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Alexander Zimmermann
Title
Prof. Dr.
Last Name
Zimmermann
First name
Alexander
Email
alexander.zimmermann@unisg.ch
Phone
+41 71 224 2025
Now showing
1 - 6 of 6
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PublicationEine Frage des Klimas(Manager-Magazin-Verlagsgesellschaft, 2014-01)
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PublicationAmbidexterity in Inter-Firm Relationships: Governance Structures and Knowledge ProcessesResearch has paid scant attention to how firms achieve ambidexterity within inter-organizational relationships. In this study, we argue that firms make use of distinct governance mechanisms that arise from different inter-firm relationship types to enable exploitative and explorative knowledge processes. Drawing upon an inductive study of cooperative new product development projects, we find that vertical relationships with suppliers were related to high levels of formal control and low levels of partner integration. This contributed to unilateral exploitation and exploration processes. Conversely, horizontal relationships with competitors were related to high levels of partner integration and low levels of formal control. This contributed to mutual exploitation and exploration processes. While both types of inter-firm relationships may enable ambidexterity, firms have to select the type of relationship that provides a supportive configuration of governance mechanisms for the desired knowledge processes.Type: conference paper
Scopus© Citations 2 -
PublicationDo Incumbents Really Fail to Innovate? The Role of Exploratory Search and Structural Contexts( 2009-10-13)
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PublicationSeparate Units or Parallel Networks: The Role of Innovation Types in Balanced Structures' Success( 2007-10-14)This study aims at contributing to the emerging debate on how structural solutions are able to reconcile exploitation and exploration's conflicting organizational requirements. Based on a thorough evaluation of the existing literature, we identify separate units and parallel network structures as two distinct patterns of "balanced" organizational designs that seem to be able to simultaneously achieve both objectives. In several hypotheses, we argue that the type of innovation is a central contingency for the structural solutions' success. While separate units can be expected to be more successful under radical innovation conditions, parallel network structures presumably deliver superior results in a context of more incremental innovation. We suggest a detailed research design for our hypotheses' upcoming validation.Type: conference paper
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PublicationChanging Fortunes: Corporate Growth at DaimlerChrysler and BMW (1998-2005)This case describes the growth patterns of Germany's most prestigious car manufacturers - DaimlerChrysler and BMW - between 1998 and 2005. Both companies initially faced a simi-lar need for growth in order to remain independent and competitive in an ever more consoli-dated and demanding global car industry. Within the observed period, BMW not only over-took its rival in terms of sales in the premium car segment, but also nearly doubled its market value, while DaimlerChrysler lost more than 50% of its consolidated share price. The two rivals' changing fortunes are directly related to the fundamentally different growth strategies pursued. Daimler focused on external growth, initiating the blockbuster merger with Chrysler and acquiring major participations with Mitsubishi and Hyundai. The company diversified beyond its core business of producing premium cars, becoming one of the major players in the global mass market. BMW, conversely, remained focused on organic growth in its premium core business, benefiting from its superior capabilities in product and process innovation. The two cases show the importance of innovation in the core business, and growth into directly related segments. The Daimler example is furthermore a good illustration of the risks associ-ated with extensive expansion that relies strongly on diversification and large-scale acquisi-tions.