Indirect capabilities and complex performance : implications for procurement and operations strategy

Spring, Martin and Araujo, Luis (2014) Indirect capabilities and complex performance : implications for procurement and operations strategy. International Journal of Operations and Production Management, 34 (2). pp. 150-173. ISSN 0144-3577

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Abstract

Purpose – The paper argues that indirect capabilities – the ability to access other organizations’ capabilities – are an important and neglected part of firm strategy in PCP (Procuring Complex Performance) settings, and that this is especially so if these settings are treated as genuinely complex, rather than merely complicated. Elements of indirect capabilities are identified. Design/methodology – This is a theoretical paper, drawing on complexity notions and Penrose’s analysis of endogenous innovation to drive a disequilibrium-oriented discussion of the capabilities required by firms in a PCP setting. Findings – Six inter-related elements of indirect capabilities are proposed and discussed: IT infrastructure; boundary management practices; contracting; interface artefacts; valuing others’ capabilities and relating direct to indirect capabilities. These are important in PCP settings and in other operations and supply settings characterised by complexity. Originality/value – This paper reconsiders the way complexity has been treated in the PCP literature, and develops an extended discussion of the notion of indirect capabilities. It potentially provides the basis for an operations and supply strategy more attuned to the demands of shifting inter-organizational networks.

Item Type:
Journal Article
Journal or Publication Title:
International Journal of Operations and Production Management
Additional Information:
This article is (c)2014 Emerald Group Publishing and permission has been granted for this version to appear here . Emerald does not grant permission for this article to be further copied/distributed or hosted elsewhere without the express permission from Emerald Group Publishing Limited.
Uncontrolled Keywords:
/dk/atira/pure/core/keywords/managementscience
Subjects:
?? complexitypcpindirect capabilitiespenrosenetworksmanagement sciencemarketingstrategy and managementdecision sciences(all)management of technology and innovationhb economic theorydiscipline-based research ??
ID Code:
68982
Deposited By:
Deposited On:
25 Mar 2014 11:37
Refereed?:
Yes
Published?:
Published
Last Modified:
31 Dec 2023 00:25