Showing papers by "Rob Dekkers published in 2011"
TL;DR: In this paper, a literature review confirms the existence of these gaps and informs hypotheses based on transaction cost economics, resource-based view and the core competencies approach, but their validity has not been investigated yet in comparative empirical research.
Abstract: Purpose – The theories of transaction‐cost economics, the resource‐based view and the core competencies approach have been used extensively to justify the rationale behind strategic decisions on outsourcing, but their validity has not been investigated yet in comparative empirical research. Additionally, no study has examined the operational effects of these decisions in‐depth. The purpose of this paper is to fill these two gaps in the academic literature.Design/methodology/approach – A literature review confirms the existence of these gaps and informs hypotheses based on the three theories. Additionally, the model for continuous decision making on outsourcing is used to systematically collect data from five cases studies. The cases – all make‐to‐order or engineering‐to‐order – have been analysed on effects for operational performance and control resulting from strategic decision making on outsourcing.Findings – From this evaluation, it appears that these companies perform weakly on the control of the out...
88 citations
TL;DR: Seven perspectives for addressing innovation in networked structures, based on a literature review and supported by empirical evidence, offer a complete picture of innovation that crosses the organisational boundaries of the monolithic firm.
Abstract: Now that innovation in networked structures (Living Labs is an example of these) has become the emerging paradigm, the need for a holistic approach towards collaborative issues is restrained by the fragmentation of research into innovation management. Partial solutions caused by this fragmentation will only increase the number of conflicting issues that need resolving. Thereto, this paper offers seven perspectives for addressing innovation in networked structures, especially by evaluating the perspectives against the particular characteristics of Living Labs. None of these perspectives, based on a literature review and supported by empirical evidence, offers a complete picture of innovation that crosses the organisational boundaries of the monolithic firm. To understand and solve challenges related to Living Labs, a more integrated and comprehensive view becomes necessary based on the integration of the individual perspectives. In addition, a research agenda for Living Labs follows from the issues emerging from the review of the perspectives.
16 citations
01 Jan 2011
TL;DR: In this paper, a review of both literature and practice has led to the identification of four main challenges for the interface between engineering and manufacturing management, and a research agenda is proposed to fill theexisting gap and to direct research that will address both theory-building as well as practical application.
Abstract: A review of both literature and practice has led to the identification of four main challenges for the
interface between engineering and manufacturing management. First, the literature is sparse and
conflicting; examples of these are the relationships with suppliers and the effects of using
information technology. Second, the review confirms that either generic concepts are being
advocated or large portions of the acquired knowledge about the interface is based on case
experiences. Therefore, there is a need for methodologies and methods that bridge that gap by
balancing generalisation and instantiation. Third, we note an overall lack of literature addressing
overall productivity. It is recommended that adequate reference models, like the one introduced in
the paper, will be developed and used in further research. As a final point we observed in practice
that “managerialism” seems to override opinion of experts; this has been overlooked by literature
but definitely deserves more attention from academics. A research agenda is proposed to fill the
existing gap and to direct research that will address both theory-building as well as practical
applications.
2 citations
01 Jan 2011
TL;DR: In this article, a framework for decision-making on outsourcing at tactical level based on an extensive e literature review has been developed and verified by conducting a Delphi survey (with both academic and industry stakeholders).
Abstract: Decision-making frameworks on outsourcing in literature present outsourcing as being one time
decision at strategic level and at operational level mostly for capacity planning and scheduling.
Existing frameworks and methods do not cater for decision-making during stages of design and
engineering i.e. tactical level and do not incorporate the characteristics of design and engineering -
incomplete, inconsummate and progressive availability of information. A first-of-its-kind framework
for decision-making on outsourcing at tactical level based on an extensive e literature review has
been developed and verified by conducting a Delphi survey (with both academic and industry
panel). This article presents validation of new framework in practice through three case studies in
Europe. These studies evaluate past decisions and compare them with actual performance of
suppliers. Also, the actual decision-making in companies is contrasted with the decision-making
according to the framework.
1 citations
01 Jan 2011
TL;DR: The reasons for outsourcing have been extensively elaborated in academic literature (Kremic et al., 2006, p. 467); see as discussed by the authors for a survey of the literature on outsourcing.
Abstract: Over the past decades, it has been recognised that outsourcing has become a cornerstone for manufacturing strategy. The reasons for outsourcing have been extensively elaborated in academic literature (Kremic et al., 2006, p. 467). Not only has management science embraced the concept of outsourcing, industrial companies have also done so, sometimes combined with different initiatives, such as downsizing or restructuring (Micklethwait & Wooldridge, 1996), or have presented outsourcing under different labels: out-tasking, offshoring, etc. (Beaumont & Kahn, 2005, p. 4). Many have ABSTRACT
1 citations
01 Jan 2011
TL;DR: In this paper, a Delphi survey with academ-ics is used as a testable framework, which describes the application of production management methods to improve effectiveness and efficiency in German engineering.
Abstract: Many engineering companies suffer from a shortage of resources, which affects the productivity of
engineer-ing. This is the case for German companies; meanwhile other German-speaking countries
face similar prob-lems. A method to improve engineering productivity, decomposed into
effectiveness and efficiency, is needed. Some authors suggest the application of production
management methods to engineering management can improve productivity. However, the effect
of production management methods on effectiveness or efficiency of engineering has not been
established yet. This study applies production management methods into engineer-ing processes
and shows the necessary prerequisites for successful adoption. A Delphi survey with academ-ics is
utilised as a research method. The findings are condensed in a testable framework, which describes
the application of production management methods to improve effectiveness and efficiency in
engineering.