Challenges in Acquisitions of Firms within the Manufacturing Industry : From a Learning Perspective

Abstract:

Title: Challenges in Acquisitions within the Manufacturing Industry-From a Learning Perspective 

Course: Master thesis in Innovation of Management and Business Development 

Authors: Ahmed Ismail and Johan Karlsson 

Tutor: Jonas Rundquist 

Keywords: Dynamic capabilities, knowledge management, resources, acquisition, challenges 

Problem statement: How do the learning processes affect firms within the manufacturing industry to overcome challenges in acquisitions? 

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate how the learning processess affect managers in the manufacturing industry to be able to reconfigure their bundle of resouces and manage the knowledge in and between the acquired company and the parent company to overcome challenges in the acquisition process. 

Theoretical Framework: The theoretical framework is based on two main concepts which are dynamic capabilities and knowledge management. At the end of this chapter, the authors have created a conceptual model linking the concepts together with an emphasis on the learning processes

Methodology: To be able to fulfill the purpose of this thesis, a qualitative approach was chosen where four interviews were conducted with managers in two manufacturing companies that have entered new markets recently through acquisition. 

Findings and Conclusion: The conclusion of the study shows that all of the concepts are essential when making an acquisition within the manufacturing industry. The study showed that the learning is an essential element in the acquisition cases since companies need to learn and gain knowledge in order for them to handle the newly acquired resources and to benefit from the synergies that can arise. It was also found that the knowledge creation is an ongoing process with no closure which over time creates deeper and more powerful knowledge that can lead to competitive advantages.