The learning capability of construction organisations engaged in collaborative contracting - Literature Review [industry report]

Background Value for money (VfM) on collaborative construction projects is dependent on the learning capabilities of the organisations and people involved. Within the context of infrastructure delivery, there is little research about the impact of organisational learning capability on project value. The literature contains a multiplicity of often un-testable definitions about organisational learning abilities. This paper defines learning capability as a dynamic capability that participant organisations purposely develop to add value to collaborative projects. The paper reports on a literature review that proposes a framework that conceptualises learning capability to explore the topic. This work is the first phase of a large-scale national survey funded by the Alliancing Association of Australasia and the Australian Research Council. Methodology Desk-top review of leading journals in the areas of strategic management, strategic alliances and construction management, as well as recent government documents and industry guidelines, was undertaken to synthesise, conceptualise and operationalise the concept of learning capability. The study primarily draws on the theoretical perspectives of the resource-based view of the firm (e.g. Barney 1991; Wernerfelt 1984), absorptive capacity (e.g. Cohen and Levinthal 1990; Zahra and George 2002); and dynamic capabilities (e.g. Helfat et al. 2007; Teece et al. 1997; Winter 2003). Content analysis of the literature was undertaken to identify key learning routines. Content analysis is a commonly used methodology in the social sciences area. It provides rich data through the systematic and objective review of literature (Krippendorff 2004). NVivo 9, a qualitative data analysis software package, was used to assist in this process. Findings and Future Research The review process resulted in a framework for the conceptualisation of learning capability that shows three phases of learning: (1) exploratory learning, (2) transformative learning and (3) exploitative learning. These phases combine both internal and external learning routines to influence project performance outcomes and thus VfM delivered under collaborative contracts. Sitting within these phases are eight categories of learning capability comprising knowledge articulation, identification, acquisition, dissemination, codification, internationalisation, transformation and application. The learning routines sitting within each category will be disaggregated in future research as the basis for measureable items in a large-scale survey study. The survey will examine the extent to which various learning routines influence project outcomes, as well as the relationships between them. This will involve identifying the routines that exist within organisations in the construction industry, their resourcing and rate of renewal, together with the extent of use and perceived value within the organisation. The target population is currently estimated to be around 1,000 professionals with experience in relational contracting in Australia. This future research will build on the learning capability framework to provide data that will assist construction organisations seeking to maximise VfM on construction projects.

The Expanding Live Cattle Trade in Northern Australian

The north Australian beef industry is complex and dynamic. It is strategically positioned to access new and existing export markets. To prosper in a global economy, it will require strong processing and live cattle sectors, continued rationalisation of infrastructure, uptake of appropriate technology, and the synergy obtained when industry sectors unite and cooperate to maintain market advantage. Strategies to address food safety, animal welfare, the environment and other consumer concerns must be delivered. Strategic alliances with quality assurance systems will develop. These alliances will be based on economies of scale and on vertical cooperation, rather than vertical integration. Industry sectors will need to increase their contribution to Research, Development and Extension. These contributions need to be global in outlook. Industry sectors should also be aware that change (positive or negative) in one sector will impact on other sectors. Feedback along the food chain is essential to maximise productivity and market share.

Global research collaboration: the UKIERI India-UK initiative – lessons from practice for sustainable international partnerships

As knowledge development is claimed to underpin the development of globalisation, interest in research collaboration and its internationalisation has become more widespread. This paper looks at the motivations behind, and development of, higher educational collaborations with a focus on research collaboration, and also compares some of the key issues surrounding academic collaborations. It employs current thinking on strategic alliances and in particular on social network and social capital theories to judge how collaborations can best be encouraged and managed. The paper uses the specific case of India-UK relationship as an example and looks at the context and motivation for collaboration in these two countries. It presents the UK India Education and Research Initiative (UKIERI) and reviews how this initiative deals with the issues discussed by current writers in relation to collaboration, as well as drawing lessons from the initiative for research collaboration more widely.

Managing Cultural Diversity in Healthcare Partnerships: The Case of LIFT

Purpose: The National Health Service (NHS) Local Improvement Finance Trust (LIFT) programme was launched in 2001 as an innovative public-private partnership to address the historical under-investment in local primary care facilities in England. The organisations from the public and private sector that comprise a local LIFT partnership each have their own distinctive norms of behaviour and acceptable working practices - ultimately different organisational cultures. The purpose of this article is to assess the role of organisational culture in facilitating (or impeding) LIFT partnerships and to contribute to an understanding of how cultural diversity in public-private partnerships is managed at the local level. Design/methodology/approach: The approach taken was qualitative case studies, with data gathering comprising interviews and a review of background documentation in three LIFT companies purposefully sampled to represent a range of background factors. Elite interviews were also conducted with senior policy makers responsible for implementing LIFT policy at the national level. Findings: Interpreting the data against a conceptual framework designed to assess approaches to managing strategic alliances, the authors identified a number of key differences in the values, working practices and cultures in public and private organisations that influenced the quality of joint working. On the whole, however, partners in the three LIFT companies appeared to be working well together, with neither side dominating the development of strategy. Differences in culture were being managed and accommodated as partnerships matured. Research limitations/implications: As LIFT develops and becomes the primary source of investment for managing, developing and channelling funding into regenerating the primary care infrastructure, further longitudinal work might examine how ongoing partnerships are working, and how changes in the cultures of public and private partners impact upon wider relationships within local health economies and shape the delivery of patient care. Originality/value: To the authors' knowledge this is the first study of the role of culture in mediating LIFT partnerships and the findings add to the evidence on public-private partnerships in the NHS

Projeto de internacionalização de uma microempresa do setor de venda de componentes de elevadores

Trabalho de Projeto de Mestrado apresentado ao Instituto Superior de Contabilidade e Administração do Porto para a obtenção do grau de Mestre em Empreendedorismo e Internacionalização sob orientação da Doutora Celsa Maria Carvalho Machado

Expanding to institutionally different countries. Reasons, Firm International Experience, and Entry Mode Choice

We examine entry mode choice and its consequences when a multinational enterprise (MNE) expands into an institutionally different country. We argue that discussions of entry mode should distinguish between informal (e.g., culture) and formal (e.g., laws) institutions, and should take into account not just the home country of the MNE and its distance to the focal host country, but the MNE's overall footprint and experience across the world in general, especially in countries with an institutional structure that is similar to that of the focal host country. Specifically, we argue that firms with experience in countries with different informal institutions will be more likely to enter via acquisitions than firms without such experience, that such experience will not matter as much in the case of formal institutions, and that such firms will exit more quickly when they enter via equity alliances than through full acquisitions. We also distinguish between balanced and unbalanced alliances and argue that balanced alliances will be more enduring, but only when the host country is culturally (not legally) different from the other countries where the MNE has experience. Our arguments suggest that entry mode should be conditioned on a firm's experience in other markets, and that intercountry differences in formal versus informal institutions have distinct influences on entry mode.

Caso exitoso de internacionalización de la compañía de galletas Noel S.A.S y panificadora el Country

Por medio de en un estudio realizado a dos empresas de mercado colombiano, una de ellas con visión expansiva (Pan el Country) y otra presentada como caso de éxito de internacionalización (Compañía de Galletas Noel S.A.S) y basados en diferentes teorías administrativas. Se logro percibir los diferentes medios con que Noel alcanzo su posicionamiento tanto a nivel nacional e internacional y a su vez dar estrategias comparativas y competitivas para el desarrollo productivo de Pan el Country. De este modo se identifico que Pan el country con sus estrategia expansiva y por medio de una red de comercialización que lo llevo a realizar exportaciones ocasionales a Estados Unidos, cumple de manera progresiva los estándares con las que las empresas inician sus procesos de internacionalización y avanzan notablemente en la medida que haya reconocimiento de marca, y posicionamiento en el país o región determinada. Sin duda alguna las características más sobresalientes que llevan a Noel al éxito nacional, van ligadas a la innovación de productos y las grandes investigaciones que promueven a definir estrategias para penetrar en diferentes segmentos del mercado, pasos que le dan empuje a redefinir las metas y objetivos a Pan el Country en busca de un desarrollo continuo y un futuro exitoso.

Transformación cultural en redes de cooperación empresarial

Ante la globalización y las nuevas tendencias de consumo que se han venido desarrollando a través de los años, las diferentes firmas en el mundo se han visto en la necesidad de buscar estrategias que les permita ser productivas generando más valor a los consumidores. En este sentido, ha surgido la necesidad de trabajar de manera conjunta y a su vez crear lazos de cooperación entre las diferentes organizaciones para el logro de mejores resultados. Las redes empresariales son una opción de integración de procesos y recursos para las organizaciones, sin embargo durante la creación de esta se generan cambios organizacionales que impactan en factores como la cultura organizacional. El cambio en la cultura organizacional se produce de manera gradual o abrupta según la forma de cooperación que ejecuten las empresas o por el contexto externo al cual pertenezca la organización. Así mismo, el líder es el encargado de gestionar el cambio en los valores (núcleo de la cultura), prácticas o la filosofía de las organizaciones; sin el apoyo de los líderes el fracaso de una cultura organizacional en una empresa, red, clúster o alianza será incuestionable.

La adopción de un enfoque de trabajo en red: implicaciones en torno al proceso estratégico de las organizaciones

En el mundo actual el enfoque del proceso estratégico es una variable que cada vez va tomando un mayor peso e incidencia en las decisiones de los directores de empresa, sin embargo, poco se ha estudiado sobre esta variable al ser adoptado por los nuevos modelos de cooperación empresarial en las organizaciones. Es por esta razón que esta investigación busca esclarecer la aplicabilidad de las metodologías y herramientas utilizadas en la planeación estratégica de una empresa en una red, además de servir como un primer acercamiento a los aspectos más importantes en la planeación estratégica de una red.

Postgraduate Education for Physical Therapists at Cardiopulmonary Area in Colombia

This paper presents the supply of postdegree programs in the cardiopulmonary area in Colombia in orden to show its state and sufficiency. Plans of formation, objectives, curricular approach, methodology and profile of performance are analyzed in terms of costs, duration, supply, location and research capabilities. Our results show problems in regard to supply as well as unanimous criteria and strategic alliances. There are no Gremial associations that favor both discussion and analysis about epidemiologist aspects of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases in Colombia there is necessity of professionals in this area with experience. Knowledge and appropiated skills in management, administration, laws, agreements and public policies that cover the affected population. Also, it is exposed that the Universities whit this programs require support and pursuit for professionals positioning both in national and international context.Methodology A descriptive study was carried out with a data collection made in a period between April-December of 2006. Cards were done and they allowed to review different aspects such as costs, occupational profile, duration, modality, methodology, practical component and evaluation in the offering universities of programs of postdegree in the cardiopulmonary area for physiotherapists. Later an analysis was made on curriculum, profiles, objectives, contents, professional competitions the areas of research.

Elaboración del plan de negocios para marketing services outsourcing

Prestar servicios de Inteligencia de Mercados para las pequeñas y medianas empresas con el fin de diseñar y ejecutar estrategias de mercadeo y ventas basadas en un análisis previo de las necesidades de los clientes.

Definition of an it project portfolio management methodology for a pharmaceutical company

Con la creciente popularidad de las soluciones de IT como factor clave para aumentar la competitividad y la creación de valor para las empresas, la necesidad de invertir en proyectos de IT se incrementa considerablemente. La limitación de los recursos como un obstáculo para invertir ha obligado a las empresas a buscar metodologías para seleccionar y priorizar proyectos, asegurándose de que las decisiones que se toman son aquellas que van alineadas con las estrategias corporativas para asegurar la creación de valor y la maximización de los beneficios. Esta tesis proporciona los fundamentos para la implementación del Portafolio de dirección de Proyectos de IT (IT PPM) como una metodología eficaz para la gestión de proyectos basados en IT, y una herramienta para proporcionar criterios claros para los directores ejecutivos para la toma de decisiones. El documento proporciona la información acerca de cómo implementar el IT PPM en siete pasos, el análisis de los procesos y las funciones necesarias para su ejecución exitosa. Además, proporciona diferentes métodos y criterios para la selección y priorización de proyectos. Después de la parte teórica donde se describe el IT PPM, la tesis aporta un análisis del estudio de caso de una empresa farmacéutica. La empresa ya cuenta con un departamento de gestión de proyectos, pero se encontró la necesidad de implementar el IT PPM debido a su amplia cobertura de procesos End-to-End en Proyectos de IT, y la manera de asegurar la maximización de los beneficios. Con la investigación teórica y el análisis del estudio de caso, la tesis concluye con una definición práctica de un modelo aproximado IT PPM como una recomendación para su implementación en el Departamento de Gestión de Proyectos.

A novel approach to national technological accumulation and absorptive capacity: aggregating Cohen and Levinthal

The paper develops a more precise specification and understanding of the process of national-level knowledge accumulation and absorptive capabilities by applying the reasoning and evidence from the firm-level analysis pioneered by Cohen and Levinthal (1989, 1990). In doing so, we acknowledge that significant cross-border effects due to the role of both inward and outward FDI exist and that assimilation of foreign knowledge is not only confined to catching-up economies but is also carried out by countries at the frontier-sharing phase. We postulate a non-linear relationship between national absorptive capacity and the technological gap, due to the effects of the cumulative nature of the learning process and the increase in complexity of external knowledge as the country approaches the technological frontier. We argue that national absorptive capacity and the accumulation of knowledge stock are simultaneously determined. This implies that different phases of technological development require different strategies. During the catching-up phase, knowledge accumulation occurs predominately through the absorption of trade and/or inward FDI-related R&D spillovers. At the pre-frontier-sharing phase onwards, increases in the knowledge base occur largely through independent knowledge creation and actively accessing foreign-located technological spillovers, inter alia through outward FDI-related R&D, joint ventures and strategic alliances.

Choosing international linkage strategies in the electronics industry: the role of multinational experience

This paper examines how different aspects of multinational experience affect the choice of international linkage strategy. Integrating transaction cost and dynamic efficiency considerations, we empirically test the determinants of the choice between acquisitions, joint ventures (JV), and strategic alliances (SA) for the world’s largest electronics corporations in 1993–1997. We show that “country specific experience” increases the probability of commitment intensive linkage modes (such as acquisitions and joint ventures), while a positive effect on strategic alliances is caused by “variety experience”, deriving from the heterogeneity of international contexts, and by “internationalisation experience” reflecting overall involvement in international markets.