Security Alert Management in E-Business Networks

Security management has become a major concern in today’s e-business systems due to ever-increasing attacks on enterprise servers. This has led to the increasing sophistication of network security tools and systems in e-business networks that involve a number of organizational entities cooperating over computer communication networks. Many large organizations are outsourcing the management of e-business networks. This paper examines the problem of security management in the context of an Management Service Provider (an organization that provides remote management of e-business networks). Existing security tools (e.g., Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS)) assist us in detecting attempts by unauthorized users to get access to networked information resources. However, the management of IDSs offers some interesting challenges (e.g., false alerts). This paper presents a policy-based management framework to solve this problem

Organizational Capabilities for Mass Market Innovations in the Emerging Economies: Insights from an Automobile Firm in India

Of late, there has been a dramatic shift of world economic power towards less-developed countries, in particular, emerging economies (EEs). The growing influence of EEs is shifting the global competitive landscape, as these new economies are a great source of opportunity, inspiration and innovation. However, companies face the challenge to identify what organizational capabilities are required to serve mass market customers to meet their unique demand and price-performance conditions. In depth empirical studies in this context are largely unexplored in the academic literature. Focusing on the product innovation for India and other EEs with the creation of passenger vehicles from the Indian multinational automaker- Mahindra & Mahindra, our analysis highlights that capabilities to recombine are required to achieve an altered price-performance package. Furthermore, linkage capabilities are required to economize on resources. Also, capability to modularize is required for product performance improvements to serve multiple tiered customers. Using case study design, our study aspires to contribute to the innovation literature on mass markets formulating a set of testable propositions to advance research in this subject

Transnational Corporations, Local Adaptation and Inter- Firm Linkages in Developing Countries: Some Contrasts with Local Enterprises in India.

The issue how transnational corporations (TNC) affiliates adapt locally within emerging markets while sustaining their global competitive advantage has been debated and discussed in international business literature. Even so, the actual response of TNC-affiliates to this contradiction has not been systematically explored. Using a rich dataset of over 300 companies in India, we examine if the ability of TNC-affiliates to adapt and strike linkages in host countries is in any way different to those of their local counterparts. Our results show that TNC-affiliates and local enterprises (LE) behave differently across a majority of dimensions predicted. But whereas this difference is robust for mature industries like chemicals, the same cannot be claimed for high technology global industries like electronics and transport equipment. This suggests that the behavioural differences between the two groups of firms may be strongly influenced by market structural variables impinging upon the industries in which they compete. The results have implications for TNCaffiliates striving to streamline their strategy with pressures in their task environment and also for nation-states as to how to best devise policy mechanisms to assist the same

Industrial modernisation through institutional upheaval in a transition economy

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of Russian institutional upheavals on industrial development. Design/methodology/approach The paper uses a longitudinal case study analysis of three Russian pharmaceutical firms exploring the role of state support in developing a self-sustained competitive innovation-dependent industry. Findings Russia’s shock therapy transition to a newly liberalised economy the 1990s without a supportive institutional framework led to severe setbacks in its modernisation process. A weak institutional context was not conducive to development of its fledgling organisations. In late 2000s, Russian Government initiated large-ranging institutional support in favour of strategic industries. This resulted in a shift from short-term profit-seeking arbitrage strategies to long-term investment strategies towards vertical integration, R&D and human resource development. Findings indicate countries that wish to forge competitive industries need to develop a strong supportive institutional mechanism that allows targeted industries to modernise and compete on a global scale. To ensure the effectiveness of execution of strategic policies, coherent communication channels and collaboration between the industry and the state is necessary. Originality/value While research on large emerging economies, such as China and India, is extensive, research on Russia and surrounding states is sparse. Most of the research on Russia is based around large resource-sector organisations. This study is novel in its uncovering various phases of development of an innovation-dependent industry

The use of third party logistics services by large Australian manufacturers: current status and trends

Based on a revised questionnaire developed originally by Lieb (1992), an empirical research was conducted to investigate the use of third-party logistics (TPL) services by large manufacturing companies in Australia. Using a sample drawn from Australia’s Top 500 companies, the study examined the extent to which TPL services used, the type of logistics services used, the impact of the use of TPL services on customer satisfaction, costs and employee morale of the user companies. The results revealed that about two-third of the companies who have responded use TPL services from one or more TPL providers, and over 85% of the companies were satisfied with the services provided by the TPL service providers. The results also indicated that the most frequently used logistics functions were warehouse management, order fulfilment and fleet management

Political connections and strategic choices of emerging market firms: Case study of Russia’s pharmaceutical industry

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to investigate the importance of political connections in the emerging market context. Design/methodology/approach: A case study analysis of three Russian pharmaceutical firms is conducted to uncover how they performed through the Russian transition – the institutional upheaval of the 1990s – and the ongoing state-led industrialization. Findings: In the early years of transition, firms heavily rely on political networking to gain legitimacy and fill institutional voids. As institutions strengthen, the need for political networking is being substituted by arm’s length networking. Strengthening of institutions also results in a more stable business environment, evolving firms’ strategies from short-term core competency concentration to long-term innovative visions. Research limitations/implications: Firms operating in the Russian, Commonwealth of Independent States and some other Eastern European state domains must be wary of complex ties that are prevalent in these countries and often can assist or hinder firm performance. Although formal institutions strengthen arm’s length networks, a close cooperation between strategic firms and the state remains. Originality/value: The paper proposes two phases of the Russian transition and provides a taxonomy of strategic choices of Russian firms during the transition. Further, the paper describes the key institutional developments in the two phases of the Russian transition. Finally, a framework of political connections and their role in business operations in the two phases of the transition is provided

User Perceived Service Quality of mHealth Services in Developing Countries

Health challenges present arguably the most significant barrier to sustainable global development. The introduction of ICT in healthcare, especially the application of mobile communications, has created the potential to transform healthcare delivery by making it more accessible, affordable and effective across the developing world. However, there is growing concerns about the quality of such services with regard to the robustness of the service delivery platform, knowledge and competence of the provider, privacy and security of information and above all, their effects on satisfaction, future use intentions and quality of life. The aim of this paper is to explore, analyze and critically assess the use of existing service quality theories in the light of evolving and ubiquitous healthcare services and their underlying technologies. The conceptual model of the study identifies that there are three primary quality dimensions (platform quality, interaction quality and outcome quality) and ten subdimensions (System reliability, system efficiency, system availability, system adaptability, system privacy, assurance, responsivness, empathy, functional benefits and emotinal benefits) which play a vital role in capturing users’ overall perceptions of mobile health services. Finally, the study identifies future research directions and highlights the managerial implications in the context of developing countries