Bringing in new Practices: A learning arena to support transfer in global manufacturing

This paper unfolds the concept of a learning arena as a means of accelerating learning processes in global manufacturing. Many aspects of organizational learning are at play which calls for a broad approach. We shall adopt two different approaches, respectively that of social practice and situated organizational learning and a planning approach based on didactic learning and project management. Dimensions of a learning arena will be introduced and discussed in a model that may serve as a framework for management’s planning and execution of the early phases of manufacturing transfer aimed at developing social practice in the receiving organizational unit. The paper builds on six case studies in three MNEs with well established capabilities for transferring operations activities. Case studies illustrate how different aspects of the learning arena may be used for supporting knowledge and competence development.