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Learning from a Drastic Failure: The Case of the Airbus A380 Program

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  • Isabel D�rfler
  • Oliver Baumann

Abstract

How do organizations learn from a drastic failure? We distinguish between ad hoc and systematic reactions and discuss their effectiveness for dealing with two basic challenges: (1) identifying and solving the problems that caused the failure; and (2) changing the organization accordingly. We apply this conceptual perspective to illustrate the dynamics of learning from the drastic failure that occurred during the development of the Airbus A380 "superjumbo." Our findings echo extant observations that efforts to redesign organizational behavior in an ad hoc manner are often insufficient. Instead, the organizational system must provide scaffolding that allows experiencing a critical event in a rich and systematic manner. When seen from a dynamic perspective, however, we find that even imperfect ad hoc efforts may play a vital role. By enforcing changes, providing stability, and raising awareness, they can act as a helpful prelude to more systematic problem solving and change.

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  • Isabel D�rfler & Oliver Baumann, 2014. "Learning from a Drastic Failure: The Case of the Airbus A380 Program," Industry and Innovation, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 21(3), pages 197-214, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:indinn:v:21:y:2014:i:3:p:197-214
    DOI: 10.1080/13662716.2014.910891
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    Cited by:

    1. Rhaiem, Khalil & Halilem, Norrin, 2023. "The worst is not to fail, but to fail to learn from failure: A multi-method empirical validation of learning from innovation failure," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 190(C).
    2. Appio, Francesco Paolo & Capo, Francesca & Annosi, Maria Carmela, 2024. "Not all (innovation) failures are created equal: A typology of companies’ responses to the consequences of innovation failure," Technovation, Elsevier, vol. 130(C).
    3. Baxter, David & Trott, Paul & Ellwood, Paul, 2023. "Reconceptualising innovation failure," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 52(7).
    4. Sun, Xiaoqian & Wandelt, Sebastian & Zhang, Anming, 2021. "Technological and educational challenges towards pandemic-resilient aviation," Transport Policy, Elsevier, vol. 114(C), pages 104-115.
    5. Ferreira, João J.M. & Fernandes, Cristina I. & Ferreira, Fernando A.F., 2020. "Wearing failure as a path to innovation," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 120(C), pages 195-202.
    6. Khalil Rhaiem & Nabil Amara, 2021. "Learning from innovation failures: a systematic review of the literature and research agenda," Review of Managerial Science, Springer, vol. 15(2), pages 189-234, February.
    7. Leoncini, Riccardo, 2016. "Learning-by-failing. An empirical exercise on CIS data," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 45(2), pages 376-386.
    8. Naghizadeh, Mohammad & Manteghi, Manoochehr & Ranga, Marina & Naghizadeh, Reza, 2017. "Managing integration in complex product systems: The experience of the IR-150 aircraft design program," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 122(C), pages 253-261.

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