Andreas Gabriel

Conceptual framework for system analysis of family-run agricultural enterprises

The article discusses the relevance of system analysis approaches for family-run agricultural enterprises with their complex structures, and challenges. A conceptual framework for system analysis of family-run agricultural enterprises, considering the interdisciplinary and integrating principles of system theory and management cybernetics, is developed. A comparison of system-oriented modeling of such enterprises with exclusively analytical and single-discipline methods of business analysis demonstrates the benefits of system approaches. Situational knowledge of specific internal structures and the business environment of family-run agricultural enterprises can be used to enrich the framework. Managers and business consultants of these enterprises benefit from a better understanding of interrelations within the enterprises to cope with complexity. The concept further allows a differentiated analysis of management and owner-manager behavior, and of conflicting needs of enterprise and family. The adapted framework helps practitioners to use the basic system structure to execute a goal-oriented system analysis of agricultural enterprises.

Impacts of succession in family business: A systemic approach for understanding dynamic effects in horticultural retail companies in Germany

Purpose While many studies in family business research focus on mono-causal impacts of succession, the purpose of this paper is to employ a systemic approach to analyze dynamic effects of intra-family succession on multiple business areas in family-run companies. Design/methodology/approach A system analysis using a participatory approach was conducted for a reference family-run company operating in the horticultural retail sector in Germany. The Vester Sensitivity Model, supplemented with principles from system thinking was used to identify key variables related to intra-family succession. Findings Expert input and analysis of variable co-occurrence revealed key variables associated with succession such as “strategic planning,” “productivity” and “financial flexibility.” Dynamic interactions among various business areas were identified by simulating interventions in succession trajectories. In particular, key variables such as “conflicts between family and work” and “organizational climate” turned out to be highly sensitive to changes during a succession process. Practical implications The concept and design of this system analysis tool will allow practitioners such as company managers and business consultants to better understand complex interrelations within companies and provide additional guidance with regard to critical events like business transfer. Originality/value The present study uses system thinking to analyze succession and its dynamic and time-lagged impacts on affected business areas in family-run companies for the first time. Repeated application of the systemic approach presented here to real-world business cases will gradually improve the tool and the quality of information it provides.

The Costs of GM and Non-GM Co-existence in Processed Food Systems – Demonstrated for the Cases of the German Supply Chains of Chocolate and Frozen Pizza

Abstract In contrast to the increasing use of GM plants in agriculture worldwide, the acceptance of GM food is still low in the European Union. If GM food products were introduced in the EU, the German food industry would be confronted with increased efforts to separate GM and non-GM processing lines and it would have to perform compulsory quality management. This paper analyses the costs of co-existence for producers of frozen pizza and chocolate in Germany. In order to provide an idea of the general magnitude of these costs, an adaptive calculation model was developed, supported by qualitative information from expert interviews for both sectors. The case studies reveal that the possibilities of the companies are quite different in terms of size, infrastructure, and available resources to operate parallel production. Companies which already have sufficient existing facilities to run separated production lines might have the opportunity for specialisation and could manage a possible emerging GM market situation.

National innovation systems in horticulture in Germany and the Netherlands

The paper compares the innovation systems of horticulture in Germany and the Netherlands which are both important producers of horticultural products in Europe. Based on the theoretical framework of national systems of innovation the characteristics of firms and important industries, the role of universities and education institutions as well as penetration of innovations related to horticulture are analysed for Germany and the Netherlands.