Dynamic capabilities: Their effect on performance mediated by product integration in the highly acquisitive software industry

Abstract

Building on behavioural theory employing dynamic capabilities, this paper examines how firms create competitive advantage through innovation over time after multiple mergers and acquisitions. Mergers and acquisitions are a way to acquire gaps and prominently missing features and functions; the firm then has only to assimilate them into their portfolio. This research is focused on the acquirer’s ability towards obtaining performance from product integration and is set within the context of highly acquisitive software-houses; those organisations involved in the sales and manufacture of business software products. The ability to realign and innovate this will increase performance over the long term.

Author Biographies

Pauline Parker, Kingston University London

Dr. Pauline Parker is a Senior Lecturer at Kingston University London and completed her doctorate in 2015.
She has a background as an entrepreneur, consultant and senior manager in large corporations and is able to bring theory into practice with real-world examples. She has a proven record of adding value to software solution enterprises through innovation and entrepreneurship. As well as creating new business, she has mentored startups and entrepreneurs and has successfully managed global portfolio's from £200k up to £75m annual revenues. Her research reflects her product management passion following on from customer focused product development in software and the impacts of business change projects on innovation after mergers and acquisitions.

Kate Davis, Kingston University London

Dr. Kate Davis is a Senior Lecturer at Kingston University London specialising in the areas of strategic organisational project management, innovation and consultancy. She completed her PhD in 2016 which examines multiple stakeholder perceptions of project success. She also participates in research projects in the emerging topic of organisational project management. She is currently developing qualifications in Strategic Organisational Project Management, in consultation with a panel of industry experts, to enhance Kingston University’s reputation in the field of project management.

Published
2019-10-23