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In their research the authors studied the lean management's effect has on competitiveness with a corporate level. To do this, a framework has been developing, which combines the organizational abilities establishing routines and practices resulting from their performance and competitiveness. Corporate case studies to show that a) the impact of the introduction of lean production, how to change the organization's capabilities, and b) what factors are improving the competitiveness of the companies behind the slim. Their results point out that the lean management companies primarily in the functionality and variable ability positive effects on business performance is not necessarily. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of the information and communication systems has created the perfect environment for a better understanding of the market and of the consumer. The fast moving economy and the strong competition in this global market has forced the companies and the managers to create new tools in order to keep up the pace in this ever changing environment. This paper aims to present a new tool for the managers in order to develop a better understanding of their company and of the market. The balance scorecard is a strategic performance management tool that aids the managers to better set up their companies. This paper presents a several aspects with regard to the concept of balance scorecard, its processes, and the perspectives of this measuring tool: learning and growth, the consumer, the business process and the financial aspect. We also present the nine steps that a company must take in order to have an effective implementation process of this system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies on effective distribution practices specific to the paper industry are largely non-existent. Therefore, through our exploratory research, we first identify key elements of physical distribution in existing literature. Secondly, we empirically investigate the extent to which these elements influence non-cost-based (such as inventory turnover, order fulfillment etc.) measures of distribution performance in the paper industry. Using a sample of 95 National Paper Trade Association member firms, we create three performance groups (low, medium, and high). Then, we use analysis of variance (ANOVA) to test for any differences in the adoption of the physical distribution elements among these groups. Further, through partial least squares regression analysis, we attempt to identify those elements of physical distribution which may be most critical in explaining the differences in distribution performance. Our results provide general support for the importance of the key elements identified in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous research into management control of truck driver activities, while highly valuable, has failed to provide a comprehensive framework of driver control theory. This article addresses this issue by presenting a data-driven framework of driver control based on grounded theory research methods that explore the experiences of logistics professionals. This research extends current theory from the salesperson control literature to the motor carrier industry. The findings suggest that formal and informal control methods are used in various combinations in the industry, that these control types are comprised of many forms of management activities, that no single control method is completely effective in isolation, and that a number of conditions affect what methods are used and how firms apply them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study utilized Porter's (1980) framework to empirically investigate the interactive effects between competitive strategy and industry maturity on firm performance. In particular, our study tests whether industry maturity exerts a negative influence on firm performance regardless of competitive strategy type (universalist hypothesis), or whether industry maturity exerts a different influence on firm performance according to the type of competitive strategy (contingent hypothesis). From a sample of 403 small and medium- sized enterprises, results of empirical examination show that industry maturity has a negative effect on economic performance for any type of competitive strategy. This result is consistent with the universalistic approach. At the same time, from a comparative point of view the intensity of this effect is different depending on the strategy, which supports the contingency approach. Both peculiarities present a miscellaneous scenario, which has been named «hybrid contingency». [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knowledge has long ago been recognised as an important asset for sustaining competitive advantage. Recently, the use of information technologies for knowledge-sharing within an organisation is identified as an important tool for managing organisational knowledge in order to improve business performance. This paper starts with a retrospective analysis of the basic theories that during the course of the 20th century, gave birth to the Knowledge-based Theory of the Firm. Then it focuses on Knowledge Sharing within the organisation, and the Knowledge Sharing Networks that facilitate this complicated task. Through an empirical study, it evaluates the role and the level of contribution of Information Technology functions and infrastructure among knowledge-sharing groups, for their relationship and the organisation's performance. Finally, building upon both the theoretical analysis and the empirical results, the paper concludes with guidelines that help management to overcome existing barriers and at the same time, make Knowledge Sharing Networks the backbone of their knowledge-sharing infrastructure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increased competition has led to organisations facing the challenge of implementing quality management to achieve best practice, while at the same time having to address the need for innovation management to develop new products, services and processes. The aim of this paper is to explore the relationship between quality management and innovation management from a perspective that recognises the full contribution of quality management to academia and praxis. The research question in the paper is, how can organisations use their existing quality models to achieve their innovation management objectives? A multiple- and segmented-case analysis is used to show, first, how organisations have applied quality models based on quality objectives and, second, how the same organisations have used these quality models to achieve innovation objectives. The findings show that the concepts of a quality-innovation continuum and that of quality as a preceding foundation for innovation can help organisations reconceptualise and reapply their quality models to achieve innovation objectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agility is vital to the innovation and competitive performance of firms in contemporary business environments. Firms are increasingly relying on information technologies, including process, knowledge, and communication technologies, to enhance their agility. The purpose of this paper is to broaden understanding about the strategic role of IT by examining the nomological network of influences through which IT impacts firm performance. By drawing upon recent thinking in the strategy, entrepreneurship, and IT management literatures, this paper uses a multitheoretic lens to argue that information technology investments and capabilities influence firm performance through three significant organizational capabilities (agility, digital options, and entrepreneurial alertness) and strategic processes (capability-building, entrepreneurial action, and coevolutionary adaptation). We also propose that these dynamic capabilities and strategic processes impact the ability of firms to launch many and varied competitive actions and that, in turn, these competitive actions are a significant antecedent of firm performance. Through our theorizing, we draw attention to a significant and reframed role of IT as a digital options generator in contemporary firms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a state monopoly of electric light and power. In a previous issue of this quarterly the remarkable record of the government monopoly of electric light and power in Uruguay was discussed. It was demonstrated that in the period up to 1929 most of the dangers of state industry had been avoided. Although a tradition of competent civil service was lacking, public sector unit Usinas Electricas was able to attract and retain the services of a fine staff which aimed at maximum profits in much the same way as the management of a private monopoly would. Although the inefficiency of Uruguayan government employees had been notorious and the state-socialist party generally truckled to labor, nevertheless the Usinas Electricas were not overconsiderate of their laborers. The enterprise did not lag in adopting the latest improvements in equipment and developed a group of native engineers which maintained a high level of technical efficiency. Excessive Political pressure was avoided by the excellence of the basic laws and by the desire of the government to make the Usinas Electricas a model for the larger socialistic adventure in which it was engaged. The political stability of the period also aided greatly.

The article reports on a research study aimed at understanding the status of knowledge management (KM) in Johannesburg Stock Exchange-listed construction sector companies in South Africa. In this research, the researchers tried to explore the nature of construction industry in the country, opportunities and challenges faced by the industry, the relevance of KM to the South African construction industry, to name only a few. This research concluded that the principles and practices associated with KM should receive significant and continued attention in the country to enhance overall industry competitiveness.