Theories of technological innovation as useful tools for corporate strategy

Article Abstract:

Three theories of technology and innovation that are used to relate technological innovations to strategic management are discussed: the meta-learning concept, the concept of technological interdependence, and the product-process concept. The complementary and unifying concepts of these theories which may be of use to strategic planners are discussed. The relationship between theoretical assumptions and practical applications is illustrated, using performance indicators from the commercial aircraft industry. The emergence of technologies and rates of innovation are affected by the type of innovation, the technology's stage of development, interdependence between technologies, and user expectations.

author: Butler, John E.
Technological innovations, Industrial productivity

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A dynamic perspective on the impact of process innovation upon competitive strategies

Article Abstract:

Several case studies are presented of firms which adopted the molding technique of automatic flaskless matchplate molding to illustrate how process innovation can influence competitive strategies and patterns, as well the development of complementary technologies. The case studies analyzed firms over a 25-year period. Research findings suggest that the technologically innovative process created threats and competitive opportunities for both businesses that utilized it and those that did not adopt it.

author: Schroeder, Dean M.
Management, Planning, Corporations, Metal castings industry, Production planning

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Middle managers and strategy: microdynamics of inclusion

Article Abstract:

The role of middle managers in communicating about strategy in bureaucratic organizations was investigated. Middle managers appeared to be very dissatisfied because they felt excluded from the strategic planning process. The exclusion resulted in decreased energy levels, increased inefficiency, and increased costs. Organizations that want to have responsive middle managers should become more sensitive to how meaning is made and to the methods of involving middle managers in the sense-making process.

author: Westley, Frances R.
Telecommunications systems, Middle managers

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subjects list: Research, Analysis, Organizational research, Strategic planning (Business)
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