Anna Dubois

Systematic combining: an abductive approach to case research

Abstract Case studies are frequently used in industrial network research. In this article, we discuss the difficulties and opportunities characterizing the case study approach. In particular, we deal with single case research aiming at theory development. For this purpose, we suggest an approach based on ‘systematic combining’ grounded in an ‘abductive’ logic.

The construction industry as a loosely coupled system: implications for productivity and innovation

Previous research suggests that the construction industry is characterized by (1) particular complexity factors owing to industry specific uncertainties and interdependences, and (2) inefficiency of operations. The aim of this study was to analyse the operations and behaviour of firms as a means of dealing with complexity. The observations made indicate that the industry as a whole is featured as a loosely coupled system. Taking this as a starting point, the couplings among activities, resources and actors were analysed in different dimensions. The pattern of couplings builds on two interdependent layers: tight couplings in individual projects and loose couplings based on collective adaptations in the permanent network. It is concluded that the pattern of couplings seems to favour short term productivity while hampering innovation and learning.

The Multiple Boundaries of the Firm

The notion of firm boundaries has received considerable attention in theories of the firm that address the problems of investment incentives and mitigation of hold-up problems. In this paper we attempt to develop a different approach to the problem of vertical firm boundaries, based on recent advances in the capabilities view of the firm. Our arguments rely on the pioneering insights of Penrose, Richardson and Loasby to elaborate a view of the boundaries determined by the interaction of the firms direct and indirect capabilities with other actors. We develop the notion of indirect capabilities to highlight how firm boundaries respond to the distribution of capabilities in the economy as well as the modes of access to complementary and external capabilities. We conclude that the evolution of firm boundaries must be understood in the context of decisions on how the firm relates to other actors in its environment.

Why relationships do not fit into purchasing portfolio models—a comparison between the portfolio and industrial network approaches

Abstract Purchasing portfolio models have received a great deal of attention during the last two decades. The simplicity of application and the focus on power-dependence balancing has been appreciated by practitioners and academics alike. In this paper we argue that using ‘given’ products as a port of departure, in addition to a dyadic perspective on purchasing management, may be counterproductive where purchasing efficiency is concerned. First, the object of exchange is not ‘given’ when firms interact, but may be subject to continuous joint development. Second, the dyadic perspective may obscure potentials for enhancing productivity and innovativeness since both parties have other relationships that impact on the collaboration between them.

Interdependence in supply chains and projects in construction

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to inquire into the management of construction supply chains by directing attention toward the different types of interdependencies that exist in such chains and in construction projects.Design/methodology/approach – The paper is developed as part of two ongoing research projects on supply chain management (SCM) in construction. A case study approach is used for illustrating the production and subsequent delivery and installation of plasterboards to a specific construction project. This description reveals extensive coordination among a number of companies and features interesting examples of the consequences of the interdependencies identified.Findings – The paper concludes that the strong emphasis on coordination of sequential interdependence within individual supply chains does not fit with the complex interdependencies present in and among supply chains and projects in construction. In addition to sequential interdependence it describes and illustrates pooled interde...

Strategic cost management across boundaries of firms

Abstract In recent years, increasing attention has been placed on how purchasing strategies may contribute to the efficiency of firms. In this paper, a case study illustrates how one firm implemented a supplier base reduction to enable a high involvement strategy in relation to appointed key suppliers. The effects of this change in purchasing strategy were extensive cost rationalisations. The main change in this process was a redefinition of the unit of analysis from individual transactions to buyer–supplier relationships. However, the costs in the relationship are driven not only by internal factors on the two sides of the relationship but also by how the focal relationship relates to other relationships. Therefore, the ways in which the costs are affected by other parties, such as the suppliers supplier, the suppliers other customers, the customers other suppliers, and the customers customers, need to be included in the analysis.

Purchasing and supply management and the role of supplier interfaces

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide an historical account of the evolution of the purchasing and supply management (PSM) field from the perspective of resource interfaces between buying firms and their suppliers. This historical account is then used as a platform to develop a framework for understanding of the capabilities required to manage a cluster of resource interfaces. Design/methodology/approach – The paper uses an historical survey of practices and ideas in the PSM field to develop a theoretical argument on capabilities to manage resource interfaces between buying firms and their suppliers. Findings – The paper proposes a framework linking learning, interactive capacity and interactive capability as they evolve through the interplay between resource interface type, organizing principle and technology strategy. Research limitations/implications – This paper contributes a conceptual framework focussing on the capabilities that underpin the management of individual resource interfaces. Practical implications – The paper offers the following practical implications: first, the firm needs to consider what type of interface applies in the relationships with its suppliers: second, the firm needs to consider its technological strategy in light of its current supplier interfaces and organizing principles: third, the internal as well as external organizing needs to be aligned with what the firm proposes to achieve from its supplier relationships and be congruent with the interfaces deployed to manage those relationships: fourth, interacting with suppliers is a matter of learning regarding the outcomes of the interaction as well developing interactive capacities and capabilities. Originality/value – The paper provides a first attempt to go beyond the characterization of individual resource interfaces in buyer-supplier relationships, to look at the capabilities required to manage multiple resource interfaces and the dynamics underpinning paths of development for those capabilities.

“Systematic Combining”: An approach to case research

Abstract “Systematic combining” is a non-linear, non-positivistic, approach to case study research. The paper describes the central features of this research framing with regard to two basic processes: matching and direction/re-direction. These processes impact, and are affected by, two significant forms of interplay: theory vs. empirics, and the analytical framework vs. the evolving case. Major diversities in relation to the mainstream literature on case studies are discussed with regard to the perspective on the research process, the view of multiple and single case studies, the relevance of replication and generalization, and the role of the context. Moreover, three current challenges for qualitative research are identified. First, increasing methodological specialization and sophistication tend to disintegrate methodology from the important linkages to theory and research phenomenon. Second, mainstream requirements for replication and generalization lead to isolation of the research phenomenon from the empirical context, thus undermining the main advantage of the case study approach. Third, in order to improve the scientific recognition of qualitative case studies, researchers need to develop their abilities to convince readers about the relevance of their findings by providing better accounts for the research approach applied.

Technical Development in Networks - The importance of third parties

A number of recent studies have emphasised the importance of inter-organisational relationships with regard to technical development. Drawing on the recognition that neither single firms nor individual relationships can be analysed in isolation, we focus in this paper on the importance of third parties for the development of a relationship. That is, every relationship is assumed to be connected to other relationships and thus to various third parties. The analysis is based on a case study and focused on interdependency among resource entities. These resource entities are categorised into products, facilities, business units and relationships. The conclusions are twofold. Firstly, the characteristics of third party impact have been found to be partial, un-symmetrical and non-proportional. Secondly, we show that the value of a relationship for the involved companies is highly dependent upon connections to third parties.

Organizing Activities in Industrial Networks: The Case of Volvo S80

This chapter addresses the organization and efficiency of activity structures. The aim is to further our understanding of how firms choose to organize their activities within industrial networks, where efficiency analysis cannot be limited by firm boundaries. As a starting point we use Richardson’s (1972) model for analyzing the activity structure for the development and production of the Volvo S80. More specifically, Volvo’s relationships with two of its module/systems suppliers are analyzed. The case shows that the actors involved strive to achieve efficiency through realizing economies of scale where possible. These potential economies of scale are, however, limited by the actors’ efforts to create unique end products. These contradictory ambitions result in a situation in which a number of different dependencies between activities need to be coordinated. Thus, the characteristics of various activity dependencies have strong implications for the organization of the activity structure.