Thayla Zomer
@fdc.org.br
Professor
Dom Cabral Foundation
EDUCATION
PhD Manufacturing and Management
RESEARCH, TEACHING, or OTHER INTERESTS
Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, Management Science and Operations Research, Business, Management and Accounting, Management of Technology and Innovation
Scopus Publications
Scholar Citations
Scholar h-index
Scholar i10-index
Scopus Publications
Thayla Zomer, Andy Neely, and Paulo Savaget
Emerald
PurposeHow organisations interact with and respond to environmental pressures has been a long-term interest of organisational scholars. Still, it remains an under-theorised phenomenon from a project perspective. So far, there is limited understanding of how projects, which are composed by a constellation of organisations, “respond” to institutional pressures that are exerted on them. This research takes the perspective of projects as adopters/implementers of institutional pressures and analyses how they interact with, and respond to, such pressures. More specifically, this research explores how construction projects respond to the pressure of a Building Information Modelling (BIM) mandate.Design/methodology/approachMultiple in-depth case studies were conducted to explore the practical implementation of a BIM mandate in the UK and understand how the construction projects responded to the coercive pressures to implement a new policy mandate for process digitalisation. Multiple sources were employed for data collection and the data were analysed inductively. The findings identify a hybrid response comprising four distinct ways that projects might respond to an institutional pressure.FindingsWe find that projects decouple both from the content and from the intended purpose of a policy, i.e. there are two variance of a policy-practice decoupling phenomenon in projects. The findings also reveal the underlying conditions leading to decoupling.Originality/valueWe advance decoupling literature so that it better applies to the temporary, distributed and interdependent work conducted via projects. Second, we define decoupling in projects as a provisional and fragmented process of wayfinding through heterogeneous institutional spaces, and discuss the potential policy-practice assemblages in projects, influenced by how, if and when project members' activities decouple from the many and often contradicting institutional pressures they face. Third, we discuss how the qualitatively different forms of decoupling that we identified in our work may act as part of a legitimation process in ambiguous situations whereby projects might share a resemblance of conformity with institutional pressures when they are de facto only partially conforming to them.
Thayla Zomer, Tim McAloone, and Daniela Pigosso
Wiley
AbstractThe circular economy (CE) field has moved from purely conceptual research into empirical studies. However, the literature does not provide generalized conclusions regarding the overall state of CE transition in manufacturing companies. Existing studies lack a perspective in explaining differences among companies planning or already transitioning to the CE because most empirical research so far is based on single or few case studies, generally assuming that the transition to CE, once undertaken as a purpose, moves along a continuum from a linear model to a circular one. This paper identifies differences among manufacturing companies planning and transitioning to CE and conceptualizes readiness profiles along eight dimensions of change identified in the literature as essential to CE implementation in organizations. A cluster analysis of a sample of manufacturing companies from different sectors, sizes, and locations identified five readiness profiles: the laggards, the explorers, the frontrunners, the strategizers, and the information oriented. The results show that companies may follow different approaches when exploring the potential of CE in their businesses. While some companies decide to explore and experiment across all dimensions of change, others follow a more strategic or operational approach, suggesting different states in which companies find themselves. The findings offer evidence of the change happening across the manufacturing industry and how CE transition unfolds in practice, extending existing literature by providing more overall conclusions on how the transition might unfold in manufacturing companies and different states that companies might be regarding the multiple dimensions of change that should be considered.
Aline Cervi Inhof, Paulo Augusto Cauchick-Miguel, Suzana Regina Moro, and Thayla Tavares de Sousa Zomer
Emerald
PurposeProduct-service systems (PSS) are regarded as highly sustainable solutions. However, studies identifying and comparing the sustainable potential of product-service offerings by considering the three sustainability dimensions are still scarce. This paper aims to benchmark and analyse the sustainable potential of a use-oriented PSS, showing the influence of the context of implementation on the sustainable potential of the solutions.Design/methodology/approachBy adopting a competitive benchmarking approach, six bicycle-sharing systems from different countries were selected for analysis. The main sustainability-related aspects in use-oriented PSS (the systems investigated) were identified through a literature review. Multiple secondary sources were used to collect data about the analysed PSS. A qualitative analysis was conducted through triangulation of the sources to identify and compare the systems by considering the selected sustainability aspects.FindingsThe main results show that use-oriented PSS provide a range of economic, social, and environmental benefits, confirming the sustainable potential of such solutions. Several similarities between the systems have been identified, along with some differences, especially regarding their integration with other transport systems and the use of renewable energy, which can affect users' acceptance, operation efficacy, and overall sustainable potential of the solutions.Practical implicationsThis study identifies best practices that can be considered by other bike-sharing businesses to improve their sustainability potential.Originality/valueThis study identifies and explores the sustainable potential of bicycle-sharing solutions using a benchmark approach. It augments existing empirical knowledge on sustainable PSS and business models by revealing best practices, including the context that may enhance the sustainability potential of the solutions regarding environmental, economic, and social benefits.
Vanessa Nappi, Thayla Tavares Sousa-Zomer, Paulo A. Cauchick-Miguel, and Henrique Rozenfeld
Emerald
PurposeThe integration of sustainability, performance measurement and new product development (NPD) is key for aligning environmental and social objectives with business strategies. While previous research has initiated proposals for integrating sustainability into NPD or incorporating sustainability into corporate measurement systems, there is a notable deficiency in studies that comprehensively integrate these three perspectives. In this sense, this study proposes a performance framework (PF) to integrate sustainability performance indicators (PIs) into the measurement system considering the company’s NPD phases.Design/methodology/approachThe PF was developed through a literature review and action research (AR). This resulting PF was positively evaluated by the practitioners in the company.FindingsFirst, the review enabled the synthesis of an initial conceptual PF with 188 sustainability PIs and a five-step procedure. Then, the empirical results of the AR led to a new PF that presents the systematisation of the PIs database and a practice-based seven-stage approach.Research limitations/implicationsThis action-oriented research limits the extent to which this study’s findings can be generalised. Future research should apply the PF in different research designs to produce managerially relevant knowledge.Practical implicationsThis PF may provide managers with actionable knowledge that best supports the measurement system integration with sustainability PIs considering the NPD phases.Originality/valueIntegrating sustainability, performance measurement and the NPD has been recognised as critical for supporting decision-making concerning the impact of processes and products. Compared with previous frameworks, the proposed PF extends the existing literature by introducing a systematised PIs database and a novel procedure for integrating sustainability measurement throughout the NDP.
Fernanda Hänsch Beuren, Paulo Augusto Cauchick-Miguel, Eloiza Kohlbeck, and Thayla Tavares Sousa-Zomer
FapUNIFESP (SciELO)
Sudhir Rama Murthy, Thayla Tavares Sousa-Zomer, Tim Minshall, Chander Velu, Nikolai Kazantsev, and Duncan McFarlane
Emerald
PurposeAdvancements in responsive manufacturing have been supporting companies over the last few decades. However, manufacturers now operate in a context of continuous uncertainty. This research paper explores a mechanism where companies can “elastically” provision and deprovision their production capacity, to enable them in coping with repeated disruptions. Such a mechanism is facilitated by the imitability and substitutability of production resources.Design/methodology/approachAn inductive study was conducted using Gioia methodology for this theory generation research. Respondents from 20 UK manufacturing companies across multiple industrial sectors reflected on their experience during COVID-19. Resource-based view and resource dependence theory were employed to analyse the manufacturers' use of internal and external production resources.FindingsThe study identifies elastic responses at four operational levels: production-line, factory, company and supply chain. Elastic responses that imposed variable-costs were particularly well-suited for coping with unforeseen disruptions. Further, the imitability and substitutability of manufacturers helped others produce alternate goods during the crisis.Originality/valueWhile uniqueness of production capability helps manufacturers sustain competitive advantage against competitors during stable operations, imitability and substitutability are beneficial during a crisis. Successful manufacturing companies need to combine these two approaches to respond effectively to repeated disruptions in a context of ongoing uncertainties. The theoretical contribution is in characterising responsive manufacturing in terms of resource heterogeneity and resource homogeneity, with elastic resourcing as the underlying mechanism.
Eloiza Kohlbeck, Paulo Augusto Cauchick-Miguel, Glauco Henrique de Sousa Mendes, and Thayla Tavares de Sousa Zomer
MDPI AG
The research field of product-service systems (PSS) has experienced rapid growth since it emerged at the end of the 80s. Consequently, the conceptual structure of the PSS research field has expanded, and this phenomenon has driven novel research topics and future trends. This study analyzes the evolution and conceptual structure of the PSS research field since its emergence. A systematic literature review based on a bibliometric analysis was conducted, followed by a co-keyword analysis and content analysis, aiming to develop a historical overview of the nature of the research. The dataset involved 868 studies published between 1988 and 2022. The results present an analysis of the evolution of the literature in the following periods: (i) from 1988 to 2015, referred to in this study as the ‘past’, and (ii) from 2016 to 2022 (the ‘present’). A comparative analysis of the two periods is carried out, and the main topics and research trends and perspectives for future studies are identified (the ‘future’). Some of the main research topics include digitalization and sustainability, for which discussions on smart PSS, life-cycle management, ecodesign, knowledge management, development of assessment tools, simulation, and modeling technologies, have appeared. Research opportunities for future studies aligned with those topics are also identified, e.g., map key success factors to positive implementation of proposals that reconcile PSS with digitalization.
Thayla Zomer and Paulo Savaget
MDPI AG
Corporate strategies to tackle climate change have become a topic of much debate. Yet, limited attention has been paid to understanding how companies exploit and explore decarbonisation opportunities. We posit that the risks imposed by climate change and the opportunities that emerge under such a context require companies to develop a decarbonisation ambidexterity capability to reconcile the exploration of more radical, long-term eco-innovation opportunities, while also being eco-efficient in their current activities. Based on the ambidexterity literature, we ask: How do companies explore and exploit to reduce their carbon footprint? Through an inductive analysis of the climate change reports of 410 European companies from different sectors, we identify seven core exploitative and explorative initiatives adopted by companies in response to climate change. We argue that, to reach the established targets, companies must adopt multiple initiatives focused on both exploring new knowledge and technologies and exploiting improvements in existing routines and processes, and we show how companies have combined these efforts.
Suzana Regina Moro, Paulo A. Cauchick-Miguel, Glauco Henrique de Sousa Mendes, and Thayla Tavares Sousa-Zomer
Elsevier BV
Paulo Augusto Cauchick-Miguel, Thayla Tavares Sousa-Zomer, and Guilherme Tortorella
FapUNIFESP (SciELO)
:
Juliane de Freitas Battisti, P. Cauchick-Miguel and T. T. Sousa-Zomer
Paper aims: This study identified the main aspects related to deservitization in manufacturing firms, a process involving the dilution of services after their integration into companies’ business models. Originality: The deservitization process has been identified as a movement among manufacturing companies, but so far, there is limited understanding of its characteristics. The paper contributes to the existing literature by identifying the main aspects related to the dilution of once-added services by manufacturing firms. Research method: A literature review was conducted. A content analysis of the selected papers (89 publications) was carried out to identify the main challenges discussed in the servitization literature as issues leading to deservitization. Main findings: The explanations for manufacturing firms failing in the transition to servitization and consequently taking the deservitization path discussed in the literature are related to changes in the organizational structure, new capabilities, modification of the business model and strategy, and difficulties in the interaction between supplier and customer. Implications for theory and practice: Deservitization is a complex phenomenon, and little is known about it, especially when compared to the existing body of knowledge on servitization. The paper thus extends the knowledge on the conditions leading to deservitization in manufacturing firms.
T. Zomer, T. C. McAloone, and D. C. A. Pigosso
Cambridge University Press (CUP)
AbstractCorporate climate action is critical in supporting the transition towards a low-carbon economy. This paper explores what design practices have been adopted by manufacturing companies that have committed to science-based emission reduction targets and are making progress towards those targets. We contribute to the existing literature by providing empirical evidence of circular economy (CE) actions related to product design supporting firms in reaching their emission reduction targets, contributing to the calls for more research showing evidence between CE adoption and emissions reduction.
Alisson Christian Scheller, Thayla T. Sousa-Zomer, and Paulo A. Cauchick-Miguel
Emerald
Purpose Although the literature on Lean Six Sigma (LSS) implementation has evolved, a deeper understanding of the LSS practices applied in organisations in developing countries is needed. This paper aims to analyse LSS in a manufacturing company in the context of LSS implementation in an emerging economy. Design/methodology/approach This paper uses case-based research. Data collected in a large manufacturing company through multiple sources of evidence were triangulated to derive the findings. This paper analyses aspects related to the implementation of both programmes and their synergy, as well as some critical and failure factors. Findings The main results show that Lean and Six Sigma are applied separately in two different programmes. Some aspects that are necessary to increase the integration of both approaches were identified while considering each phase of the DMAIC and the current approach applied by the company. Although some positive results have been achieved, there are many critical and failure factors that may influence the implementation of both approaches, such as employee training and changes in the organisational environment. Finally, the comprehensive integration of both approaches needs to be undertaken by the company. Research limitations/implications The findings from this single case study cannot be generalised. Practical implications This paper may be used as a guiding reference for managers and consultants to help them when working towards more successful LSS implementation. Originality/value First, this paper investigates LSS in a manufacturing firm located in a developing country; this issue is still seldom addressed in the literature. Second, it may contribute to practitioners’ knowledge by delivering insights into a real context, as well as the relevant issues to be addressed when implementing LSS in similar contexts.
Didem Gürdür Broo, Kirsten Lamb, Richmond Juvenile Ehwi, Erika Pärn, Antiopi Koronaki, Chara Makri, and Thayla Zomer
Elsevier BV
Thayla Zomer, Andy Neely, Rafael Sacks, and Ajith Parlikad
Springer International Publishing
Thayla Tavares Sousa-Zomer, Andy Neely, and Veronica Martinez
Emerald
PurposeDrawing on the literature on dynamic capabilities and digital transformation, this paper conceptualises and investigates the relevant antecedents of an essential capability for digital transformation – the digital transforming capability – and its effect on the competitive advantage of firms.Design/methodology/approachA framework with individual and organisational microfoundations of the digital transforming capability is proposed based on previous research. The digital transforming capability is conceptualised as a second-order construct. The model is tested using data from a broad spectrum of large US companies. Structural equation modelling (SEM) is applied to test the proposed framework.FindingsThe study identifies three main microfoundations that, when combined, build a digital transforming capability (digital-savvy skills, digital intensity and context for action and interaction); in addition, the study tests the relationship between digital transforming capability and firm performance. The results validate the proposed theoretical framework. In addition to proposing relevant microfoundations of the digital transforming capability, we advance knowledge on the performance effects of those microfoundations.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to advancing the understanding of the digital transformation phenomenon by revealing the role of the primary components underlying the digital transforming capability. Yet the mechanisms by which the micro-level aspects are important for digital transformation and organisational outcomes are only suggested by anecdotal evidence. The paper also contributes to ongoing calls for further investigation to extend the understanding of the microfoundations of dynamic capabilities. Finally, by drawing on archival data, this study also contributes to calls to broaden the toolkit used in dynamic capabilities research.
Thayla Zomer, Andy Neely, Rafael Sacks, and Ajith Parlikad
Informa UK Limited
Abstract Building Information Modelling (BIM) has been widely seen as bringing a paradigm change to the construction industry. However, scholars have acknowledged that neither widespread BIM implementation nor the envisaged systemic changes within the sector have taken place. Despite acknowledging that the industry’s conditions and embedded contexts shape innovation diffusion, existing studies have not explored in any depth “how” the context might influence the episode of change when a new technology is introduced and the new practices accompanying that technology and old practices co-evolve. By adopting activity theory, its concepts of contradictions and multiple layers within the activity system, in this paper, we explore the interaction between situated and existing practices, or the “how” of implementation; that is, how the activity system is questioned and redefined during an episode of technological change. Drawing on data from multiple case studies, our findings demonstrate that situated practices related to the definition of information requirements, and the production and the handover of information were re-enacted following institutionalised socio-historical constructs (e.g. norms, rules, division of labour) at the industry and organisational levels. The findings provide insights regarding the inertia in the transformation of the sector as also deriving from re-enactments of socio-historical constructs that mediate the institutionalisation of situated practices. Our findings reveal re-enactment as part of the transformation process and contribute to calls for more realistic views on BIM implementation.
Thayla T. Sousa-Zomer and Paulo A. Cauchick-Miguel
Informa UK Limited
The conceptual exploration of sustainable business models (SBMs) is new in the literature, and there is still a limited understanding of how these models might look in practice. As theory development should be grounded in reality, more empirical research is needed. This paper aims to contribute to the literature by exploring how a specific type of SBM (product-service systems) may contribute to sustainability. The business models of two companies located in an emerging economy (Brazil) were analysed through business model lenses. The goal was to examine the key characteristics, how the solutions have overcome the barriers associated with business model implementation, enablers, cooperative arrangements, and the link between technology advancement and innovation. Multiple sources were used to gather data, and an inductive approach based on grounded theory was applied for data analysis. The main findings show the role of collaborative approaches and stakeholder interaction in fostering SBM implementation and overcoming the main barriers associated with the implementation. Innovative technologies are also an important driver for achieving environmental improvements. Future research may focus on exploring other SBMs implemented in developing countries, the main sustainability benefits, and the collaborative approaches established.
Eduardo K. Yamakawa, Paulo A. Cauchick Miguel, Thayla T. Sousa Zomer, and Catherine P. Killen
Inderscience Publishers
Eduardo K. Yamakawa, Thayla T. Sousa-Zomer, Paulo A. Cauchick-Miguel, and Catherine P. Killen
Emerald
Purpose Project portfolio management (PPM) has been recognized as critical for the productivity of research and development (R&D) investments, but empirical research on PPM use and outcomes in non-commercial R&D environments is limited. The purpose of this paper is to investigate PPM processes and outcomes in a unique R&D context within Brazilian electric power utilities. Design/methodology/approach An exploratory best practice survey was used to collect data on PPM processes, methods and performance results in the power sector. Analysis of the data employs descriptive statistics and comparative analysis in the light of the literature. Findings The findings emphasize the importance of strategic value and the need for PPM to be customized for the specific context. The results also demonstrate the importance of adopting selection criteria and measures in accordance with the organizations strategic goals. Practical implications The findings may help organizations better understand how PPM can be tailored for the environment. PPM managers in utilities and other non-commercial R&D environments may find guidance in tailoring and improving their PPM approaches. Originality/value The contributions of this paper are twofold. First, it provides empirical findings to support PPM concepts on strategic alignment and the importance of context by demonstrating how PPM works to deliver strategy in a unique environment. Second, it contributes to the management of R&D projects and portfolios in power utilities, providing an example and analysis that may offer guidance. The contributions from this study may also offer insights that are valuable for R&D management in other utilities, or for R&D management in general.
Thayla T. Sousa-Zomer, Lucas Magalhães, Eduardo Zancul, and Paulo A. Cauchick-Miguel
Elsevier BV
Thayla T. Sousa-Zomer, Lucas Magalhães, Eduardo Zancul, Lucila M.S. Campos, and Paulo A. Cauchick-Miguel
Elsevier BV
Thayla T. Sousa-Zomer and Paulo A. Cauchick Miguel
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Thayla T. Sousa-Zomer and Paulo A. Cauchick Miguel
Elsevier BV