Embedded ties and the acquisition of competitive capabilities

We build on previous research that explores the external acquisition of competitive capabilities through the embedded ties that firms form in networks and alliances. While information sharing and trust have been theorized to be key features of the interorganizational ties that facilitate the acquisition of competitive capabilities, we argue that these mechanisms provide an incomplete explanation because they do not fully address the partially tacit nature of the knowledge that underlies competitive capabilities. Joint problem‐solving arrangements play a prominent role in capability acquisition by promoting the transfer of complex and difficult‐to‐codify knowledge. Drawing on a set of case studies and a survey of 234 job shop manufacturers we find support for the role of joint problem solving with suppliers in facilitating the acquisition of competitive capabilities. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Poverty: Deprivations in terms of basic needs

Although income-based poverty focuses on an important dimension of poverty, it only gives a partial picture of the many ways in which human lives can be blighted. This study focuses on deprivations in terms of the most basic needs, such as access to safe water and sanitation. Policy makers and other people usually ask, 'With the new government in place, has poverty become worse or are we winning the fight against poverty?' The study seeks to investigate if there have been improvements in the situation in South Africa between 1995 and 1999. The October Household Surveys conducted in 1995 and 1999 are used in the study. The t-test is used to assess the statistical significance of the changes.     

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The M-form: Industrial groups,American style

This paper reviews the evolution of industrial groups in the United States and then briefly compares their historical development with that of groups in other advanced market economies. The central role of the shift from attempting to achieve market control through contractual cooperation to achieve it through administrative efficiency, is underlined. Such a shift has occurred much earlier in the United States than in other economies.