Sorin Cohn - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Conference Presentations by Sorin Cohn

ID: I175 Abstract As high-tech markets churn relentlessly through their lifecycles, the embedded ... more ID: I175 Abstract As high-tech markets churn relentlessly through their lifecycles, the embedded firms change their internal and external structural forms through a well-defined sequence of steady and transient states with driving forces shaping those structures. The paper builds on two previous articles on market and firm complexity during the lifecycle by the authors. The process appears to have the hallmark of natural selection that defines the adaptive mechanisms and the resulting optimal structural forms. Both the steady states; such as the tornado, and the transient states; such as market consolidation, appear to have strong influence on the succession dynamics that take simple amorphous start-up firms from minimal internal structure and support ecosystem to the bewildering complexity of the eventual mature firm and its rigid support environment; the value chain. This paper examines the dynamics of change that drive the adaptive cycle and the external drivers that define the magnitude and direction of change; available strategies, market complexity, steady and transient market states and the interplay between market effectiveness that emphasizes timely positional choices, and market efficiency that relies on resources based strengths. The key conclusion is that specific structures do not just happen because of internal management decisions but (are) also strongly shaped by market forces that vary along the lifecycle, and there is an overriding logic to these forces that is deterministic in nature.

That supply chain management and logistics are a determining factor for the long term success of ... more That supply chain management and logistics are a determining factor for the long term success of a company was well documented by Forrester over a half century ago (Forester, 1958), with the importance of the statement only growing through the intervening years. Whether consciously factored into the operating mode or not, logistics and distribution channel management plays a critical role in the life, and death, of a firm. From the rudimentary beginnings of the start-up company to the hectic world of the growth company and onto the relatively secure existence in mature markets, the value chain consisting of logistics and distribution channel linkages follows the firm, until it solidifies into immutable form of the mature value chain and begins to exert an inexorable pressure on the survival of the entire chain, and conversely the chain imposes its will on the members. The emergence of mature industry value chains is often driven by the need to monopolistically control logistics and distribution channels which provides a competitive advantage but also introduces a serious exposure to pending shock loadings of the chain.

Papers by Sorin Cohn

In two previous papers the authors explored the dynamics of markets and firms along the market li... more In two previous papers the authors explored the dynamics of markets and firms along the market lifecycle and argued early market phases are complex, nonlinear and turbulent whereas late markets tend to be relatively linear, simple, and quiescent in behavior. This paper extends the analysis to firms under small market perturbations and catastrophic shock loading and demonstrates that there are zones of stability where the adaptive and survival mechanisms of the firm are markedly different. In particular we shall examine the (i) early market phenomenon of zone stability where young firms can land anywhere in the market, (ii) convergent stability where attempts are made to return close to original position and finally (iii) point stability that compels firms to remain at the same position. This article will define the stability zones vis-á-vis the market dynamics, the range of options available to the firm to adjust and the evolution of structural forms commensurate with the prevailing...

Technology Innovation Management Review, 2013

That supply chain management and logistics are a determining factor for the long term success of ... more That supply chain management and logistics are a determining factor for the long term success of a company was well documented by Forrester over a half century ago [1], with the importance of the statement only growing through the intervening years. Whether consciously factored into the operating mode or not, logistics and distribution channel management plays a critical role in the life, and death, of a firm. From the rudimentary beginnings of the start-up company to the hectic world of the growth company and onto the relatively secure existence in mature markets, the value chain consisting of logistics and distribution channel linkages follows the firm, until it solidifies into immutable form of the mature value chain and begins to exert an inexorable pressure on the survival of the entire chain, and conversely the chain imposes its will on the members. The emergence of mature industry value chains is often driven by the need to monopolistically control logistics and distribution channels which provides a competitive advantage but also introduces a serious exposure to pending shock loadings of the chain.

Journal of the Knowledge Economy, 2014

Efforts to reduce the perceived "Innovation Gap" of Canada have led to significant public expendi... more Efforts to reduce the perceived "Innovation Gap" of Canada have led to significant public expenditures on scientific research and exploratory development, with a high emphasis on academic undertakings.

Technology Innovation Management Review, 2013

That supply chain management and logistics are a determining factor for the long term success of ... more That supply chain management and logistics are a determining factor for the long term success of a company was well documented by Forrester over a half century ago [1], with the importance of the statement only growing through the intervening years. Whether consciously factored into the operating mode or not, logistics and distribution channel management plays a critical role in the life, and death, of a firm. From the rudimentary beginnings of the start-up company to the hectic world of the growth company and onto the relatively secure existence in mature markets, the value chain consisting of logistics and distribution channel linkages follows the firm, until it solidifies into immutable form of the mature value chain and begins to exert an inexorable pressure on the survival of the entire chain, and conversely the chain imposes its will on the members. The emergence of mature industry value chains is often driven by the need to monopolistically control logistics and distribution channels which provides a competitive advantage but also introduces a serious exposure to pending shock loadings of the chain.

Journal of the Knowledge Economy, 2014