Alberto Nucciarelli

Big data and the transformation of operations models: a framework and a new research agenda

Abstract Big Data has been hailed as the ‘next big thing’ to drive business value, transform organisations and industries, and ‘reveal secrets to those with the humility, willingness and tools to listen’ (Mayer-Schönberger and Cukier, 2013: 5). However, despite growing interest from organisations across industry sectors, Big Data applications appear to have concentrated on delivering incremental change and operational efficiency improvements, with little evidence on using Big Data to facilitate strategic, transformational change. In this paper, we explore how Big Data can be used across different sectors in leading organisations and examine the ways in which it is fostering change in the core operations models of organisations. A definition of ‘operations model’ is developed and the core dimensions of an operations model are then examined, namely capacity, supply network, process and technology, and people development and organisation. Through a series of case studies, we examine the role of Big Data in affecting some, or all, of these dimensions in order to generate value for the organisation by optimising, adapting or radically transforming the operations model. Following our analysis, we develop a tentative framework which can be used both for understanding how Big Data affects operations models, and for planning changes in operations models through Big Data. We set out a new research agenda to systematically understand the full potential of Big Data in transforming operations models.

How smart cities transform operations models: a new research agenda for operations management in the digital economy

Abstract The notion of smart cities is growing in prominence in the digital economy. The integration of urban infrastructures with information and communication technologies enables the development of new operations models. Digitised infrastructures offer opportunities for public and private organisations to design and deliver more customer-centric products or services, particularly for those that require geographical proximity with consumers in the online to offline (O2O) context. A framework is developed and used to analyse three case examples. These cases illustrate the emergence of new operations models and, demonstrate how smart cities are redefining the characteristics of operations models around their scalability, analytical output and connectivity. We also explore the feasibility, vulnerability and acceptability of each new operation. This paper contributes to our understanding of how smart cities can potentially transform operational models, and sets out a research agenda for operations management in smart cities in the digital economy.

Information technology and collaboration tools within the e-supply chain management of the aviation industry

Abstract This paper investigates strategic actions and grand strategies in the aviation industry. To address this purpose, a review of main strategic change is conducted and information technology is considered as a key factor to identify behaviours of main players. In this context, collaboration emerges as one of the core aspects driving the e-supply chain management. A specific and increasing role is given to e-marketplaces where integration and co-operation seem to be the appropriate competences to create durable competitive advantages. This paper does not attempt to consider the full range of e-tools developed in the aviation industry, but at the same time it highlights the impact of information and communication technologies on customer relations and supply chain management.

A Phylogenetic Classification of the Video-game Industry’s Business Model Ecosystem

Since 1990, Business Models emerged as a new unit of interest among both academics and practitioners. An emerging theme in the growing academic literature is focused on developing a system that employs business models as a focal point of enterprise classification. In this paper we attempt a historical analysis of the video game industry business model evolution and examine the process through the prism of two-sided market economics. Based on the biological school of phylogenetic classification, we develop a cladogram that captures the evolution process and classifies the industry’s business models. The classification system is regarded as a first attempt to provide an exploratory and descriptive research of the video game industry, before attempting an explanatory and predictive analysis, and introduces a system that is not governed by the industry’s specific characteristics and can be universally applied, providing a map for researchers and practitioners to test organisational differences and contribute further to the business model knowledge.

Should next generation access networks fall within the scope of universal service? : a European union perspective

Abstract In 2010 the European Commission (EC) undertook a review of its current Universal Service Obligation (USO) to discuss whether or not broadband should be included in it. In fact, convergence of telephony, internet and media, further market liberalization and rapid technological development in the broadband market challenge the traditional definition of USO and increasingly question its notion of a “basic set of communication services”, which does not include broadband. In this context, the paper looks at the origins, the theoretical arguments for, and the empirical basis of the USO in light of the ongoing debate in the EU, and links these arguments to technological developments and changing demand conditions in European broadband markets. The authors propose that the European Commission should include in its future USO regulation provisions for a wider set of services based on Next Generation Access (NGA) networks rooted in the ECs new regulatory approach. Even if these provisions have not been included in the new USO framework in November 2011 further discussions are needed to account for the new realities of broadband markets in the European Union.

How to measure the success rate of fiber-based access networks? Evaluation of the Stokab case and comparison to other European cases

Within the European telecommunications industry, there is a trend towards the development of fiber-based access networks, more specifically Fiber-to-the-Home (FttH) networks. However, the rollout progress of these networks across Europe differs significantly. Several successful business cases exist in Sweden, the Netherlands and Denmark, while other countries such as Belgium and the United Kingdom clearly lag behind in the deployment of these networks. Using a conceptual framework for description and analysis, this paper aims to identify drivers for success by evaluating and comparing different European cases. One of them, Stokab in Stockholm, is thoroughly investigated to identify what drove the city of Stockholm to invest in the rollout of an FttH network and what makes its business model economically sustainable. In addition, the Stokab model is compared with other successful business cases in Europe (in particular the Netherlands, Germany and Greece) and the advantages and disadvantages for each model are highlighted. The paper concludes by arguing about the possible reasons why no action is taken so far in other European countries.

The international telecommunications imbalances: an empirical analysis

This article investigates different determinants of telecommunications traffic imbalances between outgoing and incoming international traffic flow among 24 worldwide countries. The methodological approach followed in the article deals with the implementation of an econometric model that estimates the impact of both macroeconomic and telecommunications-specific variables on international traffic imbalances. The empirical investigation conducts to two main results: (a) it shows the relevance of political and economic manoeuvres influencing macroeconomic indicators; (b) it focuses on the role of telecommunications-specific variables in increasing or decreasing traffic imbalance. These results can be referred to as economic and regulation aspects of telecommunications.

Risk identification in the infrastructure construction industry: a supply chain case study

The objective of this article is to describe the risk identification within a supply chain of an infrastructure construction project. This research is based on a case study of risk management within a supply chain in the infrastructure construction industry. Data have been collected from an international company emphasising the stage of risk identification. A particular view of risk management has been adopted. More specifically, a way to identify risk within the construction industry has been given. Technical and operational evidences have been revised and organised in order to take a first step in the direction of a systematic treatment. It has highlighted some crucial issues dealing with risk identification, while risk assessment and risk response provide an opportunity for further research. The article has underlined how risk management can be seen as the way to discover existing risks that are preventing firms from advancing their strategy. Main insights that emerged dealt with five categories: strategic objectives; critical success factors; environment and stakeholder influences; key performance indicators and principal risks; principal risk response strategies.