Browsing by Autor "Robert McClelland"

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A dynamic capabilities approach of Industry 4.0: the experiences of managers operating in two emerging economies
(Emerald Publishing Limited, 2022) Oanh Thi Kim Vu; Abel Duarte Alonso; María Alejandra Buitrago Solis; Samuel Goyzueta; Trung Quang Nguyen; Robert McClelland; Thanh Duc Tran; Ngan Mai Nguyen; Hoa Thi Ngoc Huynh; Erhan Atay
Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine the implementation of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) through the lens of the dynamic capabilities framework. Contrary to most existing research, this study chooses a cross-national viewpoint, exploring companies operating in two emerging economies. Design/methodology/approach Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 80 company managers operating in eight industries in Vietnam and Bolivia. The chosen inductive analysis was supported by qualitative content analysis and data structure. Findings The analysis reveals 13 conceptual dimensions. For instance, sensing opportunities underlines tangible and intangible “direct prospects”, such as enhanced accuracy, speed and cost effectiveness, whereas “operational management pressures” (sensing threats) identify the dilemma of changing individuals’ mindset, recruitment and addressing financial needs. While there is an overall agreement in key dimensions, differences between managers from both countries also arise, including staff’s adaptation and constant upskilling. Originality/value Empirically, this study responds to calls for cross-national studies investigating I4.0 initiatives. In doing so, the data gathered from company managers engaged in business in emerging economies afford new perspectives, with practitioner value. Theoretically, the numerous dimensions emerging from the data analysis provide useful conceptual insights to understand managerial aspects in considering and adapting to I4.0 expectations and requirements. These insights are reinforced by the development of a conceptual model that illuminates the initiatives, efforts and challenges of embracing this phenomenon.
“The beginning was traumatising” – Industry 4.0: a lifesaver or disruptor? A knowledge-based viewpoint
(Taylor & Francis, 2023) Oanh Thi Kim Vu; Abel Duarte Alonso; María Alejandra Buitrago Solis; Samuel Israel Goyzueta Rivera; Trung Quang Nguyen; Robert McClelland; Mathews Nkhoma; Thanh Duc Tran; Ngan Mai Nguyen; Hoa Thi Ngoc Huynh
Recent research recognises the importance of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) for government, industry, and education stakeholders. Nevertheless, there are calls for alternative ways of deepening knowledge, including adopting cross-nation and qualitative perspectives. In responding to these calls and considering the knowledge-based view of the firm, this study investigates company leaders’ perceptions concerning I4.0 preparedness among their employees, employees’ reactions to the new I4.0 regime, and how companies manage the process of knowledge acquisition to adopt I4.0. Data from 80 semi-structured, open-ended interviews were gathered from companies operating in Bolivia and Vietnam. The analysis uncovered the importance of company- and self-driven knowledge acquisition concerning employees’ I4.0 preparedness. The I4.0-motivated, I4.0-alienated, and uncertain future dimensions best illustrated staff’s reactions, while I4.0 change agents, technology-based conditions, and being non-risk adverse were best exemplars of company’s management of I4.0. The study discusses key practical and theoretical implications and proposes a theoretical framework.