Journal: International Journal of Operations & Production Management

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Emerald

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ISSN

0144-3577

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2013 - 201942020 - 202512
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Publications1 - 10 of 16
  • Outside-insiders: the role of supply networks in post-M&A operational performance
    Item type: Journal Article
    Hu, Wenjin; Peng, Yuqi; Shou, Yongyi; et al. (2025)
    International Journal of Operations & Production Management
    Purpose Adopting network theory, this study explores how efficiency-driven mergers and acquisitions (M&As) affect acquiring firms’ short-term and long-term operational performance and how acquiring firms’ supply network structural attributes moderate the effects of efficiency-driven M&As in both the short and long terms. Design/methodology/approach We collect archival data from multiple sources and construct a sample that consists of 1,568 manufacturing firms during 2010–2017. We apply propensity score weighting-enabled fixed effects models to test the proposed hypotheses. Findings We find that efficiency-driven M&As lead to decreased operational performance in the short term while having a neutral effect on the firm’s long-term operations. Moreover, both supply network betweenness centrality and structural holes of the acquiring firm help attenuate the short-term negative M&A effect, whereas only betweenness centrality significantly elevates the acquiring firm’s post-M&A operational performance in the long term. Originality/value This study provides further evidence to the M&A performance literature by distinguishing the short- and long-term effects of efficiency-driven M&As. More importantly, it advances the understanding of the critical role of supply networks in tackling post-M&A challenges. It enriches the supply network literature by investigating the differential effects of betweenness centrality and structural holes, thereby disclosing the nuances between the bonding and flow functions of supply networks.
  • Company-specific production systems and competitive advantage: A resource-based view on the Volvo Production System
    Item type: Journal Article
    Netland, Torbjörn; Aspelund, Arild (2013)
    International Journal of Operations & Production Management
    Purpose – In order to improve competitiveness on a global scale, multinational enterprises increasingly develop a company-specific production system (XPS) and deploy it in their worldwide operations. An XPS is synonymous with a tailored corporate-wide improvement programme. The purpose of this paper is to explore the circumstances under which an XPS can provide a competitive advantage. Design/methodology/approach – The paper uses an explorative case study methodology to investigate the link between the establishment of an XPS and competitive advantage. Specifically, the paper investigates the part of the Volvo Group's globally implemented Volvo production system (VPS) that aim to improve the manufacturing processes worldwide. Due to its historical trajectories, Volvo constitutes a unique case for studying the trend and effects of XPS. The resource-based view of the firm provides the theoretical foundation for the analysis. Findings – The paper concludes with four research propositions. P1: In industries with widespread XPS implementation, an XPS is a necessary resource for achieving competitive parity; P2a: Early-starters get an instant temporary competitive advantage; P2b: Late-starters can achieve a temporary competitive advantage if they implement an XPS at a faster speed than competitors; and P3: An XPS can provide a sustainable competitive advantage if it has a superior fit with other path-dependent resources in the organisation. Research limitations/implications – The paper proposes an updated VRIO model, which is better suited for understanding the relations between an XPS and competitive advantage. The major limitation of the study is the single-case design, which complicates generalisation from the VPS to an XPS of the propositions set forward. Originality/value – Despite the significant trend in modern operations management, XPSs have received remarkably limited attention from academia except for the Toyota Production System. Presumably, this is the first paper to discuss the recent trend of XPS and its contribution to competitive advantage.
  • Learning lean: rhythm of production and the pace of lean implementation
    Item type: Journal Article
    Netland, Torbjörn; Schloetzer, Jason D.; Ferdows, Kasra (2021)
    International Journal of Operations & Production Management
    Purpose Why some assembly factories implement a lean program faster than others is an enduring puzzle. We examine the effect of a fundamental characteristic of every assembly factory-its rhythm of production. Design/methodology/approach We designed a multi-method study and collected data from a leading global equipment manufacturer that launched a lean program across its factory network. We use quantitative data gathered from internal company documents to test our hypothesis that production rhythm affects the pace of lean implementation. We then analyze qualitative data from interviews and factory visits to derive theoretical explanations for how production rhythm affects lean implementation. Findings Consistent with our hypothesis, we present evidence that factories with faster production rhythms implement lean faster than those with slower rhythms. This evidence is consistent with learning theories as well as the literature on organizational routines and forms of knowledge. We propose a theory of the relation between rhythm and learning in lean implementation. Research limitations/implications The hitherto unexplored relation between production rhythm and lean implementation raises intriguing questions for scholars and ushers new insights into how organizations learn to implement lean. Practical implications Organizations need to calibrate their expectations for lean implementation pace when their factories have widely different production rhythms and find ways to mitigate any adverse effects slower rhythms may have. Organizations can alleviate the unfavorable context of slower rhythms by inculcating practices in the factory that emulate the learning environment present in faster-paced factories. Originality/value We contribute novel quantitative and qualitative evidence that production rhythm affects lean implementation through learning-based mechanisms.
  • Multi-plant improvement programmes: A literature review and research agenda
    Item type: Review Article
    Netland, Torbjörn; Aspelund, Arild (2014)
    International Journal of Operations & Production Management
  • When should global manufacturers invest in production network upgrades? An empirical investigation
    Item type: Journal Article
    von Dzengelevski, Oliver; Wenking, Marian; Netland, Torbjörn; et al. (2020)
    International Journal of Operations & Production Management
    Purpose In this paper, the authors empirically investigate under which conditions production network management is effective to improve manufacturers' financial performance. For this, the authors explore contingencies between production networks and the three key dimensions of organizational environment. Design/methodology/approach A survey with senior managers was conducted for this research. The authors used a hierarchical regression analysis to test interaction effects and draw on follow-up interviews with chief operating officers (COOs) and senior managers to elaborate and explain the found associations. Findings Results indicate that manufacturers' financial performance is only associated with their network capability level if they operate in hostile competitive environments. In moderate competitive environments, improvements in the network capability level are not associated with greater financial performance. In particularly munificent environments, such production network upgrades are even associated with the opposite effect. Practical implications Results highlight in which organizational contexts upgrading production networks has positive performance implications and under which circumstances it is ineffective or even counterproductive. Originality/value The authors draw on unique survey data to add quantitative evidence to the predominantly conceptual and qualitative literature on global production networks. This is also one of the first studies to connect the topics of production networks and organizational environment. 2020 Emerald Publishing Limited.
  • Special Issue: EurOMA 2016 Conference
    Item type: Journal Issue
    (2018)
    International Journal of Operations & Production Management
  • The role of management in lean implementation: evidence from the pharmaceutical industry
    Item type: Journal Article
    Januszek, Sven; Macuvele, Julian; Friedli, Thomas; et al. (2023)
    International Journal of Operations & Production Management
    Purpose – The purpose of this study is to investigate how soft lean practices moderate the performance effects of hard lean practices. The authors provide new evidence from the pharmaceutical industry, which is characterized by a highly regulated and technical environment and has been largely uncharted in the lean literature. Design/methodology/approach – Based on a review of the literature, the authors define a set of soft and hard lean practices. The authors test the hypotheses using factor analysis and moderated hierarchical linear regression on a unique dataset containing survey data and real performance measures of 351 pharmaceutical plants. Findings – The results show that soft lean practices can be both enabling and constraining. When management engages in performance measurement, visualisation and employee empowerment the relationship between hard lean practices and performance is positively moderated. On the other hand, when managers emphasise goal setting and work standardisation the performance outcomes are reduced. Practical implications – Effective lean managers build organisational commitment by motivating other employees to implement lean. They use performance measurement, visualisation and employee empowerment to focus on the “why”. Less effective managers engage in commanding and micro-management. Such managers focus on the “what” by using practices like goal setting and work standardisation. Originality/value – This article contributes to the literature on lean management by empirically testing the moderator-variable interaction effects between soft and hard lean practices. In addition, it adds new evidence from the important pharmaceutical industry.
  • Impact pathways: towards an adapted understanding of the development of operational capabilities
    Item type: Review Article
    Wiengarten, Frank; Durach, Christian F.; Franke, Henrik; et al. (2023)
    International Journal of Operations & Production Management
    PurposeThis study is intended to motivate and guide future researchers to rethink and update their theories of operational capability development. By examining the extensive body of research on operational capabilities and working closely with an industry partner, the authors are iteratively developing new thinking about why our existing models seem to be failing and what aspects are likely to be useful in updating them.Design/methodology/approachThis pathway paper is based on observations gained through a structured literature review, close collaboration with an industry partner and discussions with other industry partners and executives.FindingsThe authors identify ways in which the operations management community could begin to challenge and expand existing models of operational capability development. They provide reflections on the network structure of operational capabilities, i.e. their interconnectedness and interactions, which are likely to evolve dynamically over time and have not yet been part of the authors' thinking about operational capability development.Originality/valueThe authors hope to stimulate new research through this pathway paper. By synthesizing their existing knowledge of operational capabilities and collaborating with an industry partner, the authors have attempted to highlight their limited knowledge of capability development. In addition, the authors offer several opportunities to rethink their existing models.
  • Exploring the archetypes of engineer-to-order: an empirical analysis
    Item type: Journal Article
    Willner, O.; Powell, D.; Gerschberger, M.; et al. (2016)
    International Journal of Operations & Production Management
  • Digitization of manufacturing: the role of external search
    Item type: Journal Article
    Lorenz, Rafael; Benninghaus, Christoph; Friedli, Thomas; et al. (2020)
    International Journal of Operations & Production Management
    Purpose: Manufacturers seek to innovate and improve processes using new digital technologies. However, knowledge about these new technologies often resides outside a firm's boundaries. The authors draw on the concept of absorptive capacity and the literature on open innovation to explore the role of external search in the digitization of manufacturing. Design/methodology/approach: The authors developed and distributed a survey to manufacturing firms in Switzerland, for which 151 complete responses were received from senior managers. The authors used multiple linear regressions to study the relations among the breadth and depth of external search, firms' adoption of digital technologies and operational performance outcomes. Findings: External search depth was found to relate positively to higher adoption of computing technologies and shop floor connectivity technologies. No significant correlation was found between external search breadth and firms' adoption of digital technologies. Regarding performance outcomes, there is some evidence that increased adoption of digital technologies relates positively to higher volume flexibility, but not to increased production cost competitiveness. Practical implications: Manufacturing firms that aim to digitize their processes can benefit from inbound open process innovation, but its utility varies for different clusters of digital technologies. Generally, the findings suggest that firms should build strong ties with a few external knowledge partners rather than surface relations with many. Originality/value: This study contributes to the growing literature on the digitization of manufacturing with an analysis of the relation between firms' external search and their adoption of digital technologies. It adds early empirical insights to the literature on open process innovation. © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited.
Publications1 - 10 of 16