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on Economics of Strategic Management |
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Issue of 2009‒06‒10
25 papers chosen by Joao Jose de Matos Ferreira University of the Beira Interior |
| By: | Zhou, H.; Uhlaner, L.M. (Erasmus Research Institute of Management (ERIM), RSM Erasmus University) |
| Abstract: | This study examines the relationship between knowledge management (KM) (in terms of external acquisition and internal sharing) and innovation behavior. The concept of absorptive capacity and assumptions from the dynamic capabilities view underlie the proposed framework and hypotheses. The framework is empirically tested using a random sample of 649 Dutch small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs). Our empricial results indicate that external acquisition practices play a key role in fostering SMEs’ innovativeness while internal sharing practices do not appear to have a significant influence. External acquisition activity enhances a firm’s awareness of available knowledge opportunities. Firms which actively acquire external knowledge (regardless of the type of knowledge) may build a greater competitive dynamic capability to sense and seize business opportunities which in turn may lead to new or improved products or processes. We suggest that owners/entrepreneurs of SMEs and their firms will benefit in the long term if they strategically manage knowledge, especially using external acquisition practices. |
| Keywords: | knowledge management;absorptive capacity;innovation orientation;innovation behavior;SMEs |
| Date: | 2009–05–11 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:dgr:eureri:1765015913&r=cse |
| By: | Baum, Joel (Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto); Cowan, Robin (UNU-MERIT, Maastricht University); Jonard, Nicolas (Universite du Luxembourg) |
| Abstract: | Empirical research on strategic alliances has focused on the idea that alliance partners are selected on the basis of social capital considerations. In this paper we emphasize instead the role of complementary knowledge stocks (broadly defined) in partner selection, arguing not only that knowledge complementarity should not be overlooked, but that is may be the true causal force behind alliance formation. To marshal evidence on this point, we design a simple model of partner selection in which firms ally for the purpose if learning and innovating, and in doing so create an industry network. We abstract completely from network-based structural and strategic motives for partner selection and focus instead on the idea that firms' knowledge bases must "fit" in order for joint learning and innovation to be possible, and thus for an alliance to be feasible. The striking result is what while containing no social capital considerations, the simple model replicates the firm conduct, network structure, and contingent effects of network position on performance observed and discussed in the empirical literature. |
| Keywords: | Network formation and dynamics, Innovation, Knowledge, Alliances |
| JEL: | D85 D24 L14 L24 O33 |
| Date: | 2009 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:dgr:unumer:2009022&r=cse |
| By: | Albisu, Luis Miguel; Mamaqi, Xhevrie |
| Abstract: | The objective of this work is to analyse the relative importance of three groups of competitive advantage factors on firmsâ results of the Spanish agro-food industry. Competitive advantage factors correspond to three aspects: agro-food firms internal sources called, in this study, Potential Resources (RP); agro-food firms relationships with other firms, which are called Specific Firms Relationships (RE); and, the market and industry characteristics plus the industrial localisation, which are included in the so called Market Structure and Industry Location (EMI). Seven hypotheses have been formulated to asses direct and indirect relationships between RP, RE, EMI and economic Results (R) specifying causality directions between explicative indicators for each competitive factor. The seven hypotheses have been combined in a hypothetical model with structural equations defining firmsâ competitiveness. A sample of 294 firms has been used and 17 variables related to competitive advantages have been selected. Indicators related to Potential Resources refer to technological levels, development of new products as well as promotion and advertising activities. Agro-food firmsâ relationships are taken into account introducing variables accounting for relationships with suppliers, distributors and other firms. The Market Structure and Industry are taken into account considering the concentration degree of the food distribution firms, entry of new firms into the market and product prices, among others. Results have been measured with indicators measuring investment over sales, added value and export intensity. Results indicate that Potential Resources and the Specific Firms Relationships explain better the variability of the Results with a strong relationship between those two groups of variables. Altogether this analysis supports 4 out of the 7 proposed hypotheses. The most important variables influencing results are product and process innovations as well as relationships with suppliers. |
| Keywords: | agro-food industry, Spain, competitive advantages, confirmatory factorial analysis, structural equations model, Agribusiness, Agricultural and Food Policy, Farm Management, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety, |
| Date: | 2008–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:eea110:49765&r=cse |
| By: | Knockaert, M.; Ucbasaran, D.; Wright, M.; Clarysse, B. (Vlerick Leuven Gent Management School) |
| Abstract: | The increased pressure put on public research institutes to commercialize their research results has given rise to an increased academic interest in technology transfer in general and science based entrepreneurial firms specifically. By building on innovation speed and knowledge literatures, this paper aims to improve understanding of how tacit knowledge can be effectively transferred from the research institute to the science based entrepreneurial firm. More specifically, we assess under which conditions tacit knowledge contributes to the generation of innovation speed, which is a crucial success parameter for technology based ventures. Using an inductive case study approach, we show that tacit knowledge can only be transferred effectively when a substantial part of the original research team joins the new venture as founders. Our analysis also reveals that the mere transfer of tacit knowledge is insufficient to ensure the successful commercialization of technology. Commercial expertise is also required on the condition that the cognitive distance between the scientific researchers and the person responsible for market interaction is not too large. Our findings have implications for science based entrepreneurs, technology transfer officers, venture capitalists, policy makers and the academic community. |
| Keywords: | science based entrepreneurial firms; tacit knowledge; technology transfer; innovation speed; cognitive distance |
| Date: | 2009–04–04 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:vlg:vlgwps:2009-07&r=cse |
| By: | Bruschieri Silvia (University of Turin); Balcet Giovanni (University of Turin) |
| Date: | 2009–05 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:uto:dipeco:200906&r=cse |
| By: | Antonelli Cristiano (University of Turin); Scellato Giuseppe |
| Abstract: | The features of the industrial system within which innovation processes take place affect the pace and the characteristics of the innovation processes and influence their evolution. The analysis of the industrial structure and of the innovation strategies of firms cannot be separated. The introduction of general technological changes that concern mainly the position rather than the slope of the maps of isoquants characterize the innovation process of large corporations. Small manufacturing firms instead rely upon technological knowledge implemented by means of learning processes and introduce technological changes typically characterized by a bias finalized to make the most efficient use of locally abundant production factors. Their contribution to economic growth in terms of total factor productivity is important and can be grasped only when the role of output elasticity of production factors in growth accounting is properly appreciated. The empirical evidence for a sample of 6000 Italian firms in the years 1997-2005 confirms that localized technological changes were mainly introduced by small firms with low levels of profitability and high wages and had significant positive effects on their economic efficiency. |
| Date: | 2009–08 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:uto:labeco:200908&r=cse |
| By: | Gellynck, Xavier; Kuhne, Bianka |
| Abstract: | In an increasingly globalising market, innovation is an important strategic tool for micro, small, and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) to achieve competitive advantage (Avermaete et al., 2004a; Gellynck et al., 2007; Murphy, 2002). Innovation can be defined as an ongoing process of learning, searching and exploring resulting in new products, new techniques, new forms of organization and new markets (Lundvall, 1995). Innovation is a continuous process characterised by three steps: efforts, activities and results. Efforts are all resources, such as human and financial resources, a firm is investing in activities for the development of innovations. Results are the effects of these innovation activities on tangible (e.g. growth of market share, profit) as well as less tangible aspects (e.g. firm stability, efficiency) (Gellynck et al., 2006). Consequently, the measurement of innovation competences captures also the progress in developing an innovation and not only the result, such as the successful implementation of innovation (Gellynck et al., 2007). |
| Keywords: | Agribusiness, Agricultural and Food Policy, Farm Management, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety, Industrial Organization, |
| Date: | 2008–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:eea110:49847&r=cse |
| By: | Voigt, Tim; Kuhl, Rainer |
| Abstract: | Convenience food is characterized by a value added to the product core that corresponds to fast changing consumer needs. Thus, convenience food can be considered as an example of one of the most innovative product categories in the domain of the food industry. Concerning innovative activities the prevailing perception of convenience food is that all decisive impulses are coming from the market e.g. are driven by the power of demand. If so, than food producers have the chance to react on these impulses when developing novel convenience food solutions timely and close to the market development intent meeting the requirements of the consumers. In this paper we are going to propose a different viewpoint: firms who are developing, producing and selling convenience food products may follow a corporate strategy which is not necessarily and primarily in line with the consumer welfare but is rather oriented to their competitors. Thus, the strategic dimension is also or predominantly geared to a firmâs competitive environment when trying to find attractive niche positions and aiming on competitive advantage by using internal resources and competencies. We understand that convenience food shows clear distinctive characteristics in comparison to conventional foods. These require a very particular set of competencies in the sense of how to employ resources and capabilities in a useful way. Additionally, we argue that the characteristics of convenience food to employ an innovation strategy based on fast processes of resource reconfiguration. |
| Keywords: | Agribusiness, Agricultural and Food Policy, Farm Management, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety, Industrial Organization, |
| Date: | 2008–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:eea110:49880&r=cse |
| By: | Norbäck, Pehr-Johan (Research Institute of Industrial Economics (IFN)); Persson, Lars (Research Institute of Industrial Economics (IFN)) |
| Abstract: | We construct a model where incumbents can either acquire basic innovations from entrepreneurs, or wait and acquire developed innovations from entrepreneurial firms supported by venture capitalists. We show that venture-backed entrepreneurial firms have an incentive to overinvest in development vis à vis incumbents due to strategic product market effects on the sales price of a developed innovation. This will trigger preemptive acquisitions by incumbents, thus increasing the reward for entrepreneurial innovations. We also show that venture capital can emerge in equilibrium if venture capitalists have cost advantages, or if development is associated with double moral hazard problems. |
| Keywords: | Acquisitions; Entrepreneurship; Innovation; Venture Capital |
| JEL: | G24 L10 L20 M13 O30 |
| Date: | 2009–01–02 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hhs:iuiwop:0783&r=cse |
| By: | Cetrangolo, Hugo; Briz, Julian |
| Abstract: | International wine market is becoming one of the more dynamic in beverages sector. This paper is a summary of the research developed during 2004-2006 at the UPM with Argentinean exporters. The selection of UK market was due to the high degree of competition between international wines: European, American, Australian and others. Secondary information was collected from EU and Argentina publication and data bases. Primary information was obtained through face to face interviews with the main stakeholders and wine exporter entrepreneurs. UK wine market is one of the more competitive in the world and the main destinations of Argentinean exports. The presentation describes the strengths and weaknesses of the more significant wine exporters with a SWOT matrix analysis. Argentina has comparative advantages in wine production but the main problem is the wine network exporting performance. The challenge is how to design adequate strategies, involving public and private national resources and get adequate quota market in the coming future. Some specific recommendations are related to: Firms and country commercial brands, relationship exporters-UK retailers, trade brands shared by producers and commercial agents, promotion and publicity of Argentinean wines in UK. Other scenarios of future development are the improvement of firm strategic alliances, rising added value in the wine chain for exporters and communication programs with UK society. |
| Keywords: | Agribusiness, Agricultural and Food Policy, Farm Management, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety, Industrial Organization, |
| Date: | 2008–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:eea110:49838&r=cse |
| By: | Baker, Derek; Hjorth Lind, Kim Martin; Hansen, Henning Otte |
| Abstract: | This study investigates the strategic behaviour of food industry firms. Its two goals are to: (i) characterise strategies being employed; and (ii) identify distinct approaches to information-sharing Data from an interview-format survey of Danish food industry firms are used to characterise strategy at two levels: 11 âstrategic orientationsâ; each of which is composed of 3-6 of a total 57 âstrategic actionsâ. Principal components were identified and two complementary cluster analysis techniques were used to assemble clusters that are composed of firms either with distinct strategies, or sets of strategies occurring in distinct combinations. Eight clusters emerge, with reasonable procedural performance. The clusters are distinct in a surprisingly large number of ways, including their strategies for market share, pricing, approach and response to regulation, exports and use of retailersâ own-label brands. Information-sharing strategies are closely linked to both marketing strategy and regulation response/anticipation. Individual clusters identify distinct sets of behaviour regarding information-sharing up and/or down the value chain, their approach to quality and other aspects of market segmentation, targeting of export markets, and willingness to compete on price. Clustersâ distinct strategies regarding regulation featured anticipation, as opposed to several diverse means of passing on compliance costs: to buyers or to sellers. Such activities were linked to information-sharing strategies in different ways by different clusters. |
| Keywords: | Agribusiness, Agricultural and Food Policy, Farm Management, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety, Industrial Organization, |
| Date: | 2008–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:eea110:49849&r=cse |
| By: | DelVecchio, Pasquale; Ndou, Valentina; Sadguy, Nezha |
| Abstract: | In a scenario characterized by the globalization of the markets, the competitiveness of firms across the industries and mainly in the agri-food sector is linked to their capability to make distinguishable their products and communicate their uniqueness. Branding can concretely answer to these needs allowing firms to compete by communicating the quality and all that set of factors that differentiate their own offer by the competitors. Anyway, brand management in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) is a field of study in its infancy, and one in which real interest was shown only during the final decade of the previous century. Although considerable literature has been published about brand management in general, all theory and case studies are focused only on multinationals and big companies operating in the food sectors, such as Coca Cola, Unilever, Procter & Gamble. This is however ignoring the fact that more than 95% of businesses in the European Union are small and medium enterprises (Eurostat 2004) and that this composition, confirmed in the agrifood sectors, contribute to make the European market extremely interesting and profitable. The objective of this paper aims to contribute to already existing research in the field and shows the role and importance of brand management in food SMEs and all the key factors that supports it. Our analysis will highlight as the term brand in agri-food SMEs is initiated and supported by an active role of the entrepreneur who is a fundamental actor in the achievement of brand recognition. Thus, directors and managers of small food companies should place brand management in a top position in their daily mind set, since achieving brand recognition starts inside the organization itself. Beside, the paper describes the real opportunity offered by new technologies (web, internet, B2Bâ¦) that allows small food companies to build their brand in a more effective way and reach a larger market in a low cost. To meet these objectives a qualitative research methodology was carried based on case studies, since this latter allows to understand more in detail firmâs behaviours and strategies. The food small and medium enterprises that were selected are located in the South of Italy and all of them have a web-site. These case studies were built based on structured questionnaires that have been firstly sent by mail, and was followed by face to face interviews with entrepreneurs and director of sales and marketing department. The results obtained are extremely interesting and representative of the importance of brand management both for food SMEs, as key element to innovate, grow and to be distinguished as well as for the entrepreneur in building, through the use of new technologies, a successful brand management strategy of his own company. |
| Keywords: | Agribusiness, Agricultural and Food Policy, Farm Management, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety, Industrial Organization, |
| Date: | 2008–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:eea110:49890&r=cse |
| By: | Margherita Russo; Elena Pirani |
| Abstract: | In the discussion on the prospects for growth of the manufacturing system in Italy one still unsolved problem stands out: the small size of the firms. There is a great concern regarding not only sectors facing strong competition from countries with a low labour cost, but even sectors with a good position in the world market, as the engineering firms in the province of Modena. As a matter of fact, in the mechanical-engineering sector there is a large number of small firms and only very few firms belong to “groups” (and instances of foreign groups are rare): small size of independent companies is considered a sign of weakness that could be a mark of their inability to operate on international markets and thus to face the challenges of globalization. The paper investigates the systemic characteristic of the mechanical-engineering production system in Modena and the strength of many short chains of linkages within the network of companies operating at local level for the global markets. Our focus is the dynamics of change of the system. The literature on industrial districts has frequently emphasized how the firms that operate in the district are in competition with one another, when it is a question of firms specializing in the same stage of the production process; whereas they cooperate in the case of firms operating in different stages in the same production filière. This particular pattern of competition and cooperation among firms specializing in a stage could be one of the distinguishing marks of the system (“equilibrium” factors, as Brusco, 1989 and 1999, calls them). This explanation supposes that the firms can be either in competition or cooperating, we find forms of competition, for certain activities, among firms that cooperate for other activities. The data on the presence of competitors among the suppliers or the clients give an idea of how extensive this phenomenon is in the Modena engineering system. In this paper we show that the weak points of Modena’s mechanical-engineering industry lie not so much in the size of the firm as in the mechanisms that fuel and regenerate the competences needed to sustain the development of the network of firms. This line of research opens new question in the analysis of market systems and network of competences that are addressed in the last part of the paper. |
| Keywords: | local production system, mechanical-engineering firms,cooperation, competition, market system |
| JEL: | L16 L25 L20 L60 |
| Date: | 2009–06 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:mod:depeco:438&r=cse |
| By: | Bart Van Ark (Indian Council for Research on International Economic Rela); Abdul Azeez (Indian Council for Research on International Economic Rela); Erumban Vivian Chen (Indian Council for Research on International Economic Rela); Chen Utsav Kumar (Indian Council for Research on International Economic Rela) |
| Abstract: | This paper focuses on comparisons of productivity, (unit) labor cost and industry-level competitiveness for the manufacturing sector of China and India. We first provide a comparison between India and China using a broad international perspective. We find that China has increased its labor productivity to a level above that of India, but due to a somewhat higher compensation level, China is still somewhat at a disadvantage in terms of unit labor cost in manufacturing relative to India. In the second half of the paper, we make an analysis of industry level differences in productivity, labor compensation and unit labor costs at state and province level in the two countries from the mid 1990s to the early 2000s. We find rapid declines in unit labor cost across industries and provinces in China, but increases in many instances in India. This suggest that productivity and compensation growth have become much more aligned across regions in China whereas this is not (yet) the case in India. We relate these results to differences in the implementation of market reforms between the two countries and removal of barriers to resource mobility eradicating inefficient manufacturing activity |
| Keywords: | O14, J24 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ind:icrier:228&r=cse |
| By: | Amit Shovon Ray (Indian Council for Research on International Economic Rela) |
| Abstract: | India's emergence in the world economy over the last decade, has often, in popular discourse, been attributed, at least to a large extent, to its sustained efforts towards technological learning and capacity building. In this paper we present an overview of India's technological trajectory with a view to understanding the nuances of India's technological capability and the role it has played in the process of India's economic progress. Our conclusion is that while India has successfully nurtured its high-end human capital for technological learning and is poised for a smooth transition to a knowledge economy, there has been a tragic neglect of low end human capital investment for productivity gains in mass manufacturing. This can not be ignored while carving out an appropriate technological strategy for India for a sustainable and "inclusive" growth process |
| Keywords: | India, Technological Capability, Learning, TFP, IPR |
| JEL: | O3 O31 O33 O34 O38 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ind:icrier:227&r=cse |
| By: | Matopoulos, Aristides; Vlachopoulou, Maro |
| Abstract: | This paper emphasizes on the concept of innovation which is more and more nowadays recognized as of significant importance for all companies across different business sectors. The paper initially provides a review of the innovation literature in terms of types, classifications, and sources of innovation that have been proposed over time. Then, innovation in the context of the food industry is examined and it is attempted to identify innovation strategies followed by Greek food companies based on a value driven approach of innovation. The paper finally, provides insights from eight Greek food companies, which were selected from four subsectors: fruit and vegetables, dairy products, meat products (cured meats), and bakery products. The criterion used for the selection was market success and outstanding performance (e.g. market share, achieved results). Evidence indicates that companies tend to innovate along the dimension of offerings, which is more related to the traditional view of product and process innovation. |
| Keywords: | business innovation, innovation strategies, Greek food industry, Agribusiness, Agricultural and Food Policy, Farm Management, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety, Industrial Organization, |
| Date: | 2008–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:eea110:49881&r=cse |
| By: | Schmidt, Tobias; Sofka, Wolfgang |
| Abstract: | Multinational corporations (MNC) search increasingly for lead market knowledge and technological expertise around the globe. We investigate whether their subsidiaries gain access to these valuable sources of host country knowledge to the same degree as domestic rivals. We develop a theoretical framework for “why” and “how” a lack of embeddedness and legitimacy (liability of foreignness) may translate into additional obstacles for foreign subsidiaries. We test these hypotheses empirically using a broad dataset of more than 1,000 innovative firms in Germany. We find that MNCs can compete on an equal footing with host country competitors when it comes to generating impulses for innovations from universities. They are significantly challenged by liabilities of foreignness, though, when host country customers are involved. The disadvantages are especially pronounced when the host country industry is at the technological forefront. We suggest that the disadvantages arising from liability of foreignness in the host country are particularly relevant when promising lead customers have to be identified and their tacit and often unarticulated impulses have to be transferred, understood and prioritized. |
| Keywords: | Liability of foreignness, knowledge spillover, globalization |
| JEL: | D83 F23 O31 O32 |
| Date: | 2009 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:bubdp1:7578&r=cse |
| By: | Laura Magazzini; Fabio Pammolli; Massimo Riccaboni; Maria Alessandra Rossi |
| Abstract: | The prominent role played by patents within the pharmaceutical domain is unquestionable. In this paper we take an unusual perspective and focus on a relatively neglected implication of patents: the effect of patent-induced information disclosure (of both successes and failures) on the dynamics of R&D and market competition. The study builds upon the combination of two large datasets, linking the information about patents to firm level data on R&D projects and their outcome. Two case studies in the fields of anti-inflammatory compounds and cancer research complement our analysis. We show the important role played by patent disclosure in shaping firms technological trajectories through the possibility of reciprocal monitoring in a context of parallel research efforts, and suggest the importance of enhancing the diffusion of information concerning failures, not only to avoid wasteful duplication of innovative efforts, but also as a tool for the identification of promising research trajectories. This paper is the result of the "R&D competition" research project carried out jointly with Adrian Towse and Martina Garau of the Office of Health Economics, London, UK. A preliminary draft of the paper has been presented to the DRUID Summer Conference 2006 (Copenhagen), and to the 11th ISS Conference (Sophia-Antipolis). |
| Keywords: | patent disclosure; innovation; r&d competition |
| JEL: | D23 D83 O34 |
| Date: | 2009–06 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:trt:disawp:0902&r=cse |
| By: | Achabou, Mohamed Akli |
| Abstract: | During these last years, Algeria, like some other developing countries is undergoing important institutional changes. The structural adjustment plan (1990s), and the association agreement signed with the European Union (2005) are some of political tools that guide these profound changes that have considerable impacts on the strategic behavior of local enterprises. Beyond these mutations at national level, important policy changes are observed at international level, like the recent reform of the European sugar policy that constitutes a considerable shifter on the behavior of enterprises operating in the Algerian sugar refining industry. The present research aims to measure the weight of the institutional criteria on the strategic decision of sugar refining companies in Algeria, by the application of the SWOT analysis. The ultimate purpose is to contribute to the analysis of interactions that exist between institutional changes induced by the globalization process and the strategic choices of local enterprises in an emergent economy. |
| Keywords: | Institutional change, Strategy, SWOT-AHP, Agribusiness, Agricultural and Food Policy, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety, |
| Date: | 2008–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:eea110:49764&r=cse |
| By: | Dooley, Lawrence B.; Luca, E. |
| Abstract: | For many years research on marketing channel behaviour was focused on power and conflict between channel members. More recently, as a result of globalisation, firms have become more dependent on each other and more collaborative models of channel behaviour have developed to meet the demands of the global marketplace. Research suggests that closer relationships involving trust, commitment, co-operation, co-ordination, and collaboration are needed between chain members to ensure the success of their value chains. The major challenge is to identify and develop leadership styles that foster efficient and collaborative value chains. Generally, the literature suggests that supply chain effectiveness and survival is linked to leadership behaviour. Leader behaviour has needed to adapt to the competitive global environment, which tends to focus on fostering inter-organisational co-operation rather than competing in an adversarial way . In this climate, leaders need to possess supply chain management skills and, perhaps more critically, the ability to establish and maintain effective inter-orgnisational networks. Early exploratory research in manufacturing suggested that a participatory leadership style is most effective in fostering co-operation and increased supply chain performance. |
| Keywords: | Agribusiness, Agricultural and Food Policy, Farm Management, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety, Industrial Organization, |
| Date: | 2008–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:eea110:49843&r=cse |
| By: | Banterle, Alessandro; Carraresi, Laura; Stranieri, Stefanella |
| Abstract: | The purpose of this paper is to assess the marketing management capabilities of SMEs producing traditional food products in EU throughout the development of a benchmarking tool. SMEs represent the greater part of European food firms and they find it very difficult to adapt to market changes, and to compete with big enterprises. In this context, marketing management plays a key role in good SMEs performances in the market. The benchmarking tool, utilised to assess marketing capabilities, is aimed at improving critical points in the marketing area of traditional food firms by following the example of the best ones. This method is developed in the innovative form of an interactive questionnaire published on the Web. At the moment the sample is composed by 60 firms located in three member states (Belgium, Italy, and Hungary) producing traditional food products belonging to five sectors (cheese, beer, dry ham, sausage and white pepper). The data were analysed with cluster analysis. Results show that the majority of firms is weak in marketing research, and also the marketing strategy is not well developed. On the other hand, stronger performance is shown in innovation. Related to the size and production, generally, micro sized firms perform worse than small and medium enterprises, and the production of PDO-PGI products affects positively the marketing capabilities. |
| Keywords: | marketing capabilities, traditional food, benchmarking, cluster analysis, Agribusiness, Agricultural and Food Policy, Farm Management, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety, Industrial Organization, L25, L66, M31, Q13, |
| Date: | 2008–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:eea110:49769&r=cse |
| By: | Sundmaeker, Harald |
| Abstract: | Competitiveness of European Small and Medium sized Enterprises (SME) in the global marketplace is correlated to and determined by diverse factors. However, specifically SMEâs ability to satisfy explicit and implicit customer requirements as well as to proactively integrate them as a driver of complex business networks is a key success factor. Although this seems to be the most obvious economic principle, it is hard to be achieved in complex networks of small actors, including vertical and horizontal supply chain dimensions, especially due to self-organisation of single network entities in relation to the continuous and dynamic adjustment of the overall network. Moreover, dynamically changing customer needs, evolving requirements (e.g. legislative demands, technology enablers) and process disturbances (e.g. delivery deviations, incompatibility of supplied semi-finished products) need to be handled. |
| Keywords: | Agribusiness, Agricultural and Food Policy, Farm Management, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety, Industrial Organization, |
| Date: | 2008–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:eea110:49892&r=cse |
| By: | Gagalyuk, Taras; Hanf, Jon |
| Abstract: | Nowadays food products are produced in vertically collaborating networks. The questions of how such chain networks have to be designed and which governance structure fits best have been addressed in several well known articles. However, questions dealing with chain strategy and management are not discussed satisfyingly. Neither is the understanding of what is success of chain management distinguished. |
| Keywords: | Chain management, Network goals, Success, Agribusiness, Agricultural and Food Policy, Farm Management, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety, Industrial Organization, |
| Date: | 2008–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:eea110:49845&r=cse |
| By: | OECD |
| Abstract: | The Round Table, chaired by Russell Pittman of the US Department of Justice, reviewed trends in horizontal and vertical integration in logistics businesses, maritime shipping, ports and rail freight transport and examined the circumstances in which integration might reduce the efficiency of the transport system. There are likely to be net benefits to society from such integration in competitive markets but if integration eliminates competition, market power might result in excessive prices, suboptimal investment and lower than optimal levels of service for the users of transport services. Options for sector specific regulators and competition authorities to manage the risks of market abuse were discussed and the adequacy of antitrust law and competition authorities to take remedial action should businesses exploit market power were assessed. |
| Date: | 2009–06 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:oec:itfaaa:2009/8-en&r=cse |
| By: | Bryceson, Kim P.; Smith, Carl S. |
| Abstract: | Agri-food chains are complex systems involving multiple multifaceted firms usually working together within specific industry sectors (e.g. grains, beef, wool, dairy) to satisfy an increasingly globalised market demand for high value food products. In so doing, the groupings of companies involved in an agri-food chain undertake activities that require multidimensional inter-organisational and cross organisational decision-making in the process of adding value to a raw commodity product through the production, manufacturing and distribution stages of the chain. Additional complexity is added by climate variability which impacts randomly and unpredictably on decision making in every component of the chain. The work outlined in this paper is a pilot investigation looking at a number of approaches to conceptualising and modelling an agri-food chain and its related decision making processes to better evaluate the impact and effects of that decision making and associated information flows across the components of the agri-food chains. The modelling approaches were (i) a multimedia model initially explored as an opportunity to visualise supply and value chain issues for educational purposes; (ii) an agent based model (ABM) using deterministic rules to architecturally synthesise a supply chain, and (iii) a baysian belief network (BBN) which we discuss as an ap |
| Keywords: | Agribusiness, Agricultural and Food Policy, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety, Research Methods/ Statistical Methods, |
| Date: | 2008–10 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:eea110:49773&r=cse |