Innovation management in the automotive component manufacturing industry of South Africa

Thumbnail Image

Date

2016

Authors

Mangwale, Mokiri Mametja

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Abstract

Innovation management competency and technological capability are fundamental to the development of a competitive SMME sector in the automotive component manufacturing industry. The aim of this research is to investigate innovation strategies in the form of managerial processes and systems that SMME firms in the ACM industry employ in developing technological capability and managing innovation, as well as to identify conditions and factors that influence success or failure of innovation. A semi-structured interview based on the simplified model of innovation process framework with 10 management representatives of firms in the automotive component manufacturing industry together with observations within the firms and semi-structured interviews with the two industry experts were used to gather data for analysis. The research highlights the following as the processes and systems that needs to be in place to develop technological capability and manage innovation, Vision and strategy stating the innovation intention, Organisational structure and culture to support innovation objectives, Skills development to build technical and managerial knowledge and skills, Risk management to build sustainability and Information sharing to build trust. The research findings goes further to highlight the following as factors that determine success or failure of innovation, Leadership to champion innovation, External environment scanning for opportunities and threats, Technology for capability and competitiveness and Teamwork for support and drive. The successful implementation and integration of these processes will assist in defeating the technological late comer effect by helping SMME firms to catch up technologically with competitors in other developed countries, even if is still a long term prospect.

Description

MBA

Keywords

Technological innovations -- South Africa -- Management. Manufacturing industries -- Technological innovations -- South Africa.Motor vehicle industry -- South Africa.

Citation

Collections

Endorsement

Review

Supplemented By

Referenced By