Page 79 - Anales RADE vol I n 1
P. 79
4. METHODOLOGY
The methodology used to analyze intellectual capital in the electrical
utilities sector is based on the premise that measuring intellectual capital requires
the definition of the best possible set of variables and that these variables and
indicators may vary from one sector to another. Taking this into account, and
following the recommendations in Yin (1984, 1993), case studies have been used
as the key research method in order to ultimately develop an integrated analysis of
these cases.
In order to collect data, we have used tools recommended by researchers
such as Miles (1979) and Stake (1995) for developing case studies. In general, our
approach begins with qualitative data derived from semi-structured interviews in
order to define the key intangibles of the model and from there elaborate a first
proposition of variables in each of the cases researched. For the final validation of
variables and indicators, surveys have been used to collect opinions, which are
subsequently quantified with the objective of arriving at a systematic analysis for
the sector.
4.1. Purpose of the study
From a practical perspective, this study seeks to provide a set of indicators of
intellectual capital common to companies within the electrical utilities sector,
which can be used in future evaluations and which facilitate collaborative industry
benchmarking.
4.2. Selection of cases
The electrical utilities sector in Spain is comprised of companies whose
principal activities include the generation, transmission, distribution and
marketing of electricity. Vertical integration is limited as a result of the policies
implemented starting in 1997 in order to inject competition into the sector. The
different segments of the value chain must be performed by independent legal
entities (ME, 1997).
Statistical records indicate a total of 2139 companies in the electrical
utilities sector (INE, 2004). However, only six companies control 99% of the
market. UNESA4 is the industry association that represents the common interests
of these companies and it is through this collective perspective that this study has
been applied to the industry.
The case studies treated in this study have been selected no the basis of the
market share of each participant. Of the six corporate groups mentioned, this study
deals with four, which have an aggregate market share of 46% in generation, 100%
in transmission, and 60% in distribution and marketing.
4 Electrical Utilities Industry Association of Spain
79| A case study on spanish electrical utilities
The methodology used to analyze intellectual capital in the electrical
utilities sector is based on the premise that measuring intellectual capital requires
the definition of the best possible set of variables and that these variables and
indicators may vary from one sector to another. Taking this into account, and
following the recommendations in Yin (1984, 1993), case studies have been used
as the key research method in order to ultimately develop an integrated analysis of
these cases.
In order to collect data, we have used tools recommended by researchers
such as Miles (1979) and Stake (1995) for developing case studies. In general, our
approach begins with qualitative data derived from semi-structured interviews in
order to define the key intangibles of the model and from there elaborate a first
proposition of variables in each of the cases researched. For the final validation of
variables and indicators, surveys have been used to collect opinions, which are
subsequently quantified with the objective of arriving at a systematic analysis for
the sector.
4.1. Purpose of the study
From a practical perspective, this study seeks to provide a set of indicators of
intellectual capital common to companies within the electrical utilities sector,
which can be used in future evaluations and which facilitate collaborative industry
benchmarking.
4.2. Selection of cases
The electrical utilities sector in Spain is comprised of companies whose
principal activities include the generation, transmission, distribution and
marketing of electricity. Vertical integration is limited as a result of the policies
implemented starting in 1997 in order to inject competition into the sector. The
different segments of the value chain must be performed by independent legal
entities (ME, 1997).
Statistical records indicate a total of 2139 companies in the electrical
utilities sector (INE, 2004). However, only six companies control 99% of the
market. UNESA4 is the industry association that represents the common interests
of these companies and it is through this collective perspective that this study has
been applied to the industry.
The case studies treated in this study have been selected no the basis of the
market share of each participant. Of the six corporate groups mentioned, this study
deals with four, which have an aggregate market share of 46% in generation, 100%
in transmission, and 60% in distribution and marketing.
4 Electrical Utilities Industry Association of Spain
79| A case study on spanish electrical utilities
