Specialized Capabilities in Integrated Solutions: The Role of Fit

International J. of Business and Systems Research, Vol. 7, No. 4, 2013

HEC Paris Research Paper No. MOSI-2015-1071

21 Pages Posted: 15 Jan 2015

See all articles by Federica Ceci

Federica Ceci

D.A.S.T.A. University G. d’Annunzio

Andrea Masini

HEC Paris - Operations Management and Information Technology

Date Written: January 1, 2013

Abstract

Contingency theory suggests that the selection of coherent combinations of organizational capabilities and operational environments has important performance implications. This paper builds upon this perspective to analyse the emergence of a new business model that is modifying the structure of many industries: the provision of integrated solutions. The aim of the paper is to examine the strategic decisions behind the adoption of a business model based on integrated solutions and to understand how internal firm capabilities must be modified to match the external environment. Relying on primary data from 102 European IT firms, we discuss the value of specialized capabilities, and we analyze their degree of fit with the operational environment in which they are applied. Results show that solution providers that possess specialized capabilities obtain greater benefits when they operate in homogeneous environments.

Keywords: contingency theory, integrated solutions, IT sector, capabilities

Suggested Citation

Ceci, Federica and Masini, Andrea, Specialized Capabilities in Integrated Solutions: The Role of Fit (January 1, 2013). International J. of Business and Systems Research, Vol. 7, No. 4, 2013, HEC Paris Research Paper No. MOSI-2015-1071, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2549622

Federica Ceci (Contact Author)

D.A.S.T.A. University G. d’Annunzio ( email )

Viale Pindaro 42
Chieti Scalo, Pescara 66013
Italy

Andrea Masini

HEC Paris - Operations Management and Information Technology ( email )

1, rue de la Liberation
Jouy en Josas, 78351
France

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