Supply Chain Movement » globalisation

Hidden champions

Martijn Lofvers — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 11:51:35 +0000

Hermann Simon has been studying ‘Hidden champions’ for more than twenty years, and already published some of his findings in 1996. In this sequel, he mainly focuses on the influence of globalisation on these companies. ‘Hidden champions’ are medium-sized, unknown companies that have become the market leaders in their industries. They have turnovers under $ 4 billion, are on average twice the size as their most powerful competitors, and often have world market shares of more than 50%, sometimes even up to 70-90%. ‘Hidden champions’ spend less and employees represent a high value. This is expressed not only in a very high level of productivity, but also in unique, high-quality products.

Hidden Champions by Hermann Simon

The added value of materials and services is an average of 42% for these companies. ‘Hidden champions’ focus more on service, the needs and wants of customers and on excellent performance rather than on price and marketing. Other companies would do well to follow their example, also in terms of the integration of systems and the realisation of lasting collaborations with other companies. This book was written for those who are interested in international business operations and for managers of all types of companies, but it provides many examples of business situations that are directly related to the set-up and implementation of the supply chain in terms of market focus, globalisation, innovation, leadership, employees and strategy.

The new age of innovation

Martijn Lofvers — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 11:09:56 +0000

This book provides a sound framework for retaining competitive advantages now that the market demands a unique customer experience at the lowest price and the global application of necessary means. The guru C.K. Pralahad and fellow author M.S. Krishnan have studied a seriously changing market over four years, and pose that it takes increased innovation and higher efficiency to survive.

New Age Innovation by C.K. Pralahad and M.S. Krishnan

To this end, organisations will have to collaborate with the customer and develop global networks. Within the own organisation, the development of the talents of individual employees and reduced hierarchies should take priority.

How Countries Compete

Martijn Lofvers — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 10:29:46 +0000

The global competition between countries and companies is increasing proportionally to the rapid globalisation. More than ever before, governments of different countries are competing with one another. The title ‘How Countries Compete’ by Richard H.K. Vietor sounds intriguing.

How Countries Compete by Richard H.K. Vietor

Governments and companies would love to know how countries compete. Unfortunately, the book consists of an extensive, but thoroughly dry analysis of the political systems, the development strategies, the fiscal and monetary policies and labour markets of Japan, Singapore, China, India, Mexico, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Russia, the EU and the US. For ease of reference, Europe is described as a single entity, with the Italian competition apparently as an illustrative example. The Netherlands is mentioned only in connection with the so-called ‘Dutch disease’, the disease that affects the competitive power of countries because government expenditure feeds inflation and price increases. This book does not in any way live up to its interesting title.