1 - 6 of 6
-
PublicationGrounding simulations on firm-level data sets - An extended approach for evidence-based policy design( 2018)System dynamics is a powerful methodology that can be used to develop policies and support decision makers. Especially for economists and managers, system dynamics delivers a strong base for creating strategies for different scenarios. Despite this, data-bases and statistical analysis remain the dominant research design for political consul-tancy in the field of industrial manufacturing. Generally, research focuses on only one methodology, either statistical analysis or system dynamics modeling. This paper tries to close the gap between quantitative empirical analysis and system dynamics simula-tion. We present a concept for linking a representative firm-level database of industrial manufacturing with a system dynamics model. Our aim is to combine the strengths of both methodologies: We apply firm-level data (ex-post analysis) that capture historical dynamics and use them in a system dynamics model to forecast prospective dynamics and trends (ex-ante analysis). We use the empirical database and simulation runs to develop policies.
-
PublicationThe effects of in-house manufacturing and outsourcing on companies' profits and productivity( 2016)This paper provides novel empirical evidence that the establishment and development of in-house value-adding activities pays off for manufacturing companies in several economic respects. In contrast to common belief and management practices, extensive out-sourcing of manufacturing activities has a strong negative impact on a firm's profit and total factor productivity (TFP). Mere cost-efficiency comparisons seem to be insufficient for appropriate make or buy decisions. Neglected factors like sub-par product variant and delivery flexibility capabilities of far-shore suppliers or internally disturbed competence formation and value creation processes are in many cases overcompensating the supposed cost benefits of outsourcing.
-
PublicationFlexibility constraints of global value chains : the (re-)emergence of local value chains?( 2016)This paper presents an empirical investigation of the advantages and disadvantages of global vs. local value chains. A regression analysis of German firm-level data shows no significant impact of global sourcing on total factor productivity. The cost reduction potentials of global sourcing seem to be offset by higher spending on coordination and control in order to ensure flexible reaction and delivery in the supply chain. Lower price segments and large batches tend to be purchased from suppliers in the Far East, but they are usually not flexible enough to provide varying or customer-specific components.
-
-
PublicationAdoption and diffusion of renewable energy technologies: Influence of the policy mix in the manufacturing industry( 2013)Rising energy prices and political goals which address climate change, such as the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, increase the importance of using renewable energies and technologies for generating these. Since the manufacturing industry is one of the major energy consumers in Germany, this paper focuses on the diffusion of renewable energy technologies to generate power in the manufacturing industry. Using data from the German Manufacturing Survey 2012 for 1,594 firms, we analyse the relation between the usage of renewable energy technology and firms' characteristics, also accounting for structural determinants. In addition, the reasons for the decision to use these technologies and, in particular, the relevance of the political framework are examined. Our findings show that the producers of end-consumer goods are more likely to use renewable energy technologies compared to other manufacturing firms. The availability of resources plays a substantial role, whereas the energy intensity of the firm is less important for the introduction of renewable energy technologies. When considering the chosen reasons for adoption, firms mentioned most frequently that they anticipate rising energy prices. The policy mix, however, is less often mentioned and mostly together with other reasons.
-
PublicationSignificance of service-based business models - a survey in the machine tool building industry( 2013)
