This paper presents a quantitative study that explores whether small-to-medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in Italy are more responsive than large enterprises and, if so, why. In the last few years, the responsiveness of the logistics and the innovation processes alike has been considered a key driver of competitiveness. Several studies have suggested that a company’s size is a major determinant of responsiveness and that SMEs have both strengths and weaknesses that influence their ability to promptly react to customer needs. The evidence of this study indicates that SMEs are more responsive than large companies in terms of innovation and delivery, but they are less well performing in terms of internal efficiency.
The responsiveness of italian plants. Determinants and dimensions
GRANDO, ALBERTO;BELVEDERE, VALERIA;PAPADIMITRIOU, THANOS
2008
Abstract
This paper presents a quantitative study that explores whether small-to-medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in Italy are more responsive than large enterprises and, if so, why. In the last few years, the responsiveness of the logistics and the innovation processes alike has been considered a key driver of competitiveness. Several studies have suggested that a company’s size is a major determinant of responsiveness and that SMEs have both strengths and weaknesses that influence their ability to promptly react to customer needs. The evidence of this study indicates that SMEs are more responsive than large companies in terms of innovation and delivery, but they are less well performing in terms of internal efficiency.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.