Fabio Antoldi

The Role of Network Facilitators in Fostering Trust within Strategic Alliances: A Longitudinal Case Study

Abstract The paper describes how the role of network facilitator played by a third party institution may substantially contribute to the development of trust among SMEs involved in a strategic alliance. In our work, empirical evidence is presented by a longitudinal analysis of a case history. The case study focuses on eight international-oriented SMEs located in an industrial district in Northern Italy that built up a formal network called ‘I-Style Partners’. Two rounds of in-depth interviews were carried out with firm leaders and facilitators managers involved in the strategic alliance over a three-year period. This paper contribute to theory generation suggesting a three-stage process model in which a network facilitator may enhance interorganizational trust by constituting in turn a substitute of alliance members’ perceptions of ability, integrity and benevolence.

Export Consortia in Developing Countries

Export Consortia in Developing countries , Export Consortia in Developing countries , مرکز فناوری اطلاعات و اطلاع رسانی کشاورزی

Strategic Networks, Trust and the Competitive Advantage of SMEs

Network-based research shows that the internationalization process of firms is largely driven by network relationships. Joining a network can be even more important for SMEs, as they face a variety of internal constraints due mainly to the lack of financial and managerial resources.

Reconsidering the multi-sports club business model: designing effective new strategies in the face of environmental changes

Purpose This paper aims to discuss the importance of reconsidering the business model in the organizations, to ensure success over time. The paper lies on the analysis and development of the strategies of ten “Societa” Canottieri’ – multi-sports clubs in Northern Italy. Design/methodology/approach The strategies of these clubs have been studied via detailed interviews, as well as data and document analysis. Subsequently, two workshops with the management of the clubs were carried out, to collect evidence of the challenges to their sustainability and to identify possible strategies to overcome these challenges. Findings Drawing on Osterwalder’s Business Model Canvas framework and Demil et Lecocq’s approach to business model (a Penrosian approach about the on-going dimension of change as a permanent state of organization), the paper describes how recently emerging issues (external and internal changes) have challenged the traditional business model of these clubs. Finally, authors identify specific actions necessary to (re)create a new value proposition and to modify the sports clubs’ organization in the future, to assure sustainability and success. Originality/value Currently, business model analysis within contexts of (apparent) no economic value creation still remains a relatively unexplored field. The paper describes an effective methodology to implement the business model analysis into a group of independent non-profit organizations. To implement this analysis, the authors adopted the model of Business Model Canvas, but using a transformational and dynamic approach.

Internationalization of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises

The international activities of small firms are constrained by several barriers, including limited resources and capabilities to invest in exploiting growth opportunities abroad. This is particularly true of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in developing countries, which are characterized by fewer managerial resources, experience and support services compared to their counterparts in developed countries.

Empirical Analysis of Nine Export Consortia of SMEs in Morocco, Tunisia, Peru and Uruguay

In this chapter we present the empirical evidence which forms the basis of this book. Our analysis covers nine export consortia supported by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) in developing countries between 2004 and 2007: four in Peru, three in Morocco, and one each in Tunisia and Uruguay.

Export Consortia: Types and Characteristics

Export consortia are a particular form of inter-firm network dedicated to fostering the internationalization of SMEs. Forming horizontal ties with other domestic partners may enable small firms to solve a variety of export problems including organizational and financial issues, an inadequate or incomplete value proposition, and a lack of information about foreign markets. Export consortia can be classified on the basis of various factors, such as scope, objectives, sectors, types of relationship between partners, location of partners, size and number of partners

The Management of Export Consortia: A Pragmatic Approach

A specific approach is necessary in order to understand the management issues of export consortia as they possess particular characteristics which differentiate them from other types of network. Building on the nine case studies presented in Chapter 4, we develop a framework for analyzing the management of export consortia. We also describe certain strategic management tools that are able to assist consortium executives in formulating and implementing effective strategies as well as monitoring performance. Our framework focuses on six activities related to the setting-up and management of export consortia: managing the strategic alignment of member firms; formulating consortium strategy; designing the organizational structure; leveraging on strategic resources and competences; enforcing corporate governance and leadership; measuring consortium performance.