Research
Approach
The
research was conducted in five overlapping phases:
·
Review
of existing literature and research
·
Executive interviews and review of selected value chains
·
Development of preliminary findings
·
Review
and iteration of results
·
Publication.
Beginning
in June, the research team has been examining published materials,
unpublished work papers and research in progress. The foundation research
has been supplemented with additional qualitative information from
seminars and conferences addressing the new economy; informal discussions
with senior executives, consultants, and academicians; and detailed
examination of several successful and unsuccessful transformation
initiatives around well understood value chains. The purpose of this phase
was to further develop the hypothesis for this study, establish the target
value chains and geographies for further investigation, and identify the
list of senior executives to interview.
The
second phase emphasized primary data collection, both from direct
discussions with executives to assess their ability and readiness to apply
the principles of information abundance to the value chains of which their
companies are a part; and by review of selected value chains and existing
company groupings in more detail. This phase tempered the information
gathered in the first phase with first hand, qualitative evaluations of
the ability and motivation to change.
The
preliminary research results – findings, risks, and implications – will be
developed based on the information from the first two phases. The
assessment and conclusions will be performed both from an academic
perspective, using techniques from economics (particularly contract theory
and the theory of the firm); and using a more pragmatic strategic
consulting approach.
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