Inter-modal Competitive Dynamics in German Passenger Transportation

Abstract

Whereas analyses of competitive dynamics have focused on analysing the effects of intra-industry interaction on firm performance, we explore and analyse competition between actors that stem from different industries. This inter-industry focus is novel and interesting, as it allows the exploration of competitive parameters between rivals that differ substantially in their resource endowments, organisational structures, practices and cognitive schemes. The inter-industry focus is also important, since many industries are converging and thus instil competitive interaction between actors that were traditionally separated by industry boundaries. The empirical context for this study is the competitive interaction between airlines and railways in Germany. Based on expert interviews and grounded theory analysis, we shed light onto hitherto neglected facets of awareness, motivation and capability as drivers of competitive actions. We thereby contribute to both competitive dynamics as well as transport strategy literatures.

About the presenter

Sascha Albers is Assistant Professor (Habilitand) at the Department of Business Policy and Logistics at the University of Cologne. His research interests include strategic management and organisation design problems, particularly in the logistics and transport industries. Currently he is especially interested in management problems arising from the interplay of competitive and cooperative structures (e.g. competition within and between cooperative networks). He published articles in various national and international management and logistics journals, such as ZfbF/Schmalenbach Business Review, International Journal of Physical Distribution and Logistics Management, Journal of Air Transport Management, and Transport Reviews, and presented his research at international conferences such as AOM, ATRS, and SMS. Sascha Albers holds a PhD from the University of Cologne, and performed part of his doctoral and post-doctoral research work at the Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL.

more info about Dr. Sascha Albers

About the Seminar

The KLU research seminar series is a regular meeting of PhD students, Post-Docs and professors who conduct research in the field of logistics and supply chain management. The research seminar is open to the public and we happily welcome guests.