A social network perspective on interfunctional integration

• Grant number: 14/02389-5
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Visiting Researcher Grant - International
• Start date: May 31, 2014
• End date: June 17, 2014
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Production Engineering - Production Management
• Principal Investigator: Andrea Lago da Silva
• Grantee: Andrea Lago da Silva
• Visiting researcher: Wendy Lea Tate
• Visiting researcher institution: University of Tennessee (UT), United States
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Exatas e de Tecnologia (CCET). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

This research will use data collected on inter-functional dyads, triads and quartets to understand the most effective use of inter-functional integration as it relates to different activities performed within the organization. In some cases, more participants in integration efforts lead to better performance whereas in others, the involvement of only specific functions is appropriate. Using the tenets of social network theory (Granovetter 1973, Carter, Ellram et al. 2007), the network effects of the different inter-functional arrangements will be analyzed. The strength of the ties between the different functions and different actors in the network will be assessed as will the centrality and embeddedness of the actors. The purpose is to identify how to utilize the network to effectively manage different activities within the organization with the goal of improving customer value. During Dr. Tate's visit one theoretically grounded journal article with intended submission to peer-reviewed Journal in the area of Supply Chain Management/Operations Management will be developed. Besides the paper development, Dr. Tate will teach one short course at PPGEP/UFSCar (detailed later) and at the Post Graduate Program in Management (master and doctorate degrees) of the Methodist University of Piracicaba (PPGA/UNIMEP). Moreover, she will be interacting with students and researchers in both graduate programs. (AU)

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

TATE, WENDY L.; MOLLENKOPF, DIANE; STANK, THEODORE; DA SILVA, ANDREA LAGO. Integrating Supply and Demand. MIT SLOAN MANAGEMENT REVIEW, v. 56, n. 4, p. 3-pg., 2015-06-01. (11/06008-8, 14/02389-5)