Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of a manufacturer’s absorptive capacity (AC) on its mass customization capability (MCC). Design/methodology/approach – The authors conceptualize AC within the supply chain context as four processes: knowledge acquisition...

A China strategy is becoming more important for a growing number of mid-sized companies as they observe China's increasingly greater impact on the U.S. economy. Our study surveyed Indiana and Guangdong firms to assess their interest in future international engagement in the other's country. Our...

Identifying the unique U.S. state-level factors that more often give rise to Chinese firm-led investment is the central focus of this article. Looking at Chinese investment in the United States between 2007 and 2011, this article (1) explores the determinants underlying the locational choices of...

Research on large firms shows that cooperative strategies have the potential to improve performance by helping firms gain access to necessary resources, enter new markets, and spread the risk over several partners. Interviews with thirty-four small business managers show small firms also can...

During the last two decades, strategic planning has become one of the more important administrative systems for senior‐level executives. Researchers, consultants, and corporate staff have invested a great amount of time and effort in both learning how to design planning systems and training...

Analyses four firms to determine if they develop the ability to be selective and to determine what factors have the greatest impact on discrimination. Discrimination skills involve the ability to discriminate or to discern differences among decision situations and to choose appropriate...

Describes a simulation that provides an alternative method for teaching managers about the organizational renewal process and about the skills which are necessary to effect change in organizations. The simulation is based on theories about change, diffusion of innovations, and power and...