Identifying factors which influence product innovation: a case study approach

Article Abstract:

This article provides an analysis of factors affecting the level of product innovation in a small enterprise setting. The perspective chosen considers the interaction of management and environmental factors and its impact on product innovation and explores how these factors interrelate to influence small business success (growth). A causal multi-site model is developed which will assist in identifying product innovation determinants for high-growth and low-growth firms. Moreover, direct and secondary explanations of product innovations will be isolated. Twelve case studies will be examined. The conclusions are that, for high-growth firms, determinants of product innovation that influenced small-business success (growth) were technology, competitive edge, research and development, product life-cycle, market change, product/market mix and customer base. For low-growth firms, customer base was a major determinant of product innovation which influenced small business success (growth). (Reprinted by permission of the publisher.)

Innovations, Product information, Small business, Growth companies

---

A test of peformance similarity among strategic group members in conforming and non-conforming industry structures

Article Abstract:

Empirical tests have produced mixed support for a membership-performance link in strategic groups, perhaps due to incomplete treatment of industry forces. We argue that strategic group concept is more useful for explaining performance differences among firms in some industries (where conditions favour conformity in firm conduct) than others. Using three industry structure constructs as criteria, 47 four-digit SIC industries are classified into 'conforming' or non-conforming' industry samples. Firms are then clustered into strategic groups in a separate treatment for each sample. Performance differences among groups are tested under conforming and non-conforming industry conditions. Tests confirm membership effects on ROA and ROE are significantly stronger in 'conforming' industries, where stronger regression relationships between conduct variables and performance also obtain. (Reprinted by permission of the publisher.)

Analysis, Testing, Industrial efficiency, Economic efficiency, Industrial management

---

The impact of the product/production process interaction on the evolution of strategic response

Article Abstract:

This article synthesizes previous research on the interaction between product and production process, and the impact of that interaction on the evolution of strategic response. This interaction has major implications for the competitiveness and productivity of the firm. The authors identify characteristics of the interaction that allow a more complete analysis of its relation to firm strategic response, productivity and competitiveness. (Reprinted by permission of the publisher.)

Manufacturing processes, Manufacturing

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Resolving the process vs. product innovation dilemma: a consumer choice theoretic approach. A new graph-theoretic heuristic for facility layout
• Abstracts: Increasing service levels in conference and educational scheduling: a heuristic approach. Constructing school timetables using simulated annealing: sequential and parallel algorithms
• Abstracts: When competition eclipses cooperation: an event history analysis of joint venture failure. The transaction costs theory of joint ventures: an empirical study of Japanese subsidiaries in the United States
• Abstracts: In frenzy to recruit, high-tech concerns try gimmicks, songs
• Abstracts: Microsoft to release latest DOS program through retail stores. part 2 Computer Sciences signs pact to provide technical services to General Dynamics

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.