Co-operative Structures in Global Business: Communicating, Transferring Knowledge and Learning across the Corporate Frontier / Edition 1

by Gordon H. Boyce

Overview

Using a series of twelve historical case-studies that are based on extensive archival research, this book explains why firms succeed or fail in communicating or transferring knowledge and discovering new expertise. By analysing how workable trade-offs between opposing forces have been achieved in the past, this study provides a set of guidelines for executives who embark upon inter-firm projects.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780415216449
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	10/12/2000
Series:	Routledge International Studies in Business History
Pages:	272
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.19(h) x (d)

Table of Contents

1. Introduction2. Agency agreements in international business: a dynamic model of shipowner-agent relations, 1870-19393. A family-based network: the Holt-Swire-Scott connection, decision support systems and staff development4. A multinational joint-venture: Orient Paint, Varnish and Colour Co., 1932-495. A purchasing co-operative: the steel manufacturer's nickel syndicate, 1902-396. A licensing pyramid: the John Brown company and International Curtis Marine Turbine Inc. 1908-19297. A technology transfer agreement: Babcock and Wilcox, 1880-19708. Learning within an inter-organisational group: Union Steam Ship Company of New Zealand and oil propulsion, 1912-19399. A joint exploration venture: WMC and Hanna/Homestake 1960-197210. Contracts based on knowledge: the J. Walter Thompson company and Unilever - compounding intangible assets, 1900-197011. An Australian supplier chain: the New South Wales Bottle Company, 1912-197012. Hollywood networks, 1970-1999Conclusion: inter-form relationships

Editorial Reviews

'Overall, this is a most interesting and stimulating book, and one from which business historians will profit greatly - both for teaching purposes, and as a source of concepts and ideas to be used in future research.' - Business History

From the Publisher