Why do organizations tie their own hands and what can managers do to untie it? The productivity dilemma in project-based firms

Joana Geraldi; David Bennett

Why do organizations tie their own hands and what can managers do to untie it? The productivity dilemma in project-based firms

Joana Geraldi, David Bennett

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Article in proceedings › Research › peer-review

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Abstract

In repetitive operations the productivity dilemma has been widely studied, but there is a lack of research in non-repetitive operations, such as in project-based firms. This paper investigates why project-based firms foster or hinder project flexibility through an embedded multi-case study with six projects within a large German project-based firm. The results suggest that although such firms have projects as their key source of revenue, their focus lies in longevity and survival and this logic is, in some instances, at odds with the temporary nature of the project context.

Original language	English
Title of host publication	17th Annual International EurOMA Conference Managing Operations in Service Economies
Number of pages	11
Publisher	EurOMA
Publication date	2010
Publication status	Published - 2010
Externally published	Yes
Event	17th International Annual European Operations Management Association Conference: Managing Operations in Service Economies - Porto, Portugal Duration: 6 Jun 2010 → 9 Jun 2010 Conference number: 17 http://www.euroma2010.org/

Conference

Conference	17th International Annual European Operations Management Association Conference
Number	17
Country/Territory	Portugal
City	Porto
Period	06/06/2010 → 09/06/2010
Internet address	http://www.euroma2010.org/

Keywords

Ambidexterity
Project-based firm
Temporary organizations

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title = "Why do organizations tie their own hands and what can managers do to untie it? The productivity dilemma in project-based firms",

abstract = "In repetitive operations the productivity dilemma has been widely studied, but there is a lack of research in non-repetitive operations, such as in project-based firms. This paper investigates why project-based firms foster or hinder project flexibility through an embedded multi-case study with six projects within a large German project-based firm. The results suggest that although such firms have projects as their key source of revenue, their focus lies in longevity and survival and this logic is, in some instances, at odds with the temporary nature of the project context.",

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Why do organizations tie their own hands and what can managers do to untie it? The productivity dilemma in project-based firms. / Geraldi, Joana; Bennett, David.
17th Annual International EurOMA Conference Managing Operations in Service Economies. EurOMA, 2010.

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Article in proceedings › Research › peer-review

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T1 - Why do organizations tie their own hands and what can managers do to untie it? The productivity dilemma in project-based firms

AU - Geraldi, Joana

AU - Bennett, David

N1 - Conference code: 17

PY - 2010

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N2 - In repetitive operations the productivity dilemma has been widely studied, but there is a lack of research in non-repetitive operations, such as in project-based firms. This paper investigates why project-based firms foster or hinder project flexibility through an embedded multi-case study with six projects within a large German project-based firm. The results suggest that although such firms have projects as their key source of revenue, their focus lies in longevity and survival and this logic is, in some instances, at odds with the temporary nature of the project context.

AB - In repetitive operations the productivity dilemma has been widely studied, but there is a lack of research in non-repetitive operations, such as in project-based firms. This paper investigates why project-based firms foster or hinder project flexibility through an embedded multi-case study with six projects within a large German project-based firm. The results suggest that although such firms have projects as their key source of revenue, their focus lies in longevity and survival and this logic is, in some instances, at odds with the temporary nature of the project context.

KW - Ambidexterity

KW - Project-based firm

KW - Temporary organizations

M3 - Article in proceedings

BT - 17th Annual International EurOMA Conference Managing Operations in Service Economies

PB - EurOMA

T2 - 17th International Annual European Operations Management Association Conference

Y2 - 6 June 2010 through 9 June 2010

ER -

Why do organizations tie their own hands and what can managers do to untie it? The productivity dilemma in project-based firms

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Conference

Keywords

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