The innovation process in a company supplying inputs for steel marketmetallurgical world market: a case study at Alpha S/A

Abstract

This research investigates and analyzes the innovation process in a mining company supplying inputs for the global steel-metallurgical market. The analysis model was structured into four categories originated in the innovation process as the assumptions by Davila et al. (2007), to know: (i) strategic and innovation models, (ii) factors that can influence the implementation of the innovation, (iii) management systems and/or tools, (iv) indicators, metrics and results. A qualitative research strategy was based on a study of a single case and three criteria were used to judge the quality of research: construct validity, external validity and reliability. Multiple sources of evidence were used (interviews, documents and observation) and data analysis observed three stages namely: (a) data reduction, (b) display, or exposition of data, (c) checking/ conclusions based on interferences from evidences or premise. The results confirmed the existence of an unstructured and informal innovation process meticulously described from four elements of the analysis model. The findings point to a strategy and innovation model still in early stages of maturity, as well as execution influenced by structural and socio-behavioral issues.

Keywords

• Technology
• Businessmodel
• Innovation
• Innovation Process
• Steel and Metallurgy Industry