Knowledge management : critical perspectives on e-business activities

This article is both a review and an agenda-setting piece. It argues that knowledge management suffers from conceptual and definitional ambiguity, oversimplification of its development processes, and methodological limitations. Nevertheless, there is a consensus in business and academia that knowledge is a key component of success and allows firms to achieve and sustains competitive advantages. In a digital era, these advantages arise from the potential of data and information that can be gathered, processed, shared, and used to improve e-business activities. Thus, this research bridges the gap in the assessment of knowledge management and e-business relationship, by applying an SEM to a large database sample of KM activities performed by European firms.N/

Exploring the Factors of Innovation Rejection

Computer systems cannot improve organisational performance if they aren’t adopted. There has been much research into why and how systems are adopted by organisations and individuals, however the area is still unable to explain the adoption phenomenon completely. At the same time, innovation rejection, as a topic, has been largely ignored in the research literature. This paper aims to develop a list of factors which affect innovation rejection and documents an initial attempt to develop a research model that describes technology rejection. This section of the study explores the research literature for factors that affect rejection. The results show rejection factors at the environment, the organisation, the workgroup and the system levels. However, there is very little evidence of factors at the adoption process level. This could be an interesting area for further research

Accelerating entrepreneurial development in South Africa - Recommendations from a practical application

The worldwide trend towards outsourcing non-core, company-specific activities has a number of positive macroeconomic implications. The most notable of these is the contribution that this trend will have in promoting the growth of small, micro- and medium-sized enterprises. This, in turn, should stimulate the socioeconomic development of the environment by adding value at the lower levels of production. This paper sets out to document how the successful implementation of an outsourcing project was achieved in a developing economy and makes recommendations as to its successful replication in other developing economies. </jats:p

Florida marine biotechnology: research, development and training capabilities to advance science and commerce

The level of activity and interest in “marine biotechnology” among Florida university faculty and allied laboratory scientists is reported in this document. The information will be used to (1) promote networking and collaboration in research and education, (2) inform industry of possible academic partners, (3) identify contacts interested in potential new sources of funding, and (4) assist development of funding for a statewide marine biotechnology research, training and development program. This document is the first of its kind. Institutions of higher learning were given the opportunity to contribute both an overview of campus capabilities and individual faculty Expressions of Scientific Interest. They are listed in the table of contents. (104pp.

IDO1 is an Integral Mediator of Inflammatory Neovascularization.

The immune tolerogenic effects of IDO1 (indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1) have been well documented and genetic studies in mice have clearly established the significance of IDO1 in tumor promotion. Dichotomously, the primary inducer of IDO1, the inflammatory cytokine IFNγ (interferon-γ), is a key mediator of immune-based tumor suppression. One means by which IFNγ can exert an anti-cancer effect is by decreasing tumor neovascularization. We speculated that IDO1 might contribute to cancer promotion by countering this anti-neovascular effect of IFNγ, possibly through IDO1-potentiated elevation of the pro-tumorigenic inflammatory cytokine IL6 (interleukin-6). In this study, we investigated how genetic loss of IDO1 affects neovascularization in mouse models of oxygen-induced retinopathy and lung metastasis. Neovascularization in both models was significantly reduced in mice lacking IDO1, was similarly reduced with loss of IL6, and was restored in both cases by concomitant loss of IFNγ. Likewise, the lack of IDO1 or IL6 resulted in reduced metastatic tumor burden and increased survival, which the concomitant loss of IFNγ abrogated. This insight into IDO1\u27s involvement in pro-tumorigenic inflammatory neovascularization may have important ramifications for IDO1 inhibitor development, not only in cancer where clinical trials are currently ongoing, but in other disease indications associated with neovascularization as well

Can procurement affect design performance?

There is an emerging view in the construction industry that better performance or better value for money can be achieved by integrating teamwork for planning, design and construction of building projects. There are though, two opposing perspectives regarding how changes in traditional design practices should occur. Advocates of sustainable construction in North America posit that it is a matter of evolving processes, moving from a sequential to an iterative approach to design, whereas the British government supports the view that a change in how projects are procured is required to transform the context that dictates relationships among the members of the team. The objective of the research is to study the influence of procurement on the performance of integrated design teams. It analyses, through case studies representing these two perspectives, the influence of procurement on the performance of integrated teams. The research is conclusive in that it is the context created by contractual relationship, and not the process set up for conducting integrated design, that most influence team efficiency. It demonstrates that traditional procurement processes reinforce socio-cognitive barriers that hinder team efficiency. It also illustrates how new procurement modes can transform the dynamics of relationships between the client and the members of the supply chain, and have a positive impact on team performance

Navigating the digitalization of individuals as employees, customers, and themselves

Digitalization has long since entered and transformed our professional lives, our interaction with companies, and our private lives. With the progress in digitalization in general and of individuals in particular, both opportunities and challenges arise. Digitalization represents a double-edged sword, with its vast potential on the one end and a number of risks and detrimental effects for individuals, such as technostress, on the other. Individuals need to navigate the opportunities provided by digitalization, as well as its risks, in all areas of their lives. Addressing digitalization in a way that is in the best interest of individuals requires a thorough understanding of developments, challenges, and possible interventions and solutions. Matt et al. (2019) propose a framework for studying the digitalization of individuals, which represents a holistic approach to structure, classify, and position research along different roles of individuals from a comprehensive set of research angles. By applying this framework as a guiding structure, this dissertation aims to advance knowledge for an improved, safer, and more deliberate navigation of digitalization for individuals in their roles as employees, customers, and themselves from the research angles design, behavior, and consequences. While building on and integrating qualitative research methods such as literature analysis and expert interviews, this dissertation mainly relies on the collection of empirical data and their quantitative analysis. This comprises several small- and large-scale surveys and field experiments, as well as analytical methods such as structural equation modeling, regression analysis, and cluster analysis. Chapter 2 of this dissertation discusses the digitalization of individuals in their role as employees. Chapter 2.1 covers workplace design in terms of equipment with digital workplace technologies (DWTs) and the user behavior of employees. It determines which DWTs exist and are used by individual employees in a comprehensive and structured fashion. Contributing to a deeper understanding of workplace digitalization, chapter 2.1 also demonstrates and elaborates how this overview of DWTs represents a basis for individualized digital work design as well as adequate interventions. Chapter 2.2 deals with the consequences of DWT user behavior. It focuses on the relationship between workplace digitalization, the negative consequence technostress, and possible countermeasures termed technostress inhibitors. By enabling a more detailed understanding of the underlying mechanisms as well as evaluating the effects of countermeasures, chapter 2.2 discusses the overall finding that workplace digitalization increases technostress. The dynamics of its different components and technostress inhibitors, however, require individual consideration at a more detailed level, as the interrelationships are not consistently intuitive. In chapter 3, the focus changes to individuals in their role as customers. As a response to increasing data collection by companies as well as increasing data privacy concerns of customers, chapter 3.1 focuses on the identification of a comprehensive list of data privacy measures that address these concerns. Furthermore, it is identified that the implementation of some of these measures would lead to increased customer satisfaction, demonstrating that there is an upside to data privacy for companies and that mutually beneficial outcomes for both involved parties are conceivable. Chapter 3.2 analyzes whether and how digital nudging can be applied to influence customers online shopping behavior towards the selection of more environmentally sustainable products in online supermarkets and how this influence differs with respect to individual customer characteristics. It determines the digital nudging element default rules to be generally effective and simplification to be effective among environmentally conscious customers. On a macro level, the findings contribute to a safer environment in which individuals live their lives, while at the individual level, they foster decision-making quality and health. Chapter 4 highlights the digitalization of individuals themselves. Chapter 4.1 deals with the design of a habit-tracking app that offers users autonomy in their goal-directed behavior. It is found that the provision of autonomy enhances well-being. Its exercise improves performance, which in turn positively affects well-being. Chapter 4.1 thus contributes insights into how digital technologies can foster the flourishing of users. As a summary, this dissertation aims to provide research and practice with contributions to a deeper understanding of how individuals as employees, customers, and themselves can successfully navigate digitalization.Die Digitalisierung und durch sie verursachte Veränderungen haben längst in unserem Berufsleben, unserer Interaktion mit Unternehmen und unserem Privatleben Einzug erhalten. Mit der fortschreitenden Digitalisierung im Allgemeinen und der fortschreitenden Digitalisierung von Individuen im Speziellen ergeben sich sowohl Chancen als auch Herausforderungen. Die Digitalisierung stellt ein zweischneidiges Schwert dar. Den enormen Potenzialen stehen eine Reihe von Risiken und negativen Auswirkungen für Individuen wie z.B. Technostress gegenüber. Individuen müssen sich in allen Lebensbereichen in einem Spannungsfeld der Digitalisierung zurechtfinden, welches am einen Ende vielfältige Chancen für Weiterentwicklung und Selbstverwirklichung bereithält, aber am anderen Ende auch zahlreiche Fallstricke und Risiken birgt. Mit der Digitalisierung auf eine Art und Weise umzugehen, die im besten Interesse von Individuen liegt, erfordert ein gründliches Verständnis der Entwicklungen und Herausforderungen sowie möglicher Interventionen und Lösungen. Matt et al. (2019) schlagen ein Framework für die Untersuchung der Digitalisierung von Individuen vor, das einen ganzheitlichen Ansatz zur Strukturierung, Klassifizierung und Positionierung von Forschung entlang verschiedener Rollen von Individuen und unterschiedlicher Forschungsperspektiven darstellt. Unter Anwendung dieses Frameworks als Leitstruktur zielt diese Dissertation darauf ab, aus den Forschungsperspektiven Design, Verhalten und Konsequenzen Wissen zu schaffen und zu erweitern, wie Individuen in ihren Rollen als Arbeitnehmer:innen, Kund:innen und im privaten Kontext die Digitalisierung besser, sicherer und bewusster meistern können. Aufbauend auf und unter Einbeziehung von qualitativen Forschungsmethoden wie Literaturanalyse und Experteninterviews stützt sich diese Dissertation vor allem auf die Erhebung empirischer Daten und deren quantitative Auswertung. Dies umfasst mehrere kleiner und größer angelegte Umfragen und Feldexperimente sowie analytische Methoden wie Strukturgleichungsmodelle, Regressions- und Clusteranalysen. Kapitel 2 der Dissertation befasst sich mit der Digitalisierung von Individuen in ihrer Rolle als Arbeitnehmer:innen. Kapitel 2.1 beschäftigt sich mit der Gestaltung von Arbeitsplätzen hinsichtlich der Ausstattung mit digitalen Technologien und des Verhaltens von Arbeitnehmer:innen bei deren Nutzung. Zum anderen arbeitet Kapitel 2.1 heraus, inwiefern dieser Überblick der digitalen Technologien eine Grundlage für die individualisierte Gestaltung digitaler Arbeit sowie für adäquate Interventionen darstellt. Kapitel 2.2 beschäftigt sich mit den Konsequenzen des Nutzungsverhaltens dieser digitalen Technologien. Im Mittelpunkt steht dabei der Zusammenhang zwischen der Digitalisierung von Arbeitsplätzen, der negativen Konsequenz Technostress und möglichen Gegenmaßnahmen, den sogenannten Technostress-Inhibitoren. Kapitel 2.2 ermöglicht ein detaillierteres Verständnis der zugrunde liegenden Mechanismen und bewertet die Wirksamkeit von Gegenmaßnahmen. In Kapitel 3 liegt der Fokus auf Individuen in ihrer Rolle als Kund:innen. Als Reaktion auf zunehmende Datenerfassung seitens Unternehmen und wachsende Datenschutzbedenken seitens Kund:innen konzentriert sich Kapitel 3.1 auf die Identifizierung einer umfassenden Liste von Datenschutzmaßnahmen, die diese Bedenken adressieren. Darüber hinaus wird festgestellt, dass die Umsetzung einiger dieser Maßnahmen zu einer höheren Kundenzufriedenheit führen würde. In Kapitel 3.2 wird analysiert, ob und wie digitales Nudging eingesetzt werden kann, um das Online-Einkaufsverhalten von Kund:innen in Richtung der Auswahl umweltfreundlicherer nachhaltiger Produkte in Online-Supermärkten zu beeinflussen und wie sich dieser Einfluss in Bezug auf einzelne Kundenmerkmale unterscheidet. Kapitel 4 beleuchtet die Digitalisierung von Individuen im privaten Kontext. Kapitel 4.1 befasst sich mit der Entwicklung einer App zum Festhalten und zur Verfolgung von Gewohnheiten, die ihren Nutzer:innen Autonomie in Bezug auf ihr zielgerichtetes Verhalten bietet. Es wird festgestellt, dass die Bereitstellung von Autonomie das Wohlbefinden der Nutzer:innen steigert. Die Ausübung von Autonomie verbessert die Leistung bei der Zielerreichung. Zusammenfassend stellt diese Dissertation für Forschung und Praxis Beiträge bereit, die zu einem tieferen Verständnis eines erfolgreichen Umgangs von Individuen als Arbeitnehmer:innen, Kund:innen und Individuen im privaten Kontext mit der Digitalisierung führen sollen

The influence of a collaborative procurement approach using integrated design in construction on project team performance

Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to study the influence of procurement on the performance of integrated design teams. Design/methodology/approach – The research paradigm is based on Russian socio-constructivist approach to activity theory. Activity theory, as opposed to natural or social science, is a design science approach that focuses on the context aspect of project. A triangulation of qualitative research methods is used to investigate the dynamic of integrated teams in two different procurement contexts. Findings – The paper is conclusive regarding the influence of procurement on team efficiency. It demonstrates that traditional procurement processes reinforce socio-cognitive barriers that hinder team efficiency. It also illustrates how new procurement modes can transform the dynamic of relationships between the client and the members of the supply chain, and have a positive impact on teamperformance. Practical implications – The paper demonstrates first that problems with integrated design team efficiency are related to context and not process – they are not technical but socio-cognitive; second that fragmented transactional contracting increases socio-cognitive barriers that hinder integrated design team performance; third that new forms of relational contracting may help to mitigate socio-cognitive barriers and improve integrated design team performance, fourth that changing the context through procurement does not address the problem of obsolete design practices. Originality/value – The paper brings together theories of production in lean construction and social learning as a rival approach to traditional project management theory for demonstrating the importance of context on team performance

Towards a model of transformation: Manager's perceptions of transformation in an e-business environment

In the Entrepreneurial Millennium, companies and industries must come to terms with change. When change is radical, they must manage a metamorphosis by way of transformation. Here industry structures and relationships may change radically where new rules and guidelines are needed to manage the business and its customers in the transformed dimension. Some studies have conducted research and analysed findings according to the transformational impact on the organisations showing that early adopters of e-business show a trend towards cost reductions and administrative efficiencies while more mature users focus on strategic level change and advantage (Ash and Burn, 2003). Other researchers have studied the challenges that major organisations have encountered while expanding their ebusiness transformation strategy (Ranganathan, Shetty and Muthukumaran, 2004). Managers therefore need to develop a better understanding of the theory and processes associated with the transformation in an e-business context. This paper reviews the findings of field research and uses it as a basis to propose a new model of transformation which may guide future research and lead to a better understanding of what is involved in the process. © 2008 iKMS & World Scientific Publishing Co