Documenti di Didattica
Documenti di Professioni
Documenti di Cultura
31/10/2007
31/10/2007
31/10/2007
31/10/2007
31/10/2007
Together these characteristics make PSFs very different from traditional manufacturing firms. Applying theories of strategy and organization developed for industrial corporations is not only wrong, it may lead to detrimental conclusions!
31/10/2007
31/10/2007
10
TOPIC 1
Resource Based Strategic Management - inspired by Itami (1987): Mobilizing invisible assets, Harvard University Press.
31/10/2007
12
31/10/2007
13
Key finding:
Intangible resources (Invisible assets) are primarily improved as a byproduct of daily operations This is particularly true for competence, but also applies for reputation and relationships This is much more extreme in PSFs than in traditional industrial or service companies
31/10/2007
14
31/10/2007
15
31/10/2007
16
Mobilizing resources Resources which are not owned by the firm cannot be allocated - they need to be mobilized!
(Haans, Knut B, 1997)
31/10/2007
17
TOPIC 2
Three generic strategies for PSFs tensions and challenges
The #1 strategic challenge of all business firms: Balancing efficiency (minimum cost) and effectiveness (service quality/customer satisfaction). For PSFs, there is a 3rd dimension: Employee (partner) satisfaction.
31/10/2007
20
Superior problem solving (innovative, creative, expertbased) both efficiency and effectiveness
We have the best experts within our area(s) of expertise, and will deliver state-of-the art solutions to your toughest problems
31/10/2007
21
31/10/2007
23
31/10/2007
24
31/10/2007
25
31/10/2007
27
31/10/2007
28
31/10/2007
29
31/10/2007
30
31/10/2007
31
31/10/2007
32
31/10/2007
33
31/10/2007
34
31/10/2007
35
31/10/2007
36
Type B projects often generate substantial profits, and bottom-line oriented people often want more of these
31/10/2007 39 Bente R. Lwendahl, Professor
31/10/2007
40
31/10/2007
41
31/10/2007
42
31/10/2007
43
Conclusions
All three strategies seem to be viable for consulting firms, but tensions are strong both towards more individual autonomy and more standardization (modularization, repeat sales). Transitions are difficult to make, and mergers of firms of different types are even more difficult. Type C firms buying type A or B firms need to invest substantial amounts of management time and efforts in order to integrate operations with the other firm. Generic strategies should be clear, stable, and consistent. Probably also conscious.
31/10/2007
44
says that all our resources go down the elevator at the end of the work day and disappear. Most people see that as a problem, as the firm is then empty. To me that is not a big problem, as long as they come back the next day. Hence, my most important task is to make sure they want to come back tomorrow!
(Henry Michel, CEO (1990), Parsons Brinckerhoff, NY)
31/10/2007
45
Loyalty, 1
31/10/2007
46
Loyalty, 2
31/10/2007
47