table where a firm valuation is derived.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors utilize Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA). Specifically, the authors utilize fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA), a QCA variant that allows the researcher to assign graduated membership in sets.
Findings
When the authors dichotomize their positions as either higher stakes that favor the seller (high capital, low equity, high valuation) or lower stakes that favor the buyer (low capital, high equity, low valuation), and when the authors focus primarily on the equity outcome, the authors find that investors adopt a reductionist stance that adheres to a transaction cost economics logic under conditions of lower stakes and higher complexity as well as higher stakes and lower complexity conditions. The authors interpret this to mean that equity serves as a counter-balancing lever for a firm's exchange complexity configuration.
Originality/value
On a theoretical level, the authors showcase the exchange complexity framework and differentiate its position within the extant frameworks that address a firm's competitive advantage. More generally, the authors note that this framework brings the discipline of micro-economics and the field of strategic management closer together, providing scholars with a new tool enabling research across industries for the portfolio level of analysis.
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Mini Mathur and Smita P. Kothari
Help students understand Porter’s five forces framework. Explore and analyze possible growth strategies using the Ansoff matrix.
Abstract
Learning outcomes
Help students understand Porter’s five forces framework. Explore and analyze possible growth strategies using the Ansoff matrix.
Case overview/synopsis
This case study integrates lessons in growth strategies, Porter’s five forces and the Ansoff matrix. Vijay Kothari, Founder of Wealth out of Waste (WOW) is in a fix. In spite of functioning in an environment of abundant demand and potential, he is unable to perform in his optimum capacity because of operational and manpower-related issues. WOW, which turned nine in 2019, is a sort of monopoly in the organized business of scheduled collection of recyclable trash. WOW is operating in a 2% market with 98% being captured by traditional “pastiwalas.” From the current waiting period of up to seven days, Kothari wants to service any area in the city of Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India within 2 h. To achieve this objective, how should Kothari overcome the growth challenge in the business.
Complexity academic level
Undergraduate and postgraduate.
Supplementary materials
Teaching Notes are available for educators only.
Subject code
CSS 11: Strategy.
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Suma Damodaran and Uday Damodaran
Business strategy and industrial economics.
Abstract
Subject area
Business strategy and industrial economics.
Study level/applicability
This case may be used early on in a basic course on strategy in an MBA program or in a course in industrial economics. It can also be used in a session of an executive development program on strategy.
Case overview
The TV Broadcasting industry, worldwide, has been moulded by frequent changes in technology and by regulatory interventions. So has been the case of India. The case begins with a general introduction to the technology of TV broadcasting and distribution and then moves on to a discussion of the technological changes in the Indian context. The evolving structure of the industry in India over three distinct periods is then described. The Industry consists of content producers, broadcasters, aggregators, direct-to-home distributors, multi-system operators and local cable operators. Over the three periods of time, changes in technology and regulation constantly impacted on the structure, the conduct and the performance of players in each segment.
Expected learning outcomes
The analysis of the case is expected to demonstrate the use of theoretical frameworks like the structure-conduct-performance model and Porter's five-force model in arriving at a prognosis of the structure of an industry in general, and that of the Indian TV broadcasting industry in particular.
Supplementary materials
Teaching notes are available, please consult your Librarian for access.
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Shelby D. Hunt and Sreedhar Madhavaram
The purpose of this paper is to illustrate that conceptual frameworks developed from a general theory of competition, i.e. resource‐advantage (R‐A) theory, can facilitate…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to illustrate that conceptual frameworks developed from a general theory of competition, i.e. resource‐advantage (R‐A) theory, can facilitate managerial action.
Design/methodology/approach
After a brief overview of resource‐advantage (R‐A) theory, five conceptual frameworks are developed and offered for the purposes of managerial action.
Findings
This paper identifies several conceptual frameworks and after noting that conceptual frameworks that do not have positive theoretical foundations may not be as useful as those that do, develops five conceptual frameworks that are based on R‐A theory.
Practical implications
The conceptual frameworks developed in this paper have great potential for facilitating managerial action.
Originality/value
Conceptual frameworks that have positive theoretical foundations can be very useful for practitioners. In fact, the frameworks proposed in this paper can replace frameworks that are currently in use for managerial action.
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Christopher Nyanga, Jaloni Pansiri and Delly Chatibura
The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the relevance of business intelligence (BI) in businesses in general and tourism firms in particular. BI has been hailed as an…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the relevance of business intelligence (BI) in businesses in general and tourism firms in particular. BI has been hailed as an innovation that can propel businesses that adopt the system to high productivity and efficiency. This paper confirms that view but further adds that BI also enhances a business’s competitiveness.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper reviews literature on the use of BI in tourism. Although current literature is largely fragmented, focusing on BI, the tourism industry and the notion of competitiveness separately, this paper makes an attempt to bring the three sub-themes in the same study and highlights their interconnectedness. The study adopts two environmental analysis models to better analyze this matter. First is the environmental analysis model as based on Downes’s modification of Porter’s five forces framework. The second model used is the resource-based view approach to business environmental analysis.
Findings
This paper affirms that the tourism industry is one of those industries that continue to benefit from the advantages that come with the adoption of a BI system. Literature shows that the tourism industry was one of those that first adopted BI in order to benefit from the benefits that come with its adoption. Such advantages include flexible and user friendly tourists’ data capture, storage, retrieval, processing and analytical capabilities.
Research limitations/implications
This was a largely literature review-based study. There is, therefore, room for strengthening its findings by conducting field work and mixed methods research for more robust results.
Practical implications
This study will surely benefit the tourism industry and business in general from its highly favorable conclusions to the benefits that come with the adoption of a BI system. It can also be used as a reference in to the tourism field, especially aggregating important concepts and literature that can help future practical studies.
Social implications
Society will also benefit from this study in terms of the new knowledge that has been generated. Members of society will then be in a position to demand products and services that are a result of innovation and informed decision making.
Originality/value
Although this paper is largely based on literature, the conclusions reached are those of the authors. A close assessment of the literature in BI and the tourism industry was done, resulting in the conclusions reached by the authors.
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