This synopsis aims at applying a number of Intellectual Capital (IC) theories and respective models to the company Gore Tex. Gore Tex, as discussed in the INSEAD case study by Franco et al. (2003), is a company that was founded in 1969 by Bob Gore after the discovery oft he isolating properties of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) materials. This micro porous polymeric film is bonded to a wide range of shell fabric in the textile, cable isolating and medical industry. Liquid water cannot penetrate these pores, but moisture from perspiration can escape.
First, the synopsis draws on the paper by Marr (2008) on managing IC to identify key intellectual resources following the five-step management approach. The competitive advantage that can be generated through the use of social capital as stated in the paper by Rumelt (2011) continues the analysis of theoretical concepts and models applied to the Gore Tex case. The key concepts of the Rumelt (2011) paper are further investigated by applying it to the VRIO model by Barney (1995) and its discussion of it by Probst et al. (1998).
Furthermore this synopsis uses the SECI model as originally introduced by Nonaka (1991) and picked up by Mouritsen and Larsen (2005) in their paper on the second wave of knowledge management. One example from the Gore Tex case was then implemented in the Kaplan and Norton (1996) Strategy Maps framework to illustrate its practical implications. Finally the learning ladder model by Ciborra and Andreu (2002) completes the analysis of this particular case and synopsis.
All these models, frameworks and theories emphasize their practical relevance and applicability and support the notion of a systematic approach towards the management of IC.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Intellectual Capital
- Competitive Advantage
- The two Waves of knowledge management
- Strategy Maps
- Knowledge across boundaries
- Conclusion and Discussion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This synopsis applies Intellectual Capital (IC) theories and models to the Gore-Tex case study, analyzing how Gore-Tex leverages intangible assets for competitive advantage. It examines various frameworks to understand Gore-Tex's management of human, relational, and structural capital, and its impact on strategic objectives.
- Intellectual Capital Management at Gore-Tex
- Competitive Advantage through Intangible Assets
- Knowledge Management and its Impact
- Strategic Frameworks and their Application
- Gore-Tex's Unique Organizational Culture
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Intellectual Capital: This chapter defines Intellectual Capital (IC) according to Marr (2008) as all non-tangible resources attributed to an organization that contribute to its value proposition. It categorizes IC into Human Capital (skills, competencies), Relational Capital (relationships with customers and partners), and Structural Capital (organizational culture, processes, intellectual property). The chapter uses the Gore-Tex case to exemplify these categories, highlighting Gore-Tex's entrepreneurial spirit, strong customer relationships (e.g., with Patagonia and Norrøna), and its unique organizational culture and extensive patent portfolio as key components of its IC. The importance of these intangible assets in contributing to Gore-Tex's overall value and competitive advantage is emphasized.
Competitive Advantage: This section analyzes the competitive advantage generated by Gore-Tex through the application of social capital, drawing on the work of Rumelt (2011). It links this analysis to the VRIO framework (Barney, 1995) and Probst et al. (1998)'s discussion to understand the value, rarity, imitability, and organization of Gore-Tex's resources. The chapter investigates how Gore-Tex's unique combination of intangible assets contributes to its sustained competitive advantage in the market. This analysis goes beyond simple resource identification, delving into the strategic implications and synergistic effects of these assets working together.
The two Waves of knowledge management: This section explores the two waves of knowledge management as described by Mouritsen and Larsen (2005), utilizing the SECI model originally introduced by Nonaka (1991). It examines how Gore-Tex manages knowledge within the framework of these two waves. The analysis likely includes examples from the Gore-Tex case demonstrating the practical application of these concepts. The section probably emphasizes how the efficient transfer and application of knowledge across the organization contributes to Gore-Tex's innovation and competitiveness.
Strategy Maps: This chapter integrates the Gore-Tex case study into the Kaplan and Norton (1996) Strategy Maps framework. The analysis likely illustrates how different aspects of Gore-Tex's IC contribute to its overall strategic objectives. The practical implication of mapping Gore-Tex's IC onto the strategy map framework likely demonstrates a concrete link between intangible assets and strategic goals, enhancing understanding of their contribution to value creation. The chapter aims to show how this framework provides valuable insights into the dynamic interaction between strategy and IC.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Intellectual Capital, Competitive Advantage, Gore-Tex, Knowledge Management, Strategic Management, Intangible Assets, Human Capital, Relational Capital, Structural Capital, VRIO Framework, SECI Model, Strategy Maps, Case Study.
Gore-Tex Case Study: Intellectual Capital and Competitive Advantage - FAQ
What is the overall focus of this document?
This document provides a comprehensive preview of a case study analyzing how Gore-Tex leverages intellectual capital (IC) to achieve a competitive advantage. It uses various theoretical frameworks to examine Gore-Tex's management of human, relational, and structural capital and its impact on strategic objectives.
What topics are covered in the Table of Contents?
The table of contents includes sections on Intellectual Capital, Competitive Advantage, the two waves of knowledge management, Strategy Maps, Knowledge across boundaries, and a Conclusion and Discussion.
What are the key objectives and themes explored?
The key themes include analyzing Gore-Tex's intellectual capital management, understanding how intangible assets contribute to competitive advantage, examining the impact of knowledge management, applying strategic frameworks to the Gore-Tex case, and exploring Gore-Tex's unique organizational culture.
How does the document define Intellectual Capital?
Intellectual Capital (IC) is defined as all non-tangible resources attributed to an organization that contribute to its value proposition. It's categorized into Human Capital (skills, competencies), Relational Capital (relationships with customers and partners), and Structural Capital (organizational culture, processes, intellectual property).
How is Gore-Tex's competitive advantage analyzed?
The analysis utilizes frameworks like the VRIO framework (Barney, 1995) and Probst et al. (1998)'s work to assess the value, rarity, imitability, and organization of Gore-Tex's resources. It focuses on how the unique combination of intangible assets contributes to sustained competitive advantage.
What are the "two waves of knowledge management" discussed?
This section explores the two waves of knowledge management as described by Mouritsen and Larsen (2005), using the SECI model (Nonaka, 1991). It examines how Gore-Tex manages knowledge within this framework, emphasizing the transfer and application of knowledge for innovation and competitiveness.
How are Strategy Maps used in the analysis?
The Kaplan and Norton (1996) Strategy Maps framework is applied to illustrate how Gore-Tex's IC contributes to its strategic objectives. It demonstrates the link between intangible assets and strategic goals, showing how the framework provides insights into the interaction between strategy and IC.
What are the key takeaways from the Chapter Summaries?
The chapter summaries highlight how Gore-Tex’s intangible assets (entrepreneurial spirit, strong customer relationships, unique organizational culture, extensive patent portfolio) contribute to its overall value and competitive advantage. They connect these assets to strategic frameworks and models to illustrate their impact on success.
What keywords are associated with this case study?
Keywords include Intellectual Capital, Competitive Advantage, Gore-Tex, Knowledge Management, Strategic Management, Intangible Assets, Human Capital, Relational Capital, Structural Capital, VRIO Framework, SECI Model, Strategy Maps, and Case Study.
- Quote paper
- Alexander Kunst (Author), Fridolin Herkommer (Author), 2014, Intellectual Capital Theories Applied to the Case of Gore-Tex, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/285264
