This book examines how firms adapt to the pressures of increasing international competition by testing the arguments on "strategy specialization" proposed in the competitiveness literature in general, and by contributors to the "varieties of capitalism" debate in particular. If different economies are characterized by distinct institutional arrangements, successful firms would be those that exploit the related comparative advantages and specialize in the competitive strategies facilitated by national institutions.
One Political Economy, One Competitive Strategy? begins with an assessment of how many pharmaceutical firms in Germany, Italy, and the UK pursue strategies facilitated by national institutions governing the financial markets, antitrust activities, and the labor market. Quantitative analyses reveal that deviant firms, competing through institutionally unsupported strategies, outnumber conforming firms by far. Not only does this finding run counter to the expectations of the competitiveness literature, it brings up a whole new line of inquiry. How can firms compete through strategies that are not supported by national institutions? The book addresses this question and illustrates that firms do not necessarily exploit comparative institutional advantages, but that they can also circumvent institutional constraints. International markets and individual collaboration on a contractual basis allow firms to compete despite comparative institutional disadvantages. These findings suggest that trade liberalization does not lead to strategy specialization but to strategy diversification, depending on the inventiveness of entrepreneurs to develop individual approaches to compete.

Which forms of company cooperation are open to cultural scientists and what can western universities and companies learn from current concepts in Eastern Europe? Using extensive interviews with successful managers, this book is an in-depth look at exceptional models of cooperation, using insights from eight different European companies.

Since the pioneering work of Joseph Schumpeter (1942), it has been assumed that innovations typically play a key role in firms' competitiveness. This assumption has been applied to firms in both developed and developing countries. However, the innovative capacities and business environments of firms in developing countries are fundamentally different from those in developed countries. It stands to reason that innovation and competitiveness models based on developed countries may not apply to developing countries. In this volume, Vivienne Wang and Elias G. Carayannis apply both theoretical approaches and empirical analysis to explore the dynamics of innovation in developing countries, with a particular emphasis on R&D in manufacturing firms. In so doing, they present an alternative to Michael Porter's Competitive Advantage Model-a Competitive Position Model that focuses on incremental and adaptive innovations that are more appropriate than radical innovations for developing countries. Their research addresses such questions as: Do innovations advance the competitive positions of manufacturing firms in developing countries? Does the pace of innovation matter, in particular, in socio-economic and socio-political contexts? To what degree can national innovation systems and policies influence development? To what extent do a firm's innovation commitments correlate with the protection of intellectual property rights? What roles do foreign direct investment and relationships with clusters and networks play? The resulting analysis not only challenges traditional theoretical approaches to innovation, but provides suggestions for improving business practice and policymaking.

'CRM Systems in Industrial Companies' contributes new knowledge on customer relationship management (CRM) in the field of industrial marketing. Based on an in-depth case study, this book highlights the complexity and challenges in the development, implementation and use of CRM. The volume proposes an alternative conceptualization of CRM: relying on the industrial marketing and purchasing (IMP) perspective, CRM becomes a socio-technical 'resource' which needs to be connected to the other resources before it can create effects on customer relationships.

The rapid pace of technological change and globalization of products, competition and services have conspired to place a new premium on innovation for firms across the world. Although many variables influence creativity and innovation, the effective leadership of creative teams has proved especially important. This timely Handbook presents the state of the art for what leaders must do to lead creative teams and how they should do it. Handbook of Research on Leadership and Creativity is divided into three major sections. The first section on leadership functions identifies key activities that must be executed by leaders if creative efforts are to prove successful. The next section explains creative leadership using available theoretical models, examining the effects of leader behaviors on follower creativity. The final section investigates specific domains where organizations seek creativity. It covers the creative domains of research and development as well as military and academia, which have not traditionally been viewed as domains where creative leadership is critical. This comprehensive Handbook makes a significant contribution to the literature on creativity and innovation and will be welcomed as an accessible yet authoritative text by students, teachers and researchers alike. Contributors: S. Acar, R. Bathurst, L. Bennich-Bjoerkman, A. Carmeli, S. Connelly, D. De Paoli, D.C. Derrick, T.L. Friedrich, S. Hemlin, C. Higgs, S.T. Hunter, S.G. Isaksen, K.S. Jaussi, B.S. Jayne, R.K. Kazanjian, J. Kratzer, G.S. Ligon, J.B. Lovelace, M. Mance, S.E. Markham, T. McIntosh, I. Michelfelder, T.J. Mulhearn, B.H. Neely, C.L.K. Olsson, G. Puccio, R. Reiter-Palmon, A. Ropo, K. Rosing, R.P. Royston, J.B. Schmidt, L.M. Steele, J.P. Stephens, E.M. Todd, D. van Knippenberg, L.L. Watts, J. Witt Smith, S. Zaccaro, M. Zhong

This is an in-depth look at how to improve decisions on major projects at the concept stage, when there is scant information available. The book describes how to evaluate judgemental information. It looks at how scant information can actually be a strength, and can help establish a broad overall perspective.

Interpartner Dynamics in Strategic Alliances is a volume in the book series Research in Strategic Alliances that will focus on providing a robust and comprehensive forum for new scholarship in the field of strategic alliances. In particular, the books in the series will cover new views of interdisciplinary theoretical frameworks and models, significant practical problems of alliance organization and management, and emerging areas of inquiry. The series will also include comprehensive empirical studies of selected segments of business, economic, industrial, government, and non-profit activities with wide prevalence of strategic alliances. Through the ongoing release of focused topical titles, this book series will seek to disseminate theoretical insights and practical management information that will enable interested professionals to gain a rigorous and comprehensive understanding of the field of strategic alliances. Interpartner Dynamics in Strategic Alliances contains contributions by leading scholars in the field of strategic alliance research. The 13 chapters in this volume cover a number of significant topics that speak to the critical issues in the interactions between partner firms in strategic alliances. The chapter topics cover both the broader issues, such as relational mechanisms in alliances, role of interpersonal networks, parental control of joint ventures, conflict management, interpartner diversity, and multilevel embeddedness in multilateral alliances, and the more focused problems of alliance competence, roles of third parties, accounting for partner trust, relationship quality in construction alliances, and how natural resources may impact alliance formation. The chapters include empirical as well as conceptual treatments of the selected topics, and collectively present a wideranging review of the noteworthy research perspectives on interpartner dynamics in strategic alliances.

This book originates from a multiple year research project on ICT and justice in a number of EU countries. Among the projects major objectives was the development of new methodologies for facilitating ICT-based innovation in the judiciary.

As globalization creates the need for leaders who transcend national borders, this book provides an insider's view of what makes them special. This is the first book to present a framework for understanding this fast-growing and influential group and it provides tools for readers to discover their own inner competitive edge.

Risk Culture is a practical volume devoted to the qualitative aspects of risk management, including those that should be firmly embedded in the corporate culture. Through descriptions, examples and case studies, the book analyzes weak and strong cultures and proposes a series of structural and behavioral actions to strengthen a company's culture.

Globally, the retail industry loses in excess of $230 billion a year due to 'shrinkage' - the euphemistic term used by the industry to cover financial losses that retailers face through spoilage, damage, error and theft. It is a problem that has proved stubborn to resolve and highly resilient to the swathe of 'solutions' developed to try and reduce its impact.
This book is an attempt to develop fresh thinking on how to effectively manage retail loss by challenging the existing preconceived ideas about not only what constitutes shrinkage, but also the approach that should be adopted to deal with it. It is premised upon developing a systemic and systematic understanding of the root causes of shrinkage, recognising the pivotal role operational failures have in creating the opportunities and circumstances in which shrinkage can occur.
This text offers one of the most comprehensive and challenging accounts of retail loss prevention to date. Designed for students and practitioners alike, it provides new insights into a problem that has plagued the retail industry since its inception.

This book illustrates different organizational perspectives for achieving sustainable corporate success. Its contributions cover a range of research areas that have been developed at Prof. Gilbert Probst's Chair of Organization and Management at the University of Geneva over the past twenty years. By analyzing current research questions and highlighting corresponding managerial challenges, this book provides a comprehensive view on corporate growth, change management, crisis management, knowledge management, and managing corporate boundaries.

The increasing use of innovative technologies by global businesses has sparked debate about their application in crisis resolution. Resolution tools can be used by global businesses to manage various types of crisis situations, such as natural disasters, information security issues, economic downturns, health crisis situations, and sustainability issues in education, among others. Further study and consideration of the uses of technology in the areas of crisis and change management and intra-company communication practice in the context of global business must be done to ensure successful and sustainable businesses. Future Role of Sustainable Innovative Technologies in Crisis Management raises awareness of the multifaceted field of new technology in crisis management that has resulted in a paradigm shift in the way contemporary industries and global businesses communicate and conduct their daily business operations. This book defines the scope of innovative technologies as the application of new technologies to support the resolution of various types of crisis situations to achieve regulatory compliance and improved risk management in an effective and automated manner. Covering topics such as sustainable business and disaster scenarios, this reference work is ideal for managers, entrepreneurs, researchers, academicians, scholars, practitioners, instructors, and students.

Digital technologies maintain an important tool in today s business economy. As the economy continues to change, businesses seek out solutions in order to enhance and develop their organization. Business Innovation, Development, and Advancement in the Digital Economy highlights the competitive advantages on the emerging digital economy. Bringing together the classic economy theory and the developments of new technology, this book provides research on current innovations in the digital economy. It is vital resource for practitioners, researchers as well as graduate and undergraduate students.

In this book, an experienced poker player takes the game's philosophy and applies it to various business situations. Readers learn how to develop a poker mind-set to help them in all aspects of their business lives. Whether you are negotiating a deal, managing your finances, marketing products, running a business or trying to climb the corporate ladder, a solid poker strategy can prove invaluable. Before making a move in any of these areas, you should read this insightful book to learn how to play your hand with maximum strength.

Neuroscience is a multidisciplinary research area that evaluates the structural and organizational function of the nervous system. When applied to business practices, it is possible to investigate how consumers, managers, and marketers makes decisions and how their emotions may play a role in those decisions. Applying Neuroscience to Business Practice provides theoretical frameworks and current empirical research in the field. Highlighting scientific studies and real-world applications on how neuroscience is being utilized in business practices and marketing strategies to benefit organizations, as well as emergent business and management techniques being developed from this research, this book is a pivotal reference source for researchers, managers, and students.

This book provides a holistic and pragmatic approach to performance management throughout the business value chain, and demonstrates the optimal design and use of performance management in order to achieve competitive advantage. A wealth of best practices, case studies and real-world examples are used to reveal the diversity of performance measurement methods, methodologies and principles in practice. Readers will gain comprehensive insights into the status quo of performance management, including primary functions such as supply, operations and sales, and secondary functions like finance, human resources, and information systems. Focusing on 'best-in-class' performance excellence, the book offers the ideal guide for any organization pursuing competitive advantages across all corporate functions and focusing on value-adding activities.

Reflections of a Serial Entrepreneur includes hundreds of questions and pointers that will be invaluable to any aspiring entrepreneur. Filled with practical, useful, and accurate ideas on every aspect of a newborn company, this is a how-to field manual to getting it done. The author has built and operated five companies in different industries so his ideas cross industry lines and will work for every business. Too many entrepreneurs think their business is unique or harder than others. Stoddard feels the challenges we face are similar and therefore the solutions are universal. His practical and proven techniques will apply to your business regardless of what industry you are in. He brings real world workable and proven techniques to the subject matter and arms the newly minted entrepreneur with the right ammunition to guarantee success. Bud Stoddard has a no-nonsense, tell it like it really is approach that will entertain as well as enlighten the reader. If you have ever considered starting your own business, Reflections of a Serial Entrepreneur is must reading and will return the purchase price a thousand times over.

'The Financial Crisis' has led to a decade of poor returns for pension schemes and lower retirement incomes. Credit-based investment strategies that track the business cycle, are allowing preservation of investors' capital. This book provides analysis and investment strategy plans to generate equity-like-returns with bond like volatility.

In this fourth volume of The Deals of Warren Buffett, we trace Buffett’s journey as he made Berkshire Hathaway the most respected company in the world.

When we left Buffett at the end of Volume 3 towards the end of the 1990s, he was leading the largest corporation in America and his personal fortune had reached $40 billion. In this enthralling next instalment, we follow Buffett’s investment deals over the first few years of the 21st century, as Berkshire grew to become a giant with annual profits north of $4 billion.

Buffett, then in his early 70s, was still tap dancing to work, thoroughly enjoying analysing companies, finding bargains and interacting with his growing team of managers.

By studying the decision-making that went into his investment deals and the successful and unsuccessful outcomes, we can learn from Buffett and become better investors ourselves.

During this period, exploiting the low prices following the dot-com crash, Buffett made investments in the following companies: MidAmerican Energy, CORT, Moody’s, H&R Block, Shaw Industries, Star Furniture, Jordan’s Furniture, Ben Bridge Jeweler, Justin Boot, Acme Brick, Benjamin Moore and CTB.

For each of these deals, investing expert and Buffett historian Glen Arnold dives into unprecedented detail to analyse the investment rationale, the stories of the individuals involved and, where possible, the profits Buffett made.

Developed from the author's own practical experience, this unique resource details a proven, 10-step approach to cost reduction, and provides a series of tools to help you achieve sustainable cost reduction in your business while avoiding the damage of ""slash and burn"". ""A New Strategy for Continuous Improvement"" presents a new 'Operations Improvement Cycle'. This cycle provides the benchmark, priority and guidance that were missing in the original cycle. This is achieved through a three stage process involving 10 specific steps. Additionally, it explores the issues with the traditional approach to continuous improvement and cost reduction and then takes you through the three stages and the '10 Steps' in detail. Working with this manual will change your approach to cost reduction forever. Not only will you save money on an ongoing basis, but these proven techniques will have an impact almost immediately!

The theory of path dependence continues to attract great interest in a range of disciplines. An increasing number of scholars have started to explicitly use this theory for studying organizational inertia and institutional rigidities. This volume presents a collection of papers from various international conferences that address these issues.

This is a very timely book! Public procurement for innovation has become a prominent tool of demand-side innovation policy in recent years. A better understanding of the underlying assumptions and intentions, as well as the opportunities of this bundle of instruments and their limitations, is highly relevant for both innovation policy analysts, students and practitioners. The book presents the latest knowledge and insights of world-leading experts in the field of public procurement for innovation.' - Stefan Kuhlmann, University of Twente, the Netherlands, President of the European Forum for Studies of Policies for Research and InnovationPublic procurement for innovation (PPI) is a demand-side innovation policy instrument. It occurs when a public organization places an order for the fulfillment of certain functions or needs, which cannot be met at that moment or within a reasonable period of time through a new or improved product. Providing evidence of the benefits to public and private actors from selective use of this policy instrument, this book illustrates the requirements and constraints for its operationalization. It significantly improves our knowledge of the key determinants of effective public procurement, aiming to promote innovative capabilities in the supplying sectors and beyond. It also provides case studies and conceptual contributions that help extend the frontier of our understanding in areas where there are still significant knowledge gaps. Scholars interested in the study of innovation policies and practitioners involved in the design, implementation and evaluation of PPI will benefit from this state-of-the-art exploration. Contributors: Y. Caloghirou, J. Edler, C. Edquist, A.T. Furtado, L. Georghiou, Y. Li, J. Nauta, P. Panaghiotopoulos, A. Protogerou, C. Garcia Ribeiro, J. Rigby, M. Rolfstam, L. Tsipouri, E. Uyarra, V. Valovirta, H. van Meerveld, N.S. Vonortas, G. Whyles, J. Yeow, J.M. Zabala-Iturriagagoitia