Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (One Year)), 10 credits / 15 HE credits
Master's Thesis in Innovation and Business Creation
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Title:
Managing of Core Competences: A case study of SP Technical Research Institute
Authors:
Khizran Zehra & Stephanie Wong
Supervisor:
Mike Danilovic
Date:
May 2009
Key Words: Core Competences, Technological Changes, Sustainable Development, Sustained Competitive Advantage and Organizational Learning.
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Abstract
Problem: To compete in this hypercompetitive market, technological platform or portfolio of core competences is required. Our thesis points out the challenges for management to identify the market demands, the related technological changes and the development of new competences to match with new technologies. The major challenges for SP Technical Research Institute is to integrate the two domains i.e. technological changes and new competences to form the sustained competitive advantage and to find what process should be followed to adapt to this continuous technological development for the present and for the future.
Purpose: Our thesis purpose is divided into two parts; the first is to develop a methodology that will provide a systematic approach to integrate product and technologies with processes and competences. The second is to apply this methodology to identify core competences at SP, regarding hybrid and electrical vehicles and their technologies in the future.
Method: In order, to fulfill our purpose, we worked closely and intensively with SP in a case study. Further, to answer the research questions, we followed the deductive research approach and qualitative research method. Interviews and workshops were our primary sources of information.
Results: Our thesis results shows that by following an Information Driven Management (IDM) approach and by using the methodology to integrate the technology i.e the market demands with the organizational competences, organizations can sustain and assess their competitiveness. This is done by building a portfolio of competences and core competences to make a strategic analysis that will help in attaining a sustained competitive advantage. Through managing of the portfolio of competences and core competences, management can specifically find the market niches that they would consider to invest in or not to invest in for the future.
2009. , p. 106