Showing papers on "Strategic alliance published in 2018"

External growth strategies and organizational performance in emerging markets: The mediating role of inter-organizational trust

Abstract: Inter-organizational trust has a vital role in any external trade relationship. However, there are not many studies relating to growth strategies and inter-organizational trust in firms in emerging markets. The purpose of this paper is to identify and compare the effect of external growth strategies on the organizational performance of companies and to examine the mediating role of inter-organizational trust between growth strategies and organizational performance.,Data were collected from 240 senior managers from public listed companies (PLCs) in Malaysia and were analyzed using analysis of a moment structures.,The findings indicate that growth strategies have a significant effect on organizational performance. Strategic alliances and acquisitions also have significant effects on organizational performance. Moreover, inter-organizational trust fully mediates the effect of growth strategies on organizational performance.,As purposive sampling was used, selecting only managers with experience of the issues concerned, any common findings are likely to be generalizable to managers in similar situations.,Building inter-organizational trust among companies and relying on strategic alliance and acquisition, rather than merger, will sharpen their competitiveness and enable them to survive and thrive.,The increase in organizational performance of PLCs will have a significant effect on employment and on gross domestic product (GDP), which will have a beneficial effect on citizens.,Studies that are related to these variables in emerging economies are still in their infancy. This study compared the effect of external growth strategies and contributed to the literature in the area of trust and external growth strategies.

Safe Bets or Hot Hands? How Status and Celebrity Influence Strategic Alliance Formations by Newly Public Firms

Abstract: Social approval assets derive their value from favorable stakeholder perceptions. Past research has focused primarily on their role as signals that reduce stakeholders’ perceived uncertainty about ...

Finding ways to engage with a healthy tourism 'offer' : evaluating potential synergies between wellbeing, public health, and tourism at a local destination

Abstract: This study explores and explains how the concept of wellbeing can promote synergies between public health and tourism communities of practice at a local destination level. In this context, the concept of wellbeing provides an example of a boundary object which can promote knowledge sharing across boundaries between communities of practice. Eudaimonic and integrated wellbeing theories offer alternative activity pathways to that of mass tourism and the promotion of hedonic wellbeing and may encourage collaboration between local public health and tourism departments. This study focuses on a local authority in the south of England during the transfer of many public health functions to local government. Literature acknowledges an increasing concern about wellbeing within both public health and tourism planning agendas, which considers overall societal health rooted in the wellbeing of communities. Within this context, there is an opportunity to develop a community culture that supports health creation and presents a rebranding opportunity within the destination management approach. The literature does not currently offer a theory to explain how wellbeing may contribute to a strategic alliance between public health and tourism at the local destination level. A constructivist grounded theory approach was adopted, using methods of participant observation and interviews. Participant observation was conducted within the primary care trust, prior to the move of the public health agenda to the local authorities. Semi- structured interviews were conducted with public health and tourism team members working with the local authority. Observational and interview data was deconstructed using open coding then reconstructed into category themes and sub-themes during phases of axial and focused coding. The constant comparative approach, and theoretical sampling methods, were both used in the construction of the substantive theory. Findings indicated that the process of change, the role of wellbeing, the context of place and engagement strategies each contribute to the development of a strategic alliance between public health and tourism communities of practice. The process of change presents a condition which may reveal opportunities for interdepartmental collaborations. Wellbeing is identified as playing a potential role in health promotion through meanings and use underpinned by community wellbeing. Place offers a context where a healthy offer can be developed for locals and tourism through greater local involvement in the planning process. Strategies to engage public health and tourism communities of practice co-locate agendas through foci on health, lifestyles and rebranding. Previous research has not connected these concepts to building a local strategic alliance between public health and tourism. The emergent theory drawn from study findings revealed that if strategies to involve and connect residents, promote healthy lifestyles and wellbeing, and rebrand the destination are adopted, then participants from local public health and tourism communities of practice will discover ways to engage with a healthy tourism offer. Study findings also indicate that the consequences of engaging with a healthy tourism offer include knowledge transformation, organisational efficiency and innovation, the promotion of healthy lifestyles and community wellbeing, and an alternative destination branding opportunity.

How and When Socially Entrepreneurial Nonprofit Organizations Benefit From Adopting Social Alliance Management Routines to Manage Social Alliances

Abstract: Social alliance is defined as the collaboration between for-profit and nonprofit organizations. Building on the insights derived from the resource-based theory, we develop a conceptual framework to explain how socially entrepreneurial nonprofit organizations (SENPOs) can improve their social alliance performance by adopting strategic alliance management routines. We test our framework using the data collected from 203 UK-based SENPOs in the context of cause-related marketing campaign-derived social alliances. Our results confirm a positive relationship between social alliance management routines and social alliance performance. We also find that relational mechanisms, such as mutual trust, relational embeddedness, and relational commitment, mediate the relationship between social alliance management routines and social alliance performance. Moreover, our findings suggest that different types of social alliance motivation can influence the impact of social alliance management routines on different types of the relational mechanisms. In general, we demonstrate that SENPOs can benefit from adopting social alliance management routines and, in addition, highlight how and when the social alliance management routines–social alliance performance relationship might be shaped. Our study offers important academic and managerial implications, and points out future research directions.

Utilizing the Hierarchy Structural Fuzzy Analytical Network Process Model to Evaluate Critical Elements of Marketing Strategic Alliance Development in Mobile Telecommunication Industry

Abstract: Extant studies on marketing strategic alliance development lack systematic measurement models; consequently, they cannot provide a holistic picture of the relationship evaluation stage. In addition, it is difficult to clearly understand the interactive effects between the critical elements of marketing strategic alliance development. Therefore, this study proposes a systematic measurement model, called the hierarchy structural fuzzy analytical network process model (H-S FANP model), to evaluate the correlation, interaction, and mutual dependence of the critical elements at the evaluation stage. This model combines four methods, i.e., the interpretation of structural model, Matrice d’ Impacts Croises Multiplication Appliquee a un Classement, fuzzy linguistic preference relations, and analytical network process (ANP), to overcome various problems encountered when using the conventional ANP. To illustrate how the H-S FANP model can be applied, this study uses the mobile telecommunications industry in Taiwan as an empirical subject. The findings show that the H-S FANP model can assist the mobile telecommunications industry in its long-term marketing strategic alliance development and help decision-makers in improving their evaluation quality and calculation efficiency when analyzing critical elements during the evaluation stage of development.

Framework for successful supply chain implementation in healthcare area from provider’s prospective

Abstract: Purpose This paper aims to explore avenue where suppliers and manufacturers are aligned with health-care providers to improve supply chain visibility Supply chain finance is explored to link suppliers/manufacturers with health-care providers Design/methodology/approach Existing literature on supply chain visibility in health care forms a basis to achieve the study purpose Alignment calls also for financial health where supply chain partners’ working capital is readily available to execute joint supply chain plan Findings There is a disjoint in supply chain alliance between suppliers/manufacturers and providers where providers are unable to trace the origin of supplies Quality care suffers and cost of care rises as providers search for supplies on an emergency basis This paper provides a framework where solution can be formulated Research limitations/implications Suppliers/manufactures form a direct strategic alliance with providers where product visibility enables health-care providers with a better patient management with lower cost of supplies Inventory management and logistics cost will be lowered as better planning/forecasting is in place This paper does not call for testing any hypothesis Perhaps, next move along this line will be to investigate financial health of supply chain partners based on supplier relationship management practices Originality/value This paper proposes health-care supply chain as an alternative solution to achieve the following twin purposes: controlling the cost while improving quality of care through supply chain finance As far as we know, this study is the first attempt to achieve the goals

Developing value added service of cold chain logistics between China and Korea

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to elaborate value-added service of cold chain logistics between China and Korea. The covering strategy for developing the cold chain value-added service between the two countries is proposed.,The author expounds the driving power for developing cold chain logistics between the two countries basing on the trade data of agricultural exports and imports, the tariff liberalization agreement of China–Korea FTA and the short distance between the two countries. It analyzes the value-added service of cold chain logistics with exemplary cases from four aspects (customized service, integrated service, consultation/solution and strategic alliance service), and its value-added mechanism for the enhancement of core competences of the entire cold chain. Then, by considering the drawbacks of the current cold chain logistics practices, between the two countries, the author proposes certain measures for fostering the cold chain value-added services between them.,There are apparent mutual benefits in developing cold chain value-added service between the two countries, but there exists some shortcomings which impede the sound development of the cold chain logistics, such as low circulation rate and insufficient cold chain facility in China, shortage of integrated and compatible information platform between the two countries, few integrated cold chain service and strategic alliance service and occurrence of some trade frictions.,The enforcement of China–Korea FTA will greatly reduce the tariff and increase the import and export volumes between the two countries; with the proximity between them, development of cold chain logistics between the two countries holds tremendous potential. This paper thoroughly discusses the mechanism of the value-added service of the cold chain logistics, and brings into focus the development of the value-added service in the two countries.

Role of strategic alliance and innovation on organizational sustainability

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of strategic alliance (SA) and innovation on organizational sustainability using data from North American organizations listed in the Dunn-Bradstreet database. While organizational economic sustainability could be achieved in several ways, this research investigates the relationship of engagement in SA, product life cycle (PLC) and innovation with organizational sustainability from the perspective of the strategy-based balanced scorecard (BSC) that incorporates the mix of financial as well as environmental and social concerns in an environment.,This paper reports the results of an empirical study investigating the above relationships in Canadian and American organizations listed in the Dunn & Bradstreet database. The authors analyze the responses to the survey consisting of the questions about firm’s internal process, external environment, strategy, BSC perception and corporate performance of the companies who indicated that they use the BSC.,Consistent with the authors’ predictions, results show that there are positive and significant relationships between PLC and SA, between innovation and sustainability, and between innovation and SA (though positive but not significant), thus providing support for the hypotheses. Though the methodology the authors applied is acceptable in management accounting research, the authors recognize that there are limitations of this study and further studies are necessary before the results can be generalized.,This paper contributes to the literature by providing empirical evidence encompassing the areas of SA, innovation and performance leading toward sustainability.

Mobile Payment Service and the Firm Value: Focusing on both Up- and Down-Stream Alliance

Abstract: The Fintech business, which was initially focused on the payment sector, is becoming a global issue due to the entry of nonfinancial firms into the banking business. With the advent of the “mobile age in your hand”, global ICT companies are actively entering the banking business through alliances and competitions with existing financial companies. Classifying the alliance companies of Apple Pay and Samsung Pay into the downstream alliance and the upstream alliance, this study analyzed the signaling effect of service opening and its impact on the firm value. To analyze the effect of a specific event on firm value, this study adopted the event study. Additionally, ordinary least squares regression analysis was carried out to examine the influence of up- and downstream alliance on the firm value. The result shows that Apple Pay’s service launch in the USA. has a positive impact on stock prices of up- and downstream alliance companies, providing new experience and satisfaction to users through active alliance with credit card companies. On the other hand, downstream alliance companies that showed a negative response to the launch of Korean services turned to a positive response to USA service launch because to the difference in the specificity of credit card penetration rate and the portion of premium smartphones. Analyzing the impact of the expansion of the service area toward the payment platform on the firm value, research results provide important implications for establishing technology management strategies to ensure the sustainability in rapidly changing technical advances by comparing the different market response of Apple Pay and Samsung Pay.

A robust fuzzy possibilistic AHP approach for partner selection in international strategic alliance

Abstract: Article history: Received March 14, 2017 Received in revised format: October 20, 2017 Accepted December 18, 2017 Available online December 19, 2017 The international strategic alliance is an inevitable solution for making competitive advantage and reducing the risk in today’s business environment. Partner selection is an important part in success of partnerships, and meanwhile it is a complicated decision because of various dimensions of the problem and inherent conflicts of stockholders. The purpose of this paper is to provide a practical approach to the problem of partner selection in international strategic alliances, which fulfills the gap between theories of inter-organizational relationships and quantitative models. Thus, a novel Robust Fuzzy Possibilistic AHP approach is proposed for combining the benefits of two complementary theories of inter-organizational relationships named, (1) Resource-based view, and (2) Transaction-cost theory and considering Fit theory as the perquisite of alliance success. The Robust Fuzzy Possibilistic AHP approach is a novel development of Interval-AHP technique employing robust formulation; aimed at handling the ambiguity of the problem and let the use of intervals as pairwise judgments. The proposed approach was compared with existing approaches, and the results show that it provides the best quality solutions in terms of minimum error degree. Moreover, the framework implemented in a case study and its applicability were discussed. . authors; licensee Growing Science, Canada 2018 by the ©

It pays to partner with a firm that writes annual reports well

Abstract: We use strategic alliances as a setting to examine whether the readability of a firm's partner's 10-K matters. We find that the increase in the cumulative abnormal return (CAR) around the announcement of an alliance is relatively lower when the firm's partner in a strategic alliance has a less readable 10-K report. Additional tests show that the impact of the readability of a partner's 10-K is much stronger when investors suspect insufficient due diligence before the alliance's formation, when the partner is from a different industry, and when the alliance occurs before the Sarbanes–Oxley Act. Overall, our results show that the readability of a partner's annual report matters—it pays to partner with a firm that writes these reports well.

The effect of firm strategic orientation on corporate philanthropic engagement

Abstract: This study explores corporate strategic orientations as important drivers of firms’ philanthropic engagement. Specifically, the purpose of this paper is to empirically examine the relationship between two broad corporate strategic orientations – domain offense (DO) and domain abandonment (DA) strategies – and the level of philanthropic engagement.,The authors propose that firms pursuing aggressive DO strategies are more likely to invest in corporate philanthropy as part of their market expansion efforts. On the contrary, firms pursuing DA strategies are less likely to invest in corporate philanthropy because of decreased slack resources, rather conservative external stakeholder expectations as well as a firm’s conscious decision to disengage with external stakeholders. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was conducted using data from 122 publicly traded US corporations from 2008 to 2013.,The findings provided empirical support for a significant positive relationship between DO strategies (acquisition and strategic alliance intensity) and firms’ philanthropic engagement. However, the relationship between DA strategies (divestiture and plant/facility closing) and firms’ philanthropic engagement was not found to be significant. Overall, the findings indicated that philanthropic engagements along with carefully crafted DO strategies help firms expand their market presence.,Organizational leaders that systematically target philanthropic causes that effectively converge with important corporate strategies do benefit in the long run by achieving better brand equity and overall enhanced corporate reputation.,By empirically investigating the relationship between corporate strategic orientations and philanthropic engagement, this study contributes to the on-going scholarly discussion on the link between corporate strategies and philanthropic engagements.

Interactions Among Factors Driving and Inhibiting the Early Internationalization of Small, Young Technology Enterprises

Abstract: This study traces the early, rapid internationalization of small, young technology enterprises (SYTEs) to the interaction between industry dynamism and resource constraints. The evidence collected in this study shows that industry dynamism drives the speed of the internationalization and resource constraints inhibit it. Niche and strategic alliance strategies are found to mediate or moderate the relationships among resource constraints, industry dynamism and the speed. These mechanisms have important managerial implications.

Relational capability and strategic alliance portfolio configuration: A study of Brazilian technology firms

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to focus on evaluating relational capability regarding the configuration of a network of technological partners in Brazilian technology-based firms (TBFs).,The data were collected using an online questionnaire made available to technology-based companies resident in Brazilian Technological Parks. A total of 73 companies responded. The data were analyzed using bivariate and multivariate statistical techniques and were processed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences software. The statistical tests included factor analysis, Cronbach’s α and multiple regression.,The paper shows that the strategic alliance portfolio is influenced by organizational learning, diversity of partners, governance structure, intensity of partnership relations and configuration. In particular, the portfolio of alliances with competence orientation is characterized by tacit knowledge exchanges and learning exploration, homogeneity of partners, informal governance mechanisms, strong bonds of trust and reciprocity with partners and low diversification of actors’ profiles, their attributions and the results obtained in the portfolio. Meanwhile, the characteristics of alliance portfolios with legitimacy orientation include explicit knowledge exchange and learning exploitation, heterogeneity of partners, formal governance mechanisms, weak bonds of trust and reciprocity with partners and high diversification of the profile of the actors, their attributions and the results obtained from the portfolio.,The configuration of the alliance portfolio plays an important role in innovation. To stimulate the creation of new technological skills, the executive of a technology-based company from emerging countries such as China, Russia and India, can configure the portfolio of strategic alliances with more homogeneous partners in terms of profile and attribution. However, if this executive is challenged to seek legitimacy and complementary resources in these markets he can invest in the diversification of the strategic alliance portfolio, prioritizing partners with differentiated profiles and attributions.,The originality of the research lies in the adoption of a complementary and multidimensional theoretical prism, considering the relational capacity of TBFs in the configuration of alliances, both in the intra-firm and portfolio perspective. Furthermore, it was considered that the configuration of alliances can be based on both competence and legitimacy factors.

Entry deterrence and strategic alliances

Abstract: Researchers have written extensively on the impact that strategic alliances between airlines have on airfare, but little is known of the market entry deterrent impact of strategic alliances. Using a structural econometric model, this paper examines the market entry deterrent impact of codesharing, a form of strategic alliance, between incumbent carriers in domestic air travel markets. We find evidence of market entry deterrence, but deterrence impact depends on the specific type of codesharing between market incumbents as well as the identity of the potential entrant. We quantify the extent to which market incumbents’ codesharing influences potential entrants market entry cost and probability of market entry.

To cooperate or to compete: a game theoretic analysis on ports in Malaysia and Singapore

Abstract: The busiest container ports in the world are mostly situated in the Asian region, thus intensifying inter-port competition. Particularly unique in this region, is the shared history between Malaysia and Singapore, which was once ruled-under the British empire, has since become economic rivals for the Far East – Europe trade route. This provides a suitable context to investigate whether competition or a strategic alliance should be adopted for ports in terms of its benefit to the industry in the region as a whole. Specifically, this paper analyses the ocean freight traffic demand for the Far East-Europe route among three main transshipment ports located in Malaysia and Singapore: Port of Singapore (PSA), Port Klang (PKL), and Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP). The paper provides a scenario analysis of the 3-way interaction through a game theoretic model. The results suggest that a strategic alliance between PSA and PTP generates greater profitability to the current hub and spoke network, while PKL should not commit to any cooperative strategy with either PSA or PTP.

The Sharing of Benefits from a Logistics Alliance Based on a Hub-Spoke Network: A Cooperative Game Theoretic Approach

Abstract: This study investigates a strategic alliance as a horizontal cooperation in the logistics and transportation industries by considering various sharing rules with a cooperative game approach. Through forging a strategic alliance, carriers gain extra benefits from resource sharing and high efficiency resource utilization. In particular, our research focuses on the cost savings from using larger vehicles utilizing collective market demand and regarding them as benefits of cooperation. The model conceptualizes the characteristic function of cost savings by coalitions that take into account the hub-spoke network which is common in transportation services. To share the improved profits fairly between members, we use different allocation schemes: the Shapley value, the core center, the τ -value, and the nucleolus. By analyzing those cooperative game theoretic solutions employing an alliance composed of three carriers, we investigate whether satisfaction in this specific coalition provides an incentive for carriers to join such a coalition. Our results from the analysis, with respect to fair allocation schemes, provide a practical and academic foundation for further research.

Complementary or contradictory? The effects of structural holes and status on innovation

Abstract: This study focuses on the joint effects of the firms’ access to structural holes within social networks and their status within social hierarchy on their innovation performance. The interactions be...

Do Members Want the Bells and Whistles? Understanding the Effect of Direct and Partner Benefits in Hotel Loyalty Programs

Abstract: As a way of increasing the perceived value of hotel loyalty programs, hoteliers are partnering with non-hotel brands to differentiate and drive member engagement. We examine the effect of such strategic alliances on the loyalty to a member program and further test a structural equation model with n = 469 active loyalty members. Our model investigates whether tier status and satisfaction function as mediators of the effects of a strategic alliance on brand loyalty. Our findings indicate that the benefits that loyalty programs and partnerships with non-hotel brands offer can positively influence brand loyalty when the member’s tier status and satisfaction mediates.

Japan’s Search for Strategic Security Partnerships

Abstract: 1. Japan's Evolving Regional Security Policy: The Quest for Strategic Partnerships, Bart Gaens 2. Japan's Relations with China, Shogo Suzuki 3. The US Pivot to the Asia-Pacific Region and Japan's Responses, Yoneyuki Sugita 4. India and Japan: the New Strategic Dimension, Harinder Sekhon 5. Australia-Japan Security Relations: Bridging the China Gap or a Bridge too Far? Michael Heazle 6. Japan's New Activism in ASEAN: China's Challenge and the Search for a New Regional Order in East Asia, Takeshi Yuzawa 7. Parameters of the Strategic Alliance between South Korea and Japan, Seon-Hyon Lee 8. The Europe-Japan Strategic Partnership - Values, Promises and Defense, Gauri Khandekar

Strategic Alliance and the Performance of SMEs in Developing Economies: The Mediating Role of Innovation Strategy

Abstract: The importance of innovation in enhancing the performance of business enterprises have been acknowledged and documented in economic literature. However, SMEs find it difficult to innovate due mainly to constraint of resource. Nevertheless through effective strategic alliance with other participants in the market SMEs get access to numerous resources, skills and technique to overcome the challenges affecting their innovativeness and performance. The study presents a conceptual framework depicting the mediating role of innovation strategy on the relationship between strategic alliance and SMEs performance in developing economies. Empirical validation of this model would entail crucial policies implication to policy makers, owner/managers and all other stake holders.

Promoting the Diffusion of Sustainable Innovations in the Cosmetic Industry

Abstract: In this article, key factors that contribute to the successful diffusion of sustainable innovations are explored in the cosmetic industry. Through case studies and surveys, obstacles and challenges facing cosmetic companies that either start as a sustainable cosmetic company or decides to include sustainable cosmetics in its product portfolio are discussed. Suggestions for those companies to not only survive but also thrive in an already saturated cosmetic product industry are provided. They include strategies that help cosmetic companies to better integrate sustainability into the core of their business strategies and managerial operations. Based on insights gained from the literature review and case studies, three main successful factors-customer education, company image building, and establishing strategic alliance are identified and illustrated in details.