Article Abstract:
A multi-attribute technique for assessing acquisition partners is presented. An acquired and an acquiring firm can be viewed as a two-member subset of multi-attribute items. The firm evaluating a certain number of acquisition candidates should evaluate that many two-member subsets of multi-attribute items. A balance model can be used identify the preferences of decision makers for subsets so that the degree of balance among subset items is reflected. The steps in the implementation of the balance model include identifying the attributes of the acquiring and acquired firms, evaluating the subsets of the profiles of the acquiring and acquired companies, and evaluating candidate companies by using a specific formula. An application of the balance model to the cosmetics industry has shown that the model can provide an appropriate description of the acquisition decision.
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Article Abstract:
The effectiveness of a customer support team depends on its ability to minimize coordination gaps. This involves reducing the time, space and information gaps between each member of the team with the use of information technology (IT). The challenge for management is designing IT that can assist in the management of coordination gaps in customer support teams. A study is conducted to examine the determinants of such gaps, the characteristics of the problem resolution process and IT that affect coordination gaps, and the interrelation among the characteristics of the problem resolution process, the properties of IT and the coordination gaps. Findings indicate that coordination gaps result when the characteristics of the problem resolution process and those of IT do not fit.
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Article Abstract:
A study was conducted to characterize an approach to new product development in high technology industries called real-time definition. The approach correlates product definition processes with market and competitive environments. Definition was refined in real-time based on customer information that leads to enhancements in the product's sales potential. A product development team starts the definition process using a concept of developing a product that supports the specific needs of a customer. The team then maximizes product design and the production process to manufacture the product at the lowest cost possible. To promote a better understanding of how competition influences product definition, a duopoly scenario was modeled.
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