Showing papers in "Journal of Engineering and Technology in 2012"

Green supply chain management innovation diffusion and its relationship to organizational improvement: An ecological modernization perspective

Abstract: Drawing on diffusion of innovation and ecological modernization theories, we identify three types of industrial manufacturers, namely early adopters, followers, and laggards, based on the adoption of green supply chain management (GSCM) practices among Chinese manufacturers. Test results indicate that differences exist between the three types of GSCM adopters in terms of their environmental, operational, and economic performance. Understanding how Chinese manufacturers adopt GSCM practices and if this adoption affects their performance contributes theoretical advancement to the diffusion of innovation theory. Practically, the results provide managerial insights for manufacturers to benchmark for environmental management practices and performance improvement.

A review of RFID technology and its managerial applications in different industries

Abstract: Radio frequency identification (RFID) is an emerging technology that is increasingly being used in supply chain management RFID technology plays an important role in supporting logistics and supply chain processes because of their ability to identify, trace and track information throughout the supply chain The technology can provide suppliers, manufacturers, distributors and retailers precise real time information about the products This accurate knowledge of the inventory would result in lower labor cost, simplified business processes and improved supply chain efficiency If properly used, it has the potential to cut ordering lead time and cost on inventory control, increase the accuracy of inventory information, help avoid stockouts and boost the number of inventory turns In this paper, we provide an overview of the current state of RFID applications in different industries and its impact on business operations We provide extensive literature survey and develop a framework for future research areas in this field

A conceptual model for the process of IT innovation adoption in organizations

Abstract: In this paper, we develop a conceptual model for IT innovation adoption process in organizations. The model utilizes Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) theory, Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA), Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) and a framework that contains characteristics of innovation, organization, environment, chief executive officer (CEO) and user acceptance. The model presents IT adoption as a sequence of stages, progressing from initiation to adoption-decision to implementation. The study presents a model with an interactive process perspective which considers organizational level analysis until acquisition of technology and individual level analysis for the user acceptance of IT.

Performance effects of IT capability, service process innovation, and the mediating role of customer service

Abstract: Few academic studies have investigated how information technology (IT) capability and service process innovation can create performance gains for firms through customer service. We propose that customer service is a significant mediator through which IT capability and service process innovation influence the performance of a firm, and that IT capability is also a critical factor that facilitates service process innovation. Empirical support for our argument was derived from data collected from 174 firms in the Taiwan IT industry. The results suggest that managerial initiatives should be directed at developing IT capability and service process innovation and leveraging them to facilitate customer service to attain superior firm performance. Furthermore, greater IT capability would lead to a higher degree of service process innovation.

Technological distinctive competencies and organizational learning: Effects on organizational innovation to improve firm performance

Abstract: This paper analyzes how top management support of technology influences the generation of technological skills, technological distinctive competencies and organizational learning. The research also examines the effects of technological distinctive competencies and organizational learning on organizational innovation and reflects how all of these variables impact organizational performance. The results of our empirical analysis, based on a sample of 201 Spanish technological firms, suggest that: (1) top management support positively influences the generation of technological skills, technological distinctive competencies and organizational learning; (2) technological distinctive competencies and organizational learning positively affect organizational performance, directly and indirectly through organizational innovation.

Innovation capability and corporate growth: An empirical investigation in China

Abstract: This study examines the antecedents of firm innovation capability in high technology firms in China and its effect on long-term corporate growth. It explores the growth-driven core competence of a firm by employing a knowledge-based view. The analysis of firm innovation capability indicates that firm innovation capability is related to long-term corporate growth. The results of this study support this link and the findings stress the importance of innovation intent and infrastructure to a firm's innovation capability.

Toward integration of products and services: Taxonomy and typology

Abstract: Integration of products and services has been receiving increased attention from both practice and academia, but there is no common systematic framework that can accommodate various concepts. In response, this paper first defines an umbrella term, ''integrated product-service'' (IPS), that encompasses all related concepts. An extensive literature review is conducted, allowing the production of a taxonomy of IPS, called the IPS dichotomy. As a typology of IPS, the IPS cube, comprising eight cells, is also proposed along with practical examples. This paper is expected to lay a foundation for further advances in the field of integration of products and services.

Implementing an RFID-based manufacturing process management system: Lessons learned and success factors

Abstract: A growing number of organisations are using radio frequency identification (RFID) technology to improve their manufacturing processes. A case study approach is used to explore the development of an RFID-based manufacturing process management system in a garment factory in China. The results indicate that both technology push and need pull factors influence the garment factory's intention to adopt RFID technology. The technology push factors include relative advantage, compatibility, complexity, extendibility and the cost of the technology, whereas the need pull factors include competitor and customer pressure. We identify eight factors for the successful implementation of an RFID-based manufacturing process management system, namely, vendor selection, organisational motivation, cost/benefit evaluation, top management support, user involvement, the extent of progress supervision, staff competence and training, and policy, structure and operating process compatibility. This in-depth case study details the organisation's experience and identifies the challenges it faces and important issues in the development and implementation of the system. Implications for academics and practitioners are discussed.

Testing an organizational innovativeness integrative model across cultures

Abstract: Most previous within-discipline research on innovativeness as an organizational trait does not account for cross-disciplinary perspectives, leading to incomplete findings. This paper develops an integrative model of organizational innovativeness, based on research in several disciplines to identify antecedents to, characteristics of, and outcomes of organizational innovativeness. Cross-sectional, questionnaire-based data from Israeli, Lithuanian, and Slovakian public organizations were used to test the model. Market and learning orientation enhanced organizational innovativeness, whereas internal politics and centralization reduced it. Organizational innovativeness enhanced two individual-level outcomes (satisfaction and commitment), as well as innovation performance, which, in turn, improved overall organizational performance.

A model of the adoption of radio frequency identification technology: The case of logistics service firms

Abstract: Globalization and advances in information technology represent both realities and opportunities for enterprises in the 21st century. This paper aims to broaden understanding of service innovation as a critical organizational capability through which the adoption of information technology influences firm performance. This study examines how the adoption of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology influences the operational performance of logistics service firms. We develop the RFID adoption model based on the interorganizational information systems (IOS) view of the firm that integrates the various strands of research into the framework. The study draws from the related information technology and interorganizational information systems literatures to explore organizational factors associated with the adoption of RFID. A model of the associations between information technology and interorganizational information systems use, social support, power structure, organizational readiness, procedural flexibility, and top management support is developed, and hypotheses are advanced about the relationships among these constructs. An empirical survey was conducted among 500 logistics service firms in Taiwan. A total of 131 valid observations were analyzed using the partial least squares technique. Results showed that RFID adoption has positive effects on business practices, which in turn improves operational performance. We address the value of certain interactive firm behaviors in RFID adoption and identify related constructs of RFID adoption in terms of their efficiency and value for logistics service firms. These results have implications for both education and practice.

The front end in non-assembled product development: A multiple case study of mineral- and metal firms

Abstract: We conceptualize the front end in non-assembled product development to be iterative and experiment-based, consisting of three sub-phases: informal start-up, formal idea-study, and formal pre-study. Although some key activities are shared with the front end activities in assembled product development, literature reviews, anticipating requirements of customers' production processes, analysis of raw materials, anticipation of scale-up problems, and tests in bench-, pilot plant-, and full scale production represent unique activities. In addition, product concepts were frequently developed in parallel, requiring specification of physical, chemical and structural properties. These findings have implications for increasing the success and quality of front end efforts.

Small firms in multipartner R&D alliances: Gaining benefits by acquiescing

Abstract: This study highlights how smaller firms gain advantages through exchange strategies in alliances Based on a sample of 141 firms involved in multipartner alliances governed by cooperative exchange norms, our findings support the hypothesis that smaller firms are more likely than larger firms to comply with cooperative exchange norms This finding is especially valid for firms in manufacturing industries and can positively influence new product development This study is a starting point for additional research investigating how, when, and why firms can benefit from engaging in multipartner alliances, even if they are a relatively small player

A real option theoretic fuzzy evaluation model for enterprise resource planning investment

Abstract: The high failure rate of ERP implementation is due to a common pitfall that ERP projects are often enacted as merely investment into installation of IT infrastructure, rather than systematic planning of operation changes, business process re-engineering and a paradigm shift for the operation and management. To manage ERP investment in a changing environment for high payoff, this paper adopts a real option theoretic method. Fuzzy payoff valuation is introduced to deal with uncertainties in order to minimize the risk of failure. The proposed ERP evaluation model is geared towards small and medium enterprises. A case study is presented to validate the proposed fuzzy real options. The results indicate the potential of modeling ERP investment as ''Expand'', ''Contain'' and ''Abandon'' options in different scenarios. The fuzzy real option model bestows a novel ex-ante cost analysis for justifying ERP investment in the implementation cycle.

Understanding innovation performance and its antecedents: A socio-cognitive model

Abstract: Little attention in the previous literature has been paid to understanding employees' factors that drive customer development knowledge and performance from the perspective of social psychology. Drawing on social cognitive theory, this study validates a research model that examines the above issue. In the setting of new product development across high-tech firms in Taiwan, this study postulates that innovation self-efficacy, role conflict, and role ambiguity influence innovation performance directly and indirectly via the mediation of customer knowledge development and innovation outcome expectation. This study contributes to the social science literature by applying social cognitive theory to the rarely explored area of innovation performance and by presenting an operationalization of role stressors (i.e., role ambiguity and role conflict) in the area. Lastly, managerial implications and limitations from the empirical findings are provided.

Linking long-term capacity management for manufacturing and service operations

Abstract: For firms that combine manufacturing and service operations in one system, the task of managing capacity is not straightforward. New goods and services may not have the same set of competitive priorities, and the models and concepts available in the literature for service operations differ from those for manufacturing operations. We address this problem and review the concepts and models for capacity management in the long term in both streams of literature, i.e. manufacturing and services, to develop a unified framework for manufacturing and service operations. The framework creates transparency between new goods manufacturing and service operations, since the same long-term capacity management structure is used for both product types, as well as between capacity strategy and planning strategy, since new goods and services are treated simultaneously. In the framework, the concepts of chase and level strategies are redefined for service operations to allow for integration with manufacturing operations. A case study demonstrates the usefulness of the integrated approach for long-term capacity management.

Investigating the use of information technology in managing innovation: A case study from a university technology transfer office

Abstract: This study investigates the use of information technology to manage innovation. It is based on a case study on the adoption of an innovation application, which provides an interface between R&D, marketing and administration functions of innovation development. Drawing on qualitative evidence including a focus group and 16 in-depth interviews, this study contributes by integrating technology acceptance constructs to innovation process performance and marketing literature, as well as by investigating technology acceptance in an innovation context. Implications are discussed for organizations engaged with R&D or innovation process management and suggestions for research directions are offered.

How project strategy is used in project management: Cases of new product development and software development projects

Abstract: Project strategy is an emerging concept in the research literature on project management. Many authors suggest that such a strategy should be used by a project team as a guideline for effectively performing project activities. In this study, we explore how project strategy is used. We found that the project teams applied various forms of project strategy, namely, Product Superiority, Customer Intimacy, and Time-to-Market strategies. A combination of these strategies was also used. This study contributes to the literature in the area of strategic alignment and strategy implementation. It also helps practitioners better understand how to implement project strategy.

Technology sourcing, appropriability regimes, and new product development

Abstract: This paper tests the influence of technology sourcing and appropriability regimes on new product development, using data from a survey of 254 Chinese firms. Our results demonstrate that both internal technology development and external technology sourcing can improve a firm's new product development. Furthermore, although both legal appropriability regimes and strategic appropriability regimes have positive relationships with new product development, their moderating effects are different. Specifically, it is suggested that firms incorporate legal appropriability regimes when using external technology development and strategic appropriability regimes when using internal technology sources, to improve new product development.

Learning and innovation in the context of process-focused management practices: The case of an environmental management system

Abstract: Adoption of process-focused management practices has been associated with inertia and rigidity in adopting firms. By drawing on the literature on routines and using survey data from 192 ISO 14001 certified facilities in the United States, I find that change catalysis or a deep form of learning which presents the opportunity for innovation can happen in this context. I also examine the internal and external determinants of change catalysis. By doing so I contribute to a better understanding of how process-focused management practices can be a source of innovation within firms.

An empirical study of the relationship between a self-service technology investment and firm financial performance

Abstract: More and more enterprises are taking advantage of self-service technologies (SSTs) in their customer-related operating activities, especially service firms. Although research on SSTs is prevalent, few studies have examined the impact of SSTs on firm financial performance. Given the growing importance of SSTs in the service industries in general and in the banking industry in particular, we therefore empirically examined the impacts of ATMs, one of the most widely accepted SSTs, on bank financial performance. Contrary to the existing literature, our results show ATMs have a positive relationship with profitability. However, we find no association between ATMs and growth performance.

Transforming technology management education: Value creation-learning in the early twenty-first century

Abstract: Management education is often criticized as irrelevant, out of touch, too ''trade-school,'' too interested in training financial services professionals and consultants, and insufficiently focused on innovation, the major driver of the economy. Technology management (TM) education has always focused on practical and relevant issues and innovation has been a major theme. We believe however that rapid changes in the global environment of business demand changes in the underlying assumptions of TM. Starting with a brief overview of the field, this paper examines the major environmental changes that must be addressed by TM and the skills that future graduates will require.

How market entry order mediates the influence of firm resources on new product performance

Abstract: Building from the resource-based view of the firm and the first-mover advantage literature, this paper asserts that the entry order in a new product-market affects how the firm's resources and capabilities influence the product's performance. This proposition is tested on a sample of 136 product launches by Spanish manufacturing firms. The empirical analysis reveals that firms with superior managerial and R&D resources achieve superior new product performance when an early-entry strategy is adopted. Manufacturing resources also contribute positively to the success of new products, but this effect is weakened by the difficulties and inconveniences that firms with advantages in operations face when they attempt to pioneer a new market. The results regarding the influence of marketing resources on new product performance are not conclusive.

Development of a two-dimensional scale for evaluating technologies in high-tech companies: An empirical examination

Abstract: Based on a sample of 463 technology evaluations, this paper demonstrates empirically the conceptual split between ''technological attractiveness'' - which is outside of the control of the company and ''technological competitiveness'' - which is within the company's control. The 16 ''technological attractiveness'' criteria produced by the literature review gave a set of six different factors (62.5% of variance) depicting potential value. The 16 ''technological competitiveness'' criteria derived of the literature review were summarized with only four questions (58% of variance) depicting accumulated value. As such, this research shows that managers assess technologies on the basis of a limited set of criteria. These results have practical implications as they enable us to target technology audits to a more workable set of questions at the operational level.

Collaboration spaces in Canadian biotechnology: A search for gatekeepers

Abstract: The paper studies the network of Canadian biotechnology co-inventors and compares the structure of the links between inventors within, and outside of, the cluster. Two types of proximity between individuals are compared: within cluster co-invention refers to geographical proximity while co-patenting links (network component) represent social proximity between inventors of an epistemic community. We show that the cluster-based subnetworks are more fragmented and less centralized than the network components. The paper then proposes two indicators measuring an inventor's importance as a gatekeeper, i.e. an individual at the cluster's frontier responsible for the inflow of the external knowledge to the cluster.

A systematic model for assessing innovation competence of Hong Kong/China manufacturing companies: A case study

Abstract: Although having moved to mainland China, Hong Kong manufacturing plus trading industry is still the largest contributor to Hong Kong GDP However, they are facing great challenges like higher cost, lower value adding, higher pollution, and lower efficiency these years Many of them have to be closed or moved out of the southern part of China These companies have recognized the urgency to upgrade them by innovation This paper reports a research that aims to analyze the innovation competence in Hong Kong manufacturing companies The project starts with literature review and the development of a conceptual model A structured interview guide was developed then The model was used to evaluate the innovation competence of 7 case companies via a training and consultancy program The literature provides a long list of critical factors or enablers for innovation (Badawy, 2011) However, they are all listed as linear, separate factors This research proposes a multi-level model for assessing innovation competence which allows researchers to investigate strategic factors, operational factors and innovation process, separately

A hybrid solution to collaborative decision-making in a decentralized supply-chain

Abstract: This paper considers a decentralized supply chain, where multiple independent manufacturing facilities manage some capital-intensive equipments or resources shared among them. In particular, these manufacturing facilities operate somewhat in isolation to serve their own customers, but coordinate closely with each other to ensure the shared resources are effectively utilized. Such cross-facility capacity management problems are common in high-tech industries, they are typical examples of collaborative decision-making in supply chain integration, and are critical to create a competitive edge in a more interconnected business environment. In this paper, a hybrid algorithm that integrates Lagrangian relaxation and immunity-inspired coordination scheme, known as LR-ICI, is proposed and investigated by extensive numerical experiments, and is shown to be competitive compared to similar algorithms.

The role of deliberate and experiential learning in developing capabilities: Insights from technology licensing

Abstract: We discuss the interdependencies between deliberate and experiential learning in developing a dynamic technology licensing capability, which was termed 'desorptive capacity' in earlier conceptual work. We use new three-year lagged data from two surveys of 79 firms to examine the role of dedicated licensing employees and prior licensing experience in developing firms' sensing, seizing, and transforming capacities in technology out-licensing. The findings emphasize capabilities' multidimensionality and critical trade-offs due to interdependencies between deliberate and experiential learning in developing capabilities. Besides interdependencies with experiential learning, deliberate learning strengthens sensing and seizing capacity, but it negatively affects transforming capacity based on inertia.

The process of value realization in asymmetric new venture development alliances: Governing the transition from exploration to exploitation

Abstract: Based on a case study of three asymmetric new venture development (ANVD) alliances, we examine the governance of transitions from exploration to exploitation. We propose that role deficiencies, technological asymmetry, and the presence of a separate venture unit at established firms constitute important initial conditions influencing value realization in ANVD alliances. We further show that role-specific investments act as more appropriate mechanisms than contractual incentives to govern transitions from exploration to exploitation. Jointly, these findings provide new insights into the impact of structural and relational governance mechanisms on value creation in interfirm relationships.

The dynamics of local and interactive effects on innovation adoption: The case of electronic commerce

Abstract: Innovation adoption is determined not only by the opportunities and constraints resulting from organizations' characteristics (local effects), but also by reaction to the adoption of their interdependent and referable others (interactive effects). This study examines the dynamics of innovation adoption by considering both local and interactive effects in early adopters relative to later adopters, and then investigates the electronic commerce adoption as an empirical example. Analysis results show that the crucial stimulating effects in the early market are focused on the nature of innovations, while those in the later market are concentrated on the practical implementation issues of innovations.

Dielectric relaxation, electrical conductivity and impedance response of Barium titanate (BT) and Strontium titanate (ST) doped Ba(Fe0.5Nb0.5)O3 ceramics

Abstract: Lead-free polycrystalline ceramics of Ba(Fe0.5Nb0.5)O3 and its solid solutions 0.91Ba(Fe0.5Nb0.5)O3-0.09BaTiO3 (BFN-BT) and 0.91Ba(Fe0.5Nb0.5)O3-0.09SrTiO3 (BFN-ST) were fabricated by a solid-state reaction process, and their electrical properties were characterized in a broad frequency range (100 Hz to 1 MHz) at a temperature range from 30 to 385°C. The prepared ceramics are single phased with monoclinic structure as confirmed by X-ray diffraction. The microstructure analysis was done by scanning electron microscope. Dielectric response show low temperature dielectric dispersion at low frequency showing space charge phenomena arising due to defects. Existence of sharp transition around (Tc~255°C) and broad transitions around (Tc~205°C) of dielectric constant (e´) versus temperature is demonstrated in the complex perovskite in BFN-BT and BFN-ST ceramics respectively at different frequencies (10.82, 20.2 and 32.2 kHz). The relaxor property was analyzed by the broadening of the maximum dielectric permittivity as well as its shifting to high temperatures with the variation of frequency measurements. In the pure BFN ceramic, dielectric studies confirmed that the compound do not have dielectric anomaly at different frequencies (10.82, 20.2 and 32.2 kHz) and temperature ranges (30 to 385°C). The frequency-dependent electrical data are also analyzed in the framework of conductivity and impedance formalisms. Key words: Perovskite oxides, dielectric constant, electrical properties, scanning electron micrographs.