1,823,523 research outputs found
Managing knowledge in organizations : a Nonakaâs SECI model operationalization
Purpose: The SECI model (Nonaka, 1994) is the best-known conceptual framework for understanding knowledge generation processes in organizations. To date, however, empirical support for this framework has been overlooked. The present study aims to provide an evidence-based groundwork for the SECI model by testing a multidimensional questionnaire Knowledge Management SECI Processes Questionnaire (KMSP-Q) designed to capture the knowledge conversion modes theorized by Nonaka.
Methodology: In a twofold study, the SECI model was operationalized via the KMSP-Q. Specifically, Study One tested its eight-dimensional structure through exploratory and confirmatory factorial analyses on 372 employees from different sectors. Study Two examined the construct validity and reliability by replicating the KMSP-Q factor structure in knowledge-intensive contexts (on a sample of 466 health-workers), and by investigating the unique impact of each dimension on some organizational outcomes (i.e., performance, innovativeness, collective efficacy).
Findings: The overall findings highlighted that the KMSP-Q is a psychometrically robust questionnaire in terms of both dimensionality and construct validity, the different knowledge generation dimensions being specifically linked to different organizational outcomes.
Research/Practical Implications: The KMSP-Q actualizes and provides empirical consistency to the theory underlying the SECI model. Moreover, it allows for the monitoring of an organizationâs capability to manage new knowledge and detect the strengths/weaknesses of KM-related policies and programs.
Originality/Value: This paper proposes a comprehensive measure of knowledge generation in work contexts, highlighting processes that organizations are likely to promote in order to improve their performance through the management of their knowledge resources
Knowledge, networks of cities and growth in regional urban systems
The objective of this paper is to measure the impact of different kinds of knowledge and external economies on urban growth in an intraregional context. The main hypothesis is that knowledge leads to growth, and that this knowledge is related to the existence of agglomeration and network externalities in cities. We develop a three-stage methodology: first, we measure the amount and growth of knowledge in cities using the OCDE (2003) classification and employment data; second, we identify the spatial structure of the area of analysis (networks of cities); third, we combine the Glaeser - Henderson - De Lucio models with spatial econometric specifications in order to contrast the existence of spatially static (agglomeration) and spatially dynamic (network) external economies in an urban growth model. Results suggest that higher growth rates are associated to higher levels of technology and knowledge. The growth of the different kinds of knowledge is related to local and spatial factors (agglomeration and network externalities) and each knowledge intensity shows a particular response to these factors. These results have implications for policy design, since we can forecast and intervene on local knowledge development paths.Knowledge city, networks of cities, urban growth, external economies, spatial econometrics.
Measurement of National Non-Visible Wealth through Intellectual Capital
The economy of knowledge requires measures of national wealth that take into account aspects not contemplated by GDP, in order to portray the situation of a country more truthfully. In this paper, we use a new model to measure the intellectual capital of nations, adapted from microeconomics. It is based on the observation of hidden capital as implicit generator of long-term wealth, considering not only sustainability and social wellbeing, but also intangible assets such as human development, economic structure, international trade, foreign image and innovation. This empirical study reveals the importance of hidden capital in a nationâs wealth, making the difference where economic growth is concerned, as the most developed countries record the highest scores of efficiency in terms of intangible capital.knowledge economy indicators, hidden wealth, intangibles, GDP
Knowledge, networks of cities and growth in regional urban systems
The objective of this paper is to measure the impact of different kinds of knowledge and external economies on urban growth in an intraregional context. The main hypothesis is that knowledge leads to growth, and that this knowledge is related to the existence of agglomeration and network externalities in cities. We develop a three-tage methodology: first, we measure the amount and growth of knowledge in cities using the OCDE (2003) classification and employment data; second, we identify the spatial structure of the area of analysis (networks of cities); third, we combine the Glaeser - Henderson - De Lucio models with spatial econometric specifications in order to contrast the existence of spatially static (agglomeration) and spatially dynamic (network) external economies in an urban growth model. Results suggest that higher growth rates are associated to higher levels of technology and knowledge. The growth of the different kinds of knowledge is related to local and spatial factors (agglomeration and network externalities) and each knowledge intensity shows a particular response to these factors. These results have implications for policy design, since we can forecast and intervene on local knowledge development paths
The Unreasonable Success of Quantum Probability I: Quantum Measurements as Uniform Fluctuations
We introduce a 'uniform tension-reduction' (UTR) model, which allows to
represent the probabilities associated with an arbitrary measurement situation
and use it to explain the emergence of quantum probabilities (the Born rule) as
'uniform' fluctuations on this measurement situation. The model exploits the
geometry of simplexes to represent the states, in a way that the measurement
probabilities can be derived as the 'Lebesgue measure' of suitably defined
convex subregions of the simplexes. We consider a very simple and evocative
physical realization of the abstract model, using a material point particle
which is acted upon by elastic membranes, which by breaking and collapsing
produce the different possible outcomes. This easy to visualize mechanical
realization allows one to gain considerable insight into the possible hidden
structure of an arbitrary measurement process. We also show that the UTR-model
can be further generalized into a 'general tension-reduction' (GTR) model,
describing conditions of lack of knowledge generated by 'non-uniform'
fluctuations. In this ampler framework, particularly suitable to describe
experiments in cognitive science, we define and motivate a notion of 'universal
measurement', describing the most general possible condition of lack of
knowledge in a measurement, emphasizing that the uniform fluctuations
characterizing quantum measurements can also be understood as an average over
all possible forms of non-uniform fluctuations which can be actualized in a
measurement context. This means that the Born rule of quantum mechanics can be
understood as a first order approximation of a more general non-uniform theory,
thus explaining part of the great success of quantum probability in the
description of different domains of reality. This is the first part of a
two-part article.Comment: 50 pages, 10 figure
Dark-field transmission electron microscopy and the Debye-Waller factor of graphene
Graphene's structure bears on both the material's electronic properties and
fundamental questions about long range order in two-dimensional crystals. We
present an analytic calculation of selected area electron diffraction from
multi-layer graphene and compare it with data from samples prepared by chemical
vapor deposition and mechanical exfoliation. A single layer scatters only 0.5%
of the incident electrons, so this kinematical calculation can be considered
reliable for five or fewer layers. Dark-field transmission electron micrographs
of multi-layer graphene illustrate how knowledge of the diffraction peak
intensities can be applied for rapid mapping of thickness, stacking, and grain
boundaries. The diffraction peak intensities also depend on the mean-square
displacement of atoms from their ideal lattice locations, which is
parameterized by a Debye-Waller factor. We measure the Debye-Waller factor of a
suspended monolayer of exfoliated graphene and find a result consistent with an
estimate based on the Debye model. For laboratory-scale graphene samples,
finite size effects are sufficient to stabilize the graphene lattice against
melting, indicating that ripples in the third dimension are not necessary.Comment: 10 pages, 4 figure
Controllability of Social Networks and the Strategic Use of Random Information
This work is aimed at studying realistic social control strategies for social
networks based on the introduction of random information into the state of
selected driver agents. Deliberately exposing selected agents to random
information is a technique already experimented in recommender systems or
search engines, and represents one of the few options for influencing the
behavior of a social context that could be accepted as ethical, could be fully
disclosed to members, and does not involve the use of force or of deception.
Our research is based on a model of knowledge diffusion applied to a
time-varying adaptive network, and considers two well-known strategies for
influencing social contexts. One is the selection of few influencers for
manipulating their actions in order to drive the whole network to a certain
behavior; the other, instead, drives the network behavior acting on the state
of a large subset of ordinary, scarcely influencing users. The two approaches
have been studied in terms of network and diffusion effects. The network effect
is analyzed through the changes induced on network average degree and
clustering coefficient, while the diffusion effect is based on two ad-hoc
metrics defined to measure the degree of knowledge diffusion and skill level,
as well as the polarization of agent interests. The results, obtained through
simulations on synthetic networks, show a rich dynamics and strong effects on
the communication structure and on the distribution of knowledge and skills,
supporting our hypothesis that the strategic use of random information could
represent a realistic approach to social network controllability, and that with
both strategies, in principle, the control effect could be remarkable
Standardization versus customisation. The role of culture
Fast food restaurants have expanded globally in recent years. As companies become global marketers to acquire new knowledge and a greater understanding of the fast food business and the environment, in which they operate in order to determine and adopt an appropriate marketing mix. Managers can use knowledge of a market's national culture to develop successful image strategies. This paper aims to explore the role of culture in the formation of consumer perceptions. To measure cultural influences a store image scale was constructed for fast food restaurants. An eight - step process based on Churchill's (1979), model, guided the development, validation and refinement of the scale. The final structure of the scale included six factors consisting of 14 items. The six factors are a) Adaptation to Locality b) Service c) Facilities d) Food quality e) Place to be and g) Sales incentive program. Then the relative weights of the six factor dimensions in influencing customers' overall image, as well as satisfaction and loyalty ratings were explored. Adaptation to locality has been found as the most important factor in the formation of store image as well as in predicting satisfaction and loyalty. The results of structural equation analysis have shown that the local culture factor is strongly associated with 'food quality' and especially with the "Place to be factor". The results can be very useful to marketers who want to invest in the local or other foreign markets.Store image, internationalisation, Adaptation to locality, Consumer/Household Economics,
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