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PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate how local supply chains prepare for and respond to the threats and opportunities presented by constitutional change, thereby building resilience.Design/methodology/approachMultiple case study analysis of 14 firms in the food sector is presented in the context of the UK’s impending exit from the European Union (Brexit). Organisations studied include farmers, processors, retailers and non-government organisations (NGOs). Data from interviews and roundtable discussions has been interpreted using the dynamic capabilities perspective, covering the sensing, seizing, and transforming stages.FindingsThe data highlights the importance of both vertical and horizontal collaboration between supply chain actors as they seek to anticipate the impact of the disruption and influence the future shape of the constitution. There is also evidence to suggest firms in possession of dynamic capabilities can innovate to build resilience and enhance their competitive position. Characteristics of the disruption posed by constitutional change are identified and contrast with those of many other threats more typically described in the literature. As a result, the process of building resilience is different.Research limitations/implicationsThe study could be extended to include post-Brexit interviews to further understand the seizing and transforming stages whilst the impact of Brexit on actors that remain within the EU could also be considered.Practical implicationsPractitioners need to work together to influence the future shape of the constitution; and they need to reconfigure their operations and supply chains where necessary to become more resilient to the threat posed by Brexit, such as by reducing their reliance on EU funding streams and trade. The study also has policy implications.Originality/valueThe first study of supply chain resilience to constitutional change and a rare empirical study of resilience across multiple supply chain tiers.

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the use of high-value manufacturing (HVM) concepts in Scottish SMEs and define how they are being used to gain competitive advantage. Design/methodology/approach – Cross-sectional research carried out using a large-scale survey of 435 SMEs and semi-structured interviews of a subset of 50 SMEs. Findings – Findings indicate that HVM is not a homogeneous state but an umbrella term for a number of operational models adopted by manufacturers that are progressively moving from simple price-based production; companies must, as a foundation, be operationally excellent in all lifecycle phases before extending their capability by offering a more comprehensive service; HVM is not a static state but a journey that differs in nature for each manufacturer depending on the nature of its market and customer. Research limitations/implications – The approach to theory must be more integrated combining aspects of marketing, strategic and operational theory. Research must be carried out using the supply chain, rather than the firm, as the unit of analysis. Practical implications – Manufacturing efficiency has now become an order qualifier and competitive advantage should now be sought through the integration of design, production and service activities from strategic levels down to operational levels across all the functions of a business which link seamlessly to customer and supplier activities. Originality/value – This paper contains insights into Scottish SMEs and their practice of HVM; defines the activity that makes up HVM at an operational as opposed to an economic or strategic level; proposes a model that characterises the stages of HVM that SMEs transition through.

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a case study demonstrating the role of performance measurement systems (PMS) in driving strategic transformation.Design/methodology/approachUsing a case study approach this paper analyses how Babcock Marine, a service provider to the Ministry of Defence (MoD), is using performance measurement as a catalyst to bring about strategic transformation at Her Majesty's Naval Base – Clyde. Transformation is required to facilitate a new public‐private sector contractual and financial relationship.FindingsThis paper highlights the differences between the use of PMS in static and dynamic (transformational) environments. It proposes that the balanced scorecard is a useful tool to monitor the pace of change and communicate the status of the change. It indicates that during the transformation program care must be taken to ensure that the measures used stay aligned with strategic objectives and that the balanced scorecard does not become cumbersome in terms of number of measures and administrative overhead. Finally it suggests that even in the absence of other critical success factors normally associated with transformation (such as a clear transformation plan and a strong ongoing communication mechanism), the balanced scorecard can provide structure and focus which will help to maintain the pace of change. It therefore demonstrates that the introduction of a performance management system can be complementary to the process of strategic transformation.Originality/valueThe paper provides empirical evidence of PMS supporting transformation even in the absence of other critical success factors normally associated with strategic transformation.

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to highlight the factors that enable and/or constrain the design and implementation of team‐based performance measurement systems.Design/methodology/approachThis research study departed from an industrially‐led project. The research strategies used (i.e. case studies, industrial workshops and action research) are suited to the applied and empirical nature of the study. The paper reviews the existing literature on team performance measurement. It then presents the findings based on a exploratory phase and a theory refinement phase.FindingsThe results of this study suggest that there are eleven factors affecting the design and implementation of TPMS. It also suggests that these factors are inter‐related with each other. As a result, the impact of one factor can reduce and even eliminate the impact of other factors.Research limitations/implicationsThere are two main limitations of this research. Firstly, carrying out more than one longitudinal study would increase the validity of the findings. Secondly, evidence was mainly gathered from companies from the manufacturing sector.Practical implicationsThese findings provide senior managers, human resource specialists and team leaders with the foundations to create the right conditions to design and implement TPMS.Originality/valueThe main contribution this paper makes is that it highlights the factors affecting the design and implementation of measurement system in the context of teams. This research identifies three factors (i.e. team maturity, focus and content of appraisal and reward systems, business process view) that are specific to TPMS design and that have not been fully addressed by previous research.

The initial objective of the research presented in this paper was to investigate human resource management (HRM) practices from a business process perspective. The paper first demonstrates the level of inconsistency in the field with respect to HRM models. The paper then develops the need for a more formal systems engineering‐based approach for modelling HRM practices from a business process viewpoint. The paper then goes on to describe the model developed for the HRM business process together with the methodology used to validate the model. The paper concludes with a discussion on the validity of the model, which further demonstrates the differing points of view in this complex and multidisciplinary field.

Efficient teamwork has been shown to be a key element for improving business process performance and, as a consequence, organisational performance. As a result of this, improving management and measurement of team performance has captured the interest of many organisations intending to increase their competitiveness. This paper illustrates some of the research findings of an on‐going collaborative research project. It first introduces the idea behind a framework for managing process team performance and later compares this framework with the work that an EFQM winning organisation (2000 European Quality Award prize winner) carried out in order to re‐engineer its organisation towards a structure based on processes and teams.