This paper examines the mediating effects of dynamic capabilities on the relationship between global knowledge management competences and competitive advantage. The predictions of dynamic capabilities were tested using a sample of international enterprises in Taiwan. The results indicate that dynamic capabilities are the key to competitive advantage. The performance of an organization can be considered as the outcome of a complex isomorphism and reciprocal influences between its internal and external competences and dynamic capabilities related to environmental uncertainty and turbulence. Structural equation analysis is applied to empirically testify the relationships and the path model suggests that dynamic capabilities of an organization play an important role on transforming global knowledge management competences toward competitive advantage. These results provide evidence of the dynamic capabilities view that the dynamic capabilities refer to the capacity of the firm to shift its boundaries in order not to be overwhelmed when the environment pressure becomes excessive.

While mobile technologies and applications are rapidly and widely utilized and adopted in electronic commerce (E-commerce), it is extremely important to better understand the value creation, business model capability and core component capability in mobile commerce (M-commerce). In this study, we conduct the secondary data analysis and use a value shop model to analyze the innovation in technological knowledge, business model, and dynamic capability aspects used in Internet-enabled commerce (I-commerce) versus M-commerce. A set of critical dynamic capabilities for each innovation is then identified. These results provide great insight for practitioners and scholars for enhancing their understanding of M-commerce innovation, and provide guidelines to help practitioners adapt from I-commerce to M-commerce innovation.

In this dissertation I first develop a theoretical framework that explores different components of dynamic capabilities related to firm’s boundary-spanning linkages across two different types of inter-organizational activities - alliances and networks. I argue that there are four different subsets of dynamic capabilities simultaneously at work: alliance opportunity-sensing, alliance opportunity-seizing, network opportunity-sensing and network opportunity-seizing. Furthermore, I argue that there are significant interaction effects between these distinctive subsets driving the firm’s overall effectiveness in sensing and seizing of novel and innovative external opportunities. In order to explore potential interdependencies and draw distinctions among different dynamic capability subsets I integrate concepts from the two theoretical perspectives that often neglect the emphasis of the other - the dynamic capability view and the social network perspective. I then test the hypothesized relationships in the context of firms actively patenting in nanotechnology. Nanotechnology innovations are multidisciplinary in nature and require search and discovery across multiple inter-organizational, scientific, geographic, industry, or technological domains by a particular firm. The findings offer support for the conceptualizations of dynamic capabilities as consisting of distinct subsets of capabilities for the sensing and the seizing of external new-knowledge opportunities. The findings suggest that firm’s innovativeness in an interdisciplinary scientific field such as nanotechnology is the function of the vector of multi-dimensional dynamic capabilities that are context-specific. Furthermore, the findings also suggest that there are inherent trade-offs embedded in different dimensions of dynamic capabilities when deployed across a wide range of inter-organizational relationships.

The emergence of the dynamic capabilities view has essentially extended the resource-based view, while also providing an integrated framework for an understanding of how firms evolve and how they secure competitive advantage in rapidly changing environments. While much research into dynamic capabilities has been developed in the theoretical and qualitative arenas, there has of yet been limited empirical support for its core assumptions. Such a limitation, authors have noted, may be due to its equivocal framework and the lack of a model with specified antecedents. This research conducts both conceptual and empirical works to address this gap. The primary goal of the research is to clarify the conceptual structure of dynamic capabilities, while also investigating potential micro-foundations of dynamic capabilities and their influences on firm performance. These micro-foundations, as the research traces back to the origins of dynamic capability from much firm capability and strategic management literature, could potentially include innovation, processual formalisation, social integration platforms (i.e. employee training and education) and the application of information technology. Alternatively, the research also looks into a possible extension of the dynamic capabilities view by extending inter-firm activities. In this part, the exploratory focus is on the relationship between a firm’s intended actions and its employment of alliance portfolios for capability and resource development. Using a subsample in the Australian manufacturing SME sector (from the Business Longitudinal Survey), the research finds a significant mediating effect of market transformation on the inter-relationships within the nexus of dynamic capabilities and firm performance. The empirical evidence of the research suggests that a firm’s dynamic capabilities are able to be viewed as a driver of competitive performance of firms insofar as they become evident in marketplaces. In other words, a firm’s development of dynamic capabilities confers upon the firm an adaptive capability in response to, or indeed perceiving, market dynamics, which in turn leads to superior performance. For the issue of inter-firm capability development, the research also finds that a firm’s capability development is indeed able to be achieved through some potential inter-firm specific activities. The empirical findings suggest that, for a purpose of capability development, alliance portfolios employed by a firm are able to be viewed as an approach to filling its resource stock or exploiting a perceived opportunity in its operational and strategic environments. In addition to the provision of empirical evidence, the research also extends the discussion of capability development by utilising a contextual case discussion in Taiwan’s ICT industry. Comparing strategy adoptions between OBM and OEM/ODM from Taiwan’s ICT businesses, the research reveals that many firms’ long-term and successful path dependencies that are absent the mediating arrangements discussed above may in fact form an obstacle to financial performance and growth into new business locales. / http://proxy.library.adelaide.edu.au/login?url= http://library.adelaide.edu.au/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?BBID=1522593 / Thesis (Ph.D.) -- University of Adelaide, Business School, 2010

O desenvolvimento das capacidades dinâmicas habilita a empresa à inovar de forma mais eficiente, e por conseguinte, melhorar seu desempenho. Esta tese apresenta um framework para mensuração do grau de desenvolvimento das capacidades dinâmicas da empresa. Através de técnicas de text mining uma bag of words específica para as capacidades dinâmicas é proposta, bem como, baseado na literatura é proposto um conjunto de rotinas para avaliar a operacionalização e desenvolvimento das capacidades dinâmicas. Para avaliação das capacidades dinâmicas, foram aplicadas técnicas de text mining utilizando como fonte de dados os relatórios anuais de catorze empresas aéreas. Através da aplicação piloto foi possível realizar um diagnóstico das empresas aéreas e do setor. O trabalho aborda uma lacuna da literatura das capacidades dinâmicas, ao propor um método quantitativo para sua mensuração, assim como, a proposição de uma bag of words específica para as capacidades dinâmicas. Em termos práticos, a proposição pode contribuir para a tomada de decisões estratégicas embasada em dados, possibilitando assim inovar com mais eficiência e melhorar desempenho da firma. / The development of dynamic capabilities enables the company to innovate more efficiently and therefore improves its performance. This thesis presents a framework for measuring the dynamic capabilities development. Text mining techniques were used to propose a specific bag of words for dynamic capabilities. Furthermore, based on the literature, a group of routines is proposed to evaluate the operationalization and development of dynamic capabilities. In order to evaluate the dynamic capabilities, text mining techniques were applied using the annual reports of fourteen airlines as the data source. Through this pilot application it was possible to carry out a diagnosis of the airlines and the sector as well. The thesis approaches a dynamic capabilities literature gap by proposing a quantitative method for its measurement, as well as, the proposition of a specific bag of words for dynamic capabilities. The proposition can contribute to strategic decision making based on data, allowing firms to innovate more efficiently and improve performance.

O desenvolvimento das capacidades dinâmicas habilita a empresa à inovar de forma mais eficiente, e por conseguinte, melhorar seu desempenho. Esta tese apresenta um framework para mensuração do grau de desenvolvimento das capacidades dinâmicas da empresa. Através de técnicas de text mining uma bag of words específica para as capacidades dinâmicas é proposta, bem como, baseado na literatura é proposto um conjunto de rotinas para avaliar a operacionalização e desenvolvimento das capacidades dinâmicas. Para avaliação das capacidades dinâmicas, foram aplicadas técnicas de text mining utilizando como fonte de dados os relatórios anuais de catorze empresas aéreas. Através da aplicação piloto foi possível realizar um diagnóstico das empresas aéreas e do setor. O trabalho aborda uma lacuna da literatura das capacidades dinâmicas, ao propor um método quantitativo para sua mensuração, assim como, a proposição de uma bag of words específica para as capacidades dinâmicas. Em termos práticos, a proposição pode contribuir para a tomada de decisões estratégicas embasada em dados, possibilitando assim inovar com mais eficiência e melhorar desempenho da firma. / The development of dynamic capabilities enables the company to innovate more efficiently and therefore improves its performance. This thesis presents a framework for measuring the dynamic capabilities development. Text mining techniques were used to propose a specific bag of words for dynamic capabilities. Furthermore, based on the literature, a group of routines is proposed to evaluate the operationalization and development of dynamic capabilities. In order to evaluate the dynamic capabilities, text mining techniques were applied using the annual reports of fourteen airlines as the data source. Through this pilot application it was possible to carry out a diagnosis of the airlines and the sector as well. The thesis approaches a dynamic capabilities literature gap by proposing a quantitative method for its measurement, as well as, the proposition of a specific bag of words for dynamic capabilities. The proposition can contribute to strategic decision making based on data, allowing firms to innovate more efficiently and improve performance.

The UK Fashion Industry (FI) is both volatile and fast-changing. Notably, the clothing and jewellery industry contributes £16 billion annually to the UK’s revenues. However, small and medium-sized (SMEs) fashion companies are stressed to survive the harsh global competition. The companies have to manage their routine projects, thinking constantly about keeping their market position and how to develop further in their industry. Thus, the FI requires an in-depth understanding of the success factors to survive in this competitive marketplace. A detailed literature review has been conducted to discover the background of the FI and also to understand the basic requirements of daily operations and strategies used for development and growth. As there is not much empirical study available in the area of FI, a qualitative exploratory study has been chosen as the research methodology for this particular research. A multiple case studies approach was chosen to cover eight case studies located in Leicester, Luton and London. The study is interpretative and social constructionism is its philosophical approach; and hence, the context of the study has to be interpreted in its own ethnographical setting, why and how participants construct the meaning of project management (PM). This data triangulation provided the study qualitative credibility of the findings. The data analysis found four main themes, comprising fifteen sub-themes. ‘PM capabilities’ is the most important theme for completing the daily routine operations; these are also highly utilised in the UK FI SMEs. ‘Sensing new opportunities’ is the second important theme for advancing further; these are utilised by SMEs to remain up-to-date with the market environment. ‘Manufacturing capabilities’ is the third theme found helping SMEs with their routine manufacturing base in the UK: how they extended their trade through manufacturing. ‘Jewellery industry (JI) capabilities’ is the fourth theme helping the JI to outsource and deal with trust and relations in their trade. The study contributes to the UK FI SMEs by suggesting Dynamic Project Management (DPM) approaches specific to each industry, namely, the clothing, jewellery and designer industries. Research findings also suggest that new dynamic strategies need to be sensed, adopted and learned for the development and survival of these SMEs. The benchmarking tool, provided through status categories, will guide any company in the FI to compare its progress and take steps for further development. PM tools and techniques suggested for use by these FI SMEs will also help them with further improvement in project operations.

This study adopts a dynamic capabilities perspective to explore the activities and processes through which business model innovation arises in established organisations. New and innovative business models are fundamental to the commercialisation of latest technologies, performance, competitive advantage, as well as the creation of value for customers, the focal company and its ecosystem. Yet, our current understanding of how established companies design and implement new business models is limited by a lack of empirical research. The dynamic capabilities perspective offers a promising route to investigate the managerial and organisational activities and practices through which business model innovation is enacted. Based on a review of the business model, business model innovation and dynamic capabilities literatures, business model innovation is framed as a dynamic capability and research questions are developed. These questions are investigated using grounded theory methodology, collecting and analysing data from five case studies from the manufacturing, financial services, media, consulting, and healthcare industries. Findings from an initial sample suggest a business model innovation process consisting of an inception, evolution and diffusion phase, encumbered by cognitive, emotional and behavioural challenges. Linking the findings to the dynamic capabilities perspective, three micro-foundations, namely, process orchestration, learning, and deployment mechanisms are identified. Findings from a subsequent theoretical sample not only unravel the underlying managerial and organisational activities of these micro-foundations, but also reveal further details on the challenges faced, as well as the key role of senior management for orchestrating and enacting this process and its underlying activities. Considered collectively the findings offer a novel understanding of how business model innovations come about in established organisations, a practice labelled ‘crafting business models in statu nascendi’. The dissertation closes with a discussion and synthesis of the findings, the theoretical contribution and managerial implications, as well as limitations of the present study and areas for future research.

Tendo como base o contexto da indústria de etanol que apresenta incertezas, oportunidades e ameaças, os preceitos teóricos da obtenção de vantagens competitivas sustentáveis a partir do desenvolvimento de capacidades dinâmicas e a análise de ambientes complexos e com a presença de incertezas por meio de cenários, este trabalho apresentou a seguinte questão de pesquisa: Quais são as implicações para o desenvolvimento de capacidades dinâmicas pelas destilarias brasileiras de possíveis cenários do mercado internacional de etanol em 2020? Para respondê-la foi realizado um estudo exploratório, em uma abordagem qualitativa e de natureza aplicada, o qual compreendeu duas etapas. Inicialmente foram elaborados cenários para o mercado internacional de etanol em 2020. Para tanto, utilizou-se o método de elaboração de cenários proposto por Wright e Spers (2006). Em seguida, foi realizada uma pesquisa de campo com uma empresa do setor de etanol, tendo em vista analisar a consistência dos cenários elaborados e explorar empiricamente o conceito de capacidades dinâmicas. Assim, foi realizado um estudo de caso com uma destilaria localizada em Jacarezinho Paraná. Neste trabalho, o escopo dos cenários foi a configuração futura do mercado internacional de etanol. O horizonte de tempo foi 2020, uma vez que grande parte da regulamentação que indica expansão da demanda do mercado internacional baseia-se neste ano. Foram produzidos quatro cenários (Etanol: um biocombustível comercialmente viável, Etanol: a commodity energética global sustentável, Etanol: foco no mercado interno, e Etanol: uma commodity regional) que posteriormente foram submetidos à análise de consistência e indicação do mais provável pela empresa pesquisada neste estudo. Foi indicado como mais provável o cenário Etanol: a commodity energética global sustentável. A partir do cenário mais provável, a empresa pesquisada indicou que, para o futuro, o desafio será desenvolver as capacidades dinâmicas necessárias para capturar as oportunidades e dois pontos importantes foram destacados pela empresa, e que vão de encontro ao segundo grupo de capacidades propostas por Teece (2007), principalmente no que se refere ao delineamento de modelos de negócios e desenvolvimento de ativos complementares. Conforme foi destacado pelo dirigente durante a entrevista, será necessário desenvolver um novo modelo de negócios para as usinas, pois essas são muito suscetíveis às oscilações de mercado de curto prazo, principalmente em relação ao preço do álcool, preço do açúcar, preço do petróleo e preço do milho. Há a necessidade de novas fontes de receita nos períodos de baixa no mercado. Além disso, a empresa enxerga como grande obstáculo para o futuro o desenvolvimento de infra-estrutura logística para a exportação. / Based on a context of the ethanol industry that presents uncertainties, opportunities and threats, on the theoretical background of obtaining sustainable competitive advantage through the development of dynamic capabilities and on the analysis of complex situations using scenarios, this study analyzed the following research question: What are the implications for the development of dynamic capabilities by Brazilian ethanol distilleries of possible scenarios of the global ethanol market in 2020? To answer this question an applied exploratory study was conducted with a qualitative approach. in two stages. Initially scenarios were developed for the international market in 2020, using the scenario development method proposed by Wright and Spers (2006). Next, a field research was conducted with a company in the ethanol industry in order to analyze the consistency of the scenarios developed and empirically explore the concept of dynamic capabilities. Thus, a case study was performed with a firm located in Jacarezinho - Paraná. In this work, the scope of the scenarios was the future state of the international market for ethanol. The time horizon is 2020, since much of the regulations indicates that expansion of demand in the international market is based on this year. It was produced four scenarios (\"Ethanol: a commercially viable biofuel\", \"Ethanol: a sustainable global energy commodity\", \"Ethanol: focus on the domestic market,\" and \"Ethanol: a regional commodity\") that subsequently were analyzed for consistency and indicated the more likely by the company investigated in this study. It was indicated as the most likely scenario \"Ethanol: a sustainable global energy commodity\". From the most likely scenario, the company surveyed indicated that for the future, the challenge will be to develop the dynamic capabilities necessary to capture the opportunities and two important points were highlighted by the company, and are aligned with the second set of capabilities proposed by Teece (2007), especially with regard to the design of business models and development of complementary assets. As noted by the manager during the interview, it will need to develop a new business model for companies, because they are very susceptible to fluctuations in short-term market, especially with the price of alcohol, sugar prices, oil prices and price of corn. There is a need for new sources of revenue in periods of market declines. In addition, the company sees as an obstacle to the future the development of transport infrastructure for export.

In light of the global mining industry’s record profits in 2011, this inquiry explored the institutional drivers of mining multinational’s subsidiaries overall performance. Using a lens of institutional theory, this inquiry explored why the subsidiaries of emerging mining multinationals have outperformed the subsidiaries of developed mining multinationals in emerging markets.The inquiry used Mann-Whitney U hypothesis testing to compare the financial performance of 46 emerging mining subsidiaries and 39 developed mining subsidiaries. The inquiry ran eight multiple regression models to test subsidiary performance variables against institutional variables obtained from the 2011/2012 Fraser Institute annual survey of mining companies.The findings support and add to the institutional and international business literature. Emerging multinational enterprises and their subsidiaries possess dynamic institutional capabilities which allows them to better manage institutional uncertainty than developed multinational enterprises and their subsidiaries in emerging markets. An institutional development model has been developed to assist managers of multinational enterprises reduce their institutional uncertainty in emerging markets. / Dissertation (MBA)--University of Pretoria, 2012. / Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) / unrestricted