The Sicilian cooperative system of wine production

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 391-421
Author(s):  
Valeria Borsellino ◽  
Francesca Varia ◽  
Cinzia Zinnanti ◽  
Emanuele Schimmenti
Keyword(s):  
Strategic Alliances ◽  
Strategic Alliance ◽  
Cooperative System ◽  
Agricultural Policies ◽  
Strategic Choices ◽  
Wine Production ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Structural Problems ◽  
Long Run

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to verify whether, besides the traditional organisational models mainly implemented by wine-making cooperatives, more modern and hybrid organisational forms can be profitably applied within an increasingly competitive wine market. Design/methodology/approach The study outlined in this paper deployed a mixed method. Specifically, an archived analysis, a survey and a descriptive case study (including visits, interviews and documentary analysis) were the methodological techniques used in this study, which were “in series but integrated” between themselves. In this paper, the landscape of Sicilian wine cooperatives is described by collating and processing different types of statistical sources, which have been integrated by direct surveys undertaken in 2017. Thereafter, the study focussed on a wine cooperative with a specific business model and a strategic edge by analysing its strategic choices and main structural and governance characteristics. Within this case study, a financial ratio analysis, which was based on 2011-2017 financial statements, was conducted to analyse the profitability, financial balance, capital structure and debt relationships of the wine cooperative. Findings The Sicilian wine cooperative system is still predominantly characterised by partial and vertical integration, implemented by cooperatives which elect to sell mainly bulk wine to wine merchants. In such a context, there is scope for other degrees of integration and strategic inter-firm alliances; the latter includes “vertical quasi-integration”. The study demonstrated how the wine cooperative under investigation is overcoming the structural problems of the regional wine sector and why it is retaining such a strategic alliance with one of the most important Italian wine conglomerates. Indeed, it has acquired greater strength and reliability since its collaboration with the aforementioned wine company. Thus, total revenue and the company’s market share of packaged wine have increased. However, there are still margins for improving sales’ profitability. Research limitations/implications This study has territorial limitations but Sicilian wine cooperatives generally play an important role in the regional, Italian and European wine industries. As such, this research should be considered as an exploratory study, deserving further investigation into different strategic choices within the wine cooperative system by performing cross-case comparisons. Results may also be useful in orienting cooperative strategies in Sicily (or further afield) to small-to-medium wine cooperatives, often lacking specific abilities relating to the distribution, marketing and selling of their wine. Public agricultural policies may also be enlightened by these research pathways. Originality/value The authors contend that their study provides hitherto missing information relating to inter-firm strategic alliances, which wine cooperatives might implement to enhance their competitiveness and survive in the long-run.

Knowledge transfer in Hero Motor Corp Ltd.

2014 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 260-263
Author(s):  
Geeta Rana ◽  
Alok Kumar Goel ◽  
Ajay Kumar Saini
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Transfer ◽  
Strategic Alliances ◽  
Strategic Alliance ◽  
Influencing Factor ◽  
Transfer Of Knowledge ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The Us ◽  
Cross Country

Purpose – This paper aims to examine the issues of knowledge transfer in international strategic alliance within Hero Moto Corp. Ltd., an Indian multinational company. International Strategic alliances have been increasing in numbers in the past decades and transfer of knowledge and its transfer in multinational companies is wider debate. The case explores the complex issues involved in cross-organization and cross-country transfer of knowledge. The company has forged a strategic alliance with the US-based Erik Buell Racing for accessing technology and design inputs. Design/methodology/approach – It presents a structured case study that examines a wide range of knowledge transfer issues of international strategic alliance. Findings – It reveals that a major influencing factor is the national culture of the parents and that of the host country which provides the context with in which alliances are operate. It is also explored the ways in which the multi-parentage of strategic alliances influences their Human Resource Management (HRM) policies and practices. Originality/value – It provides plenty of useful information on an issue that affects virtually every employee and organization.

Town centre cooperation: changing perception of property owners

2017 ◽  
Vol 45 (11) ◽  
pp. 1200-1212 ◽  
Author(s):  
Johan Håkansson ◽  
Madelen Lagin ◽  
Johanna Wennström
Keyword(s):  
Strategic Alliance ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Long Run ◽  
Property Owners ◽  
Town Centre ◽  
Big Box ◽  
The Town

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate if, and how, different stakeholders perceive property owners (PO) have changed their activities in a town centre after increased competition, and if this has led to a different perception of the PO’ stakeholder group. Design/methodology/approach A comparative follow-up case study is conducted through semi-structured interviews on changes in the town centre management (TCM) stakeholders’ perceptions of the role, benefit, and contribution of PO. The interviews are carried out before and after the establishment of a big-box retailer, which makes it possible to analyse possible changes in the perceptions in relation to the overall role of the PO when retail competition increases. Findings A limited number of PO and local authorities have started working more strategically and proactively by creating a time-restricted alliance that goes beyond the work of the TCM organisation. Although the activities of the PO have increased, this is not fully understood by everyone in the town centre, especially the retailers. Research limitations/implications In comparison with other studies, this study clearly indicates that the property owner plays a key strategic role in enabling town centre development. This role is broader than what the original TCM literature suggests and is based on the aspects of resource coordination and distribution. Practical implications In order to create the opportunity to develop a town centre in the long run, it is of strategic importance that the PO are in agreement with the development plans. In addition, it is necessary to consider those members who should be part of the strategic alliance. Originality/value By conducting a comparative follow-up case study, the authors are able to contribute with a deeper understanding of how stakeholders’ perceptions change over time. The authors extend the current literature by showing that the PO are a key stakeholder due to their organisational resources and their ability to facilitate town centre development.

Partner selection for strategic alliances: case study insights from the maritime industry

2010 ◽  
Vol 110 (6) ◽  
pp. 841-860 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marina Z. Solesvik ◽  
Paul Westhead
Keyword(s):  
Competitive Advantage ◽  
Strategic Alliances ◽  
Financial Stability ◽  
Strategic Alliance ◽  
Selection Process ◽  
Partner Selection ◽  
Maritime Industry ◽  
Case Study Methodology ◽  
Content Type

PurposeThe purpose of this exploratory study is to examine the partner selection criteria reported by maritime firms in Norway. The study aims to analyze how a maritime firm's competitive advantage can be enhanced by the selection of the right partner with reference to a strategic alliance.Design/methodology/approachA multiple‐case study methodology was used. Archival, survey and interview data were explored relating to the partner selection process reported by Norwegian maritime firms. Primary data were gathered from semi‐structured personal interviews with managers of Norwegian maritime firms.FindingsCase study evidence suggests that the strategic alliances were successful when partners had been carefully selected. As detected elsewhere, successful alliances were associated with partners that had managed to build trustful and honest relationships, had common strategic goals, and partners that supplied resources and competencies. Notably, it was detected that cyclicality in the maritime industry shaped the partner selection process. Trust between partners was used as mechanism to reduce uncertainty relating to the strategic alliance process. Firms seeking long‐term alliances selected partners with substantial capital and financial stability to survive a market's downturn, as well as the resources required for expansion during a recession.Practical implicationsPresented findings have implications for practitioners, especially for managers of shipping firms, banks, shipyards, producers of ship equipment, ship design firms, and ship brokers. Practitioners need to be aware that the rationale for inter‐firm collaboration change over time, and motives are linked to the phase of the maritime cycle. Inter‐firm collaboration provides competitive advantage benefits to firms and collaboration can protect as well as create jobs and can create wealth in maritime communities.Originality/valueA novel conceptual contribution is the exploration of links between maritime industrial cyclicality and the partner selection process relating to strategic alliances. The study also adds to debates relating to the profiles of internationalizing smaller firms.

A qualitative study on evolution of relationships between third-party logistics providers and customers into strategic alliances

2014 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 2-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sanjay Sharma ◽  
Aniket Ghosh Choudhury
Keyword(s):  
Strategic Alliances ◽  
Strategic Alliance ◽  
Evolutionary Process ◽  
Third Party ◽  
Business Strategies ◽  
Third Party Logistics ◽  
Case Study Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach

Purpose – The purpose of this exploratory study is to highlight the stages in the relationship which eventually lead to an integrated logistics alliance. Design/methodology/approach – The stages involved in the evolutionary process have been explained with the help of concepts of mental models and knowledge-related asymmetries. The study has been justified by applying multiple case research design which involves examples of successful logistics alliances. Findings – The analysis using case study approach provides a detailed overview how third-party logistics providers develop successful relationships with different industry firms over a period of time which eventually lead to innovations benefiting both the partners. Research limitations/implications – In the paper, a qualitative case study methodology has been adopted which is limited in nature when compared to quantitative approach. Nevertheless, the multiple cases discussed in the paper involve organizations from diverse sectors thus providing a holistic perspective and adding value to the current strategic alliance literature. Practical implications – The complete understanding of the concepts discussed in this paper will help companies revisit their business strategies and identify areas of improvements in their current engagement practices with third-party logistics providers. Originality/value – Many a time, relationships fail to develop into an alliance and research related to the attributes causing these failures might be limited. In the past, though many papers have talked about strategic alliances between third-party logistics providers and customers, little has been discussed about how such relationships evolve into successful strategic alliances.

Ethical strategic alliances for the sustainable recovering of a territory

2017 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 230-249 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonella Silvestri ◽  
Stefania Veltri
Keyword(s):  
Strategic Alliances ◽  
Strategic Alliance ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Ethical Perspective ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Main Research ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Social Innovations

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyze a case study of an ethical strategic alliance operating in a depressed territory belonging to the South of Italy, with the aim to investigate whether an alliance guided by ethic principles could be effective in recovering a territory while pursuing, at the same time, economic aims for the alliance itself and for the whole territory. Design/methodology/approach The paper uses a case study approach. The analyses of the case data, including in-depth interviews and documentary evidence, interpreted by the authors and supported by literature review, allow for the main research question to be addressed: “Could ethical networks contribute to recover a territory?”. Findings The case analysis delivers new insights into the relationships between business and ethics. The findings also provide evidence that it is possible, even in a depressed area, to conjugate ethics and business with reciprocal advantages for the organizations and the territory, in the light of the creed of the Magna Grecia, kalokagathìa (the good and the beautiful). Social implications The findings of the GOEL strategic alliance provide evidence of the role that could be played by networks in supporting social innovations, thus highlighting clear implications for policy makers, as there is still scarce empirical evidence available to inform governments on how they can influence, support and facilitate the formation of networks. Originality/value This is one of the few studies adopting an ethical perspective in studying alliances and, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, the first study pursuing the aim to investigate how and whether an ethical network can succeed in recovering a depressed territory.

Measuring intellectual capital in a firm belonging to a strategic alliance

2015 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 174-198 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefania Veltri ◽  
Andrea Venturelli ◽  
Giovanni Mastroleo
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Expert System ◽  
Intellectual Capital ◽  
Strategic Alliances ◽  
Strategic Alliance ◽  
Empirical Work ◽  
Organizational Level ◽  
Decision Making Process ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Scant Attention

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to propose a method to measure intellectual capital (IC) in firms involved in strategic alliances, an area that has received scant attention in the literature, as existing research is focused mainly on organizational level mainly and increasingly on macro-level unit such as regions or nations. There are very few works at the meso-level (i.e. alliances, clusters), and the paper aims to fill this void, by providing researchers and practitioners with a tool capable of combining measurement and management aims, developed at organizational level with the active participation of the researchers. Design/methodology/approach – The method of analysis is based on a model formalized through a fuzzy expert system (FES). The FES are able to merge the capabilities of an expert system to simulate the decision-making process with the vagueness typical of human reasoning, maintaining the ability to still have a numeric value as a response. Its construction requires the participation of experts, whose knowledge of the problem is accumulated in the form of blocks of rules. These features make it possible to formalize the decision-making process related to the IC valuation, handling qualitative and quantitative variables, and exploring the cognitive mechanisms underlying this process. Findings – The outcome of the application is a system designed to measure the intangible performance deriving from participation in a strategic alliance using FES. This study contributes to the broadening of the research community’s understanding regarding the alternative measurement of IC created within strategic alliances. Research limitations/implications – To the best of the authors’ knowledge, IC literature lacks methods expressly designed to measure the incremental value of IC originating from collaboration among firms. From a measurement perspective, the results may be regarded as valuable proof that IC performance within strategic alliances can be measured quantitatively. Practical implications – On the management side, the possibility of retracing the determinants of different IC intermediate indicators composing the final IC index allows strategic alliances managers to use this information for decision-making purposes. Originality/value – To the best of the authors’ knowledge this is the first study applying FES to measure IC in a firm belonging to a strategic alliance. In the authors’ opinion, fuzzy logic methodology, recently applied in empirical work designed to evaluate IC, represents a reliable methodology because of the “fuzzy” nature of IC.

Strategic alliances of shopping centers in Brazil: network perspective

2017 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 167-186 ◽  
Author(s):  
Renata Maria de Almeida Bastos Gomes ◽  
Fabio de Oliveira Paula ◽  
T. Diana L. van Aduard de Macedo-Soares
Keyword(s):  
Strategic Alliances ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Network Characteristics ◽  
Alliance Networks ◽  
Slowing Down ◽  
Contractual Arrangements ◽  
Management Perspective ◽  
Relational Factors ◽  
The Right

Purpose The shopping center (SC) industry in emerging countries has grown fast over the past decade; however, recently, it is showing signs of slowing down. Nevertheless, some SC-companies perform well. As those firms operate in alliance networks, relational opportunities and risks should be considered in their strategic analyses. Although there is a significant amount of research on SC from a marketing perspective, there is a dearth of research on strategic alliances from an SC management perspective. This paper aims at answering the following question: How do characteristics of the alliance networks of leading SC-companies contribute to their success by mitigating the structural threats the SC-industry in Brazil is facing? Design The case study method was adopted for analyzing two leading Brazilian SC-companies. Several data sources were used to allow for data triangulation. The lack of literature on strategic alliances and the SC-industry, as well as the research’s exploratory nature, justified this choice. Findings The research made evident that the SC-companies’ alliance network characteristics not only mitigate some of the structural industry threats but also enhance opportunities. It illustrated how firms can conduct a strategic analysis from a network perspective with the right tools. It also made evident how much more accurate the results of a comprehensive relational analysis are compared with traditional analyses that do not consider the strategic implications of relational factors. Practical implications The research contributed to SC management by highlighting the importance of taking into account the network characteristics of their relationships with key partners and of considering these as alliances and not merely contractual arrangements. Originality/value There is a dearth of research on the strategic implications of alliances of firms that own and manage a portfolio of SCs, as well as of their relationships with other actors in the industry, such as retailers and real estate owners, from a network perspective.

Knowledge management within a strategic alliances context: past, present and future

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nisha Bamel ◽  
Vijay Pereira ◽  
Umesh Bamel ◽  
Giuseppe Cappiello
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Strategic Alliances ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Strategic Alliance ◽  
Average Rate ◽  
Research Field ◽  
Intellectual Structure ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Current State ◽  
Literature Reviews

Purpose This paper aims at reviewing the extant knowledge management (KM) research field within a strategic alliance context to understand the historical roots, its temporal progression, current state and potential future in a meaningful way. Design/methodology/approach Data for this study was retrieved from the Scopus database using a systematic literature search process. The bibliometric characteristics of 393 research documents were analyzed using bibliometric and structured network analysis. Findings The findings of the study suggest that the publication in the field have been growing with an average rate of 8.48%. This analysis also lists the most productive and impactful authors, main outlets, and the most impactful secondary and primary publication in the field. In addition, the conceptual and intellectual structure of the research field was constructed and discussed. Originality/value This paper uses an objective and quantitative approach by reviewing the related publications and virtually included all the relevant publications in the analysis, which was seen to be uneconomical when doing traditional literature reviews.

Saudi telecom: an example of accelerated internationalization

2014 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 71-96 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lyn Suzanne Amine ◽  
Golam Mostafa Khan
Keyword(s):  
Secondary Data ◽  
Direct Access ◽  
Strategic Choices ◽  
Resource Based View ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Portfolio Development ◽  
Contingency View ◽  
Case Development ◽  
Theoretical Analyses

Purpose – A new case study of accelerated internationalization (AI) shows that in only two years, Saudi telecom (STC) entered markets across the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. Managerial analysis identifies reasons for success while questioning strategic choices and their implications. Theory-driven analysis reviews STC's experience in light of selected theories and frameworks. This case is also intended for teaching purposes. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – Responding to Welch et al.'s call, the authors use “interpretive sense-making” and “contextualized explanation” and highlight environmental context in the case study development. The authors review case-based research, explain data collection problems, present managerial and theoretical analyses of the case, discuss the findings relative to the literature, and suggest directions for research. Findings – Case analysis reveals STC's focus on global portfolio development as a driver of AI. Theoretical analysis confirms the psychic distance construct and its paradox, as well as the notion of epochs of internationalization while warning that the path and stages models of internationalization are at odds with AI. The authors call for a contingency view of the resource-based view as a function of context. Research limitations/implications – Limitations arise from the use of secondary data for case development because direct access to this Saudi company was not feasible. Practical implications – AI is popular among wealthy Gulf telecoms ambitious for growth. Regional competition in the Gulf is characterized by copycat and follow-the-leader strategies which preclude elaboration of unique, inimitable or non-substitutable assets, resources or capabilities. Originality/value – This innovative approach to case development provides a rich database for probing analyses of managerial and theoretical implications of AI in a Gulf-based company.

Avoiding alliance myopia: forging learning outcomes for long-term success

2014 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
pp. 37-44 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hamid Mazloomi Khamseh ◽  
Maryam Nasiriyar
Keyword(s):  
Learning Outcomes ◽  
Strategic Alliances ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Strategic Alliance ◽  
Two Dimensions ◽  
Alliance Portfolio ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Intended Learning Outcomes

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop a framework for understanding the learning outcomes of strategic alliances. Design/methodology/approach – On the basis of two dimensions of any strategic alliance – that is, similarity or dissimilarity of contribution of partners and explorative or exploitative nature of alliance – the author proposes a framework that recognizes four types of learning outcomes. Findings – The distinction of four types of alliance enables the author to identify their distinctive characteristics and learning outcomes. Originality/value – The paper increases the awareness of managers about the learning outcomes of strategic alliances, which helps managers to consider intended learning outcomes not only in planning, managing and evaluating any individual alliance but also in managing the alliance portfolio.

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