Abstract/Summary

The research design encompasses several key components. Initially, this study critically synthesises the existing literature on DBEs to identify limitations and research gaps. Following this, an initial design is undertaken to establish key factors and relevant concepts for assessing organisational readiness to engage in DBE. These factors and concepts are examined through a preliminary case study and subsequently detailed in a conceptual framework during the construction stage. This framework function as a tentative meta-model to guide the development of the final solution. After this, to validate and further refine the conceptual framework, further case study and expert review approach are applied for evaluation. To be more specific, this study delivers an Organisational Readiness Assessment Model (ORAM) based on exploration and illustration in two case studies. ORAM as the main contribution of this study is a methodical solution that provides techniques to identify DBE engagement, analyse and assess the organisational readiness in engaging in DBEs. Abductive reasoning is embedded in ORAM development, which mainly consists of three iterative stages: context articulation, readiness evaluation and readiness improvement. Firstly, the context articulation stage comprises three techniques: unit system analysis, and engagement articulation and engagement analysis. In this stage, the study conceptualises 7 categories of DBE engagement modes classified by resource flows to understand the organisational engagement in DBEs. ORAM portrays the engagement process where the interactions can be articulated in specification to be documented among different stages of engagement. Secondly, the readiness evaluation stage comprises the readiness measurement including technical, structural and cultural measurement and readiness level assessment with the key critical criteria being identified. Lastly, the readiness improvement stage comprises the technique to bridge the identified gaps, strengthen organisational capacities, and ensuring alignment with the specific requirements and objectives. To validate the developed solution, the study employs an empirical case study and expert review assessment methods. This study applies ORAM in the electric vehicle sector within China’s automotive DBE. The results support ORAM’s innovative role in evaluating organisational readiness for DBE engagement. Furthermore, feedback from expert reviews supports the validity, novelty, generality and utility of ORAM. By developing ORAM to understand and explain DBE engagement and assess organisational readiness, the study makes several theoretical, methodological and practical contributions. To summarise, the thesis explores the process of organisational engagement in DBEs and identify critical criteria that are contributing to the assessment of readiness. In theory, this thesis highlights the solution by developing ORAM to assess the readiness of DBE engagement. The solution proposed in this thesis can inform practitioners their readiness levels on the preparation in DBE engagement, so to better aid decision-makers enhancing readiness that lends to an optimum collaboration.