SAP: The Challenge of Aligning Sourcing and Innovation Strategies

Bent Petersen; Dominique Nikerle-Uhthoff; Helen Schwaerzler

SAP: The Challenge of Aligning Sourcing and Innovation Strategies

Bent Petersen, Dominique Nikerle-Uhthoff, Helen Schwaerzler

Publikation: Andet › Undervisningscase

Abstract

In late 2011, SAP, the German leader in the enterprise software industry, announced a major investment plan for expanding in China and also acquired a leading American firm in cloud-based human capital management software. At first glance, these investments seemed rather unconnected. A closer look at SAP’s strategy, however, revealed a closely connected and coordinated network of strategic decisions and investments for which alignment and finding the right balance were key challenges. Hence, it was crucial to ask: What were the principal challenges for SAP in aligning its innovation and sourcing strategies? Compared to its key competitors — Microsoft, IBM and Oracle — how was it aligning its innovation strategy with its sourcing strategy?

Originalsprog	Engelsk
Publikationsdato	5 aug. 2014
Udgivelsessted	London, ON
Udgiver	Ivey Publishing
Antal sider	17
Status	Udgivet - 5 aug. 2014

Bibliografisk note

Product Number: 9B14M101

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Citationsformater

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N2 - In late 2011, SAP, the German leader in the enterprise software industry, announced a major investment plan for expanding in China and also acquired a leading American firm in cloud-based human capital management software. At first glance, these investments seemed rather unconnected. A closer look at SAP’s strategy, however, revealed a closely connected and coordinated network of strategic decisions and investments for which alignment and finding the right balance were key challenges. Hence, it was crucial to ask: What were the principal challenges for SAP in aligning its innovation and sourcing strategies? Compared to its key competitors — Microsoft, IBM and Oracle — how was it aligning its innovation strategy with its sourcing strategy?

AB - In late 2011, SAP, the German leader in the enterprise software industry, announced a major investment plan for expanding in China and also acquired a leading American firm in cloud-based human capital management software. At first glance, these investments seemed rather unconnected. A closer look at SAP’s strategy, however, revealed a closely connected and coordinated network of strategic decisions and investments for which alignment and finding the right balance were key challenges. Hence, it was crucial to ask: What were the principal challenges for SAP in aligning its innovation and sourcing strategies? Compared to its key competitors — Microsoft, IBM and Oracle — how was it aligning its innovation strategy with its sourcing strategy?

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