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Boundary negotiations: a paradox theoretical approach for efficient and flexible modular systems

Boundary negotiations: a paradox theoretical approach for efficient and flexible modular systems The purpose of this paper is to explore the interplay between firm boundary decisions and the management of both efficiency and flexibility and the implications this has for modular design in the provision of advanced services.Design/methodology/approachA single case study in the defence industry employs semi-structured interviews supplemented by secondary data. Data are analysed using thematic analysis.FindingsThe findings provide a process model of boundary negotiations for the design of efficient and flexible modular systems consisting of three phases; boundary ambiguity, boundary defences and boundary alignment.Practical implicationsThe study provides a process framework for boundary negotiations to help organisations navigate the management of both-and efficiency and flexibility in the provision of advanced services.Originality/valueDrawing upon modularity, paradox and systems theory, this article provides novel theoretical insight into the relationship between firm boundary decisions and the management of both-and efficiency vs. flexibility in the provision of product upgrade services. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png International Journal of Operations & Production Management Emerald Publishing

Boundary negotiations: a paradox theoretical approach for efficient and flexible modular systems

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Publisher
Emerald Publishing
Copyright
© Emerald Publishing Limited
ISSN
0144-3577
DOI
10.1108/ijopm-08-2020-0543
Publisher site
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Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to explore the interplay between firm boundary decisions and the management of both efficiency and flexibility and the implications this has for modular design in the provision of advanced services.Design/methodology/approachA single case study in the defence industry employs semi-structured interviews supplemented by secondary data. Data are analysed using thematic analysis.FindingsThe findings provide a process model of boundary negotiations for the design of efficient and flexible modular systems consisting of three phases; boundary ambiguity, boundary defences and boundary alignment.Practical implicationsThe study provides a process framework for boundary negotiations to help organisations navigate the management of both-and efficiency and flexibility in the provision of advanced services.Originality/valueDrawing upon modularity, paradox and systems theory, this article provides novel theoretical insight into the relationship between firm boundary decisions and the management of both-and efficiency vs. flexibility in the provision of product upgrade services.

Journal

International Journal of Operations & Production Management – Emerald Publishing

Published: Aug 13, 2021

Keywords: Servitisation; Modularity; Paradox theory; Advanced services; Product upgrade services; Firm boundary; Boundary negotiation

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