The competitive advantage of business service firms: a matched pairs analysis of the relationship between generic strategy and performance

Article Abstract:

Business services can be considered as indirect segments of the production process. A review of the literature focusing on the competitive advantage of business service firms differentiates them from the manufacturing sector. The literature on generic approach and performance, especially Porter's four generic strategies, is employed for the differentiation of the two industries. Although only an infer causal relationship has resulted from the cross-sectional study, it can be concluded that practicing at least one of Porter's strategies can translate to better performance compared to a generic approach.

Methods

---

Flexible production, externalisation and the interpretation of business service growth

Article Abstract:

The causes of business service employment growth are analyzed. The theory directly and exclusively linking the decentralization and increased flexibility of the production process to the employment growth phenomenon is debunked. The theory credits externalization or the increased reliance on subcontracting services to the exclusion of other economic as well as historical, demographic and institutional factors. In its place, an analysis of the combined effects of all such factors is recommended to more accurately delineate the growth of the service sector.

Research, Economic aspects, Subcontracting, Production (Economics)

---

Achieving focus in service organisations

Article Abstract:

The focus concept has been traditionally identified within manufacturing industries and has taken form as plant-within-plant, group technology application and other diverse types. Although focused strategies have been recently applied to service industries, some organizations have shown that success has not been hindered by the absence of focus plans. This success has been attributed to the ability of most service industries to follow a pattern of hierarchical decision-making levels.

All Other Miscellaneous Manufacturing, Manufacturing Industries NEC, Service Industries

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Competition for market share in the presence of strategic invisible assets: the US automobile market, 1971-1981
• Abstracts: The advantages of taking advice. Star quality and a deft pencil. Pioneers of built form
• Abstracts: The road to a new treaty. Reform of the Common Agricultural Policy and the 1995 budget. The UK and the European Community; the implications of Maastricht
• Abstracts: A country of countries: the regions. The Chechen trap. Something has to give
• Abstracts: Race for a miracle; when doctors told them their littlest daughter had a fatal illness, the Karlins launched their own crusade for a cure

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.