601 research outputs found
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Unfolding the impacts of transaction-specific investments: Moderation by out-of-thechannel-loop perceptions and achievement orientations
When distribution channel partners make specific investments, tailored to a particular supplier, it could prompt either opportunism or beneficial (e.g., extra-role) behaviors. The impact of the investment in turn may depend on whether the channel partner perceives that it is being left out of the channel loop by the supplier, as well as that partner’s achievement orientation. This study considers a sample of 155 IT professional service firms and finds that their knowledge-intensive, transaction-specific investments (TSIs) encourage distinct behavioral intentions. If they perceive that the supplier is leaving them out of the channel loop, the effects of the TSIs get amplified in relation to opportunistic and extra-role behavioral intentions. Furthermore, the firms’ achievement orientation moderates these influences. Suppliers thus should attend closely to achievement-oriented partners to ensure they do not perceive that they have been left out of the channel loop
Evolution and Analysis of Embodied Spiking Neural Networks Reveals Task-Specific Clusters of Effective Networks
Elucidating principles that underlie computation in neural networks is
currently a major research topic of interest in neuroscience. Transfer Entropy
(TE) is increasingly used as a tool to bridge the gap between network
structure, function, and behavior in fMRI studies. Computational models allow
us to bridge the gap even further by directly associating individual neuron
activity with behavior. However, most computational models that have analyzed
embodied behaviors have employed non-spiking neurons. On the other hand,
computational models that employ spiking neural networks tend to be restricted
to disembodied tasks. We show for the first time the artificial evolution and
TE-analysis of embodied spiking neural networks to perform a
cognitively-interesting behavior. Specifically, we evolved an agent controlled
by an Izhikevich neural network to perform a visual categorization task. The
smallest networks capable of performing the task were found by repeating
evolutionary runs with different network sizes. Informational analysis of the
best solution revealed task-specific TE-network clusters, suggesting that
within-task homogeneity and across-task heterogeneity were key to behavioral
success. Moreover, analysis of the ensemble of solutions revealed that
task-specificity of TE-network clusters correlated with fitness. This provides
an empirically testable hypothesis that links network structure to behavior.Comment: Camera ready version of accepted for GECCO'1
Omineca Herald, April, 11, 1928
Item does not contain fulltextFrontiers in Services Conferenc
Response to tilted magnetic fields in Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8 with columnar defects: Evidence for transverse Meissner effect
The transverse Meissner effect (TME) in the highly layered superconductor
Bi2Sr2CaCu2O(8+y) with columnar defects is investigated by transport
measurements. We present detailed evidence for the persistence of the
Bose-glass phase when H is tilted at an angle theta < theta_c (T) away from the
column direction: (i) the variable-range vortex hopping process for low
currents crosses over to the half-loops regime for high currents; (ii) in both
regimes near theta_c(T) the energy barriers vanish linearly with tan(theta) ;
(iii) the transition temperature is governed by T_{BG}(0) -T_{BG}(theta) sim
|tan(theta)|^{1/\nu_{\perp}} with \nu_{\perp}=1.0 +/- 0.1. Furthermore, above
the transition as theta->\theta_c+, moving kink chains consistent with a
commensurate-incommensurate transition scenario are observed. These results
thereby clearly show the existence of the TME for theta < theta_c(T).Comment: 4 pages, RevTeX, 5 EPS figure
Effect of field tilting on the vortices in irradiated Bi-2212
We report on transport measurements in a Bi-2212 single crystal with columnar
defects parallel to the c-axis. The tilt of the magnetic field away from the
direction of the tracks is studied for filling factors f=B_z/B_phi<1. Near the
Bose Glass transition temperature T_BG, the angular scaling laws are verified
and we find the field independent critical exponents nu'=1.1 and z'=5.30.
Finally, above H_perpC we evidence the signature of a smectic-A like vortex
phase. These experimental results provide support for the Bose Glass theory.Comment: 2 pages LaTeX, 2 EPS figures, uses fleqn and espcrc2 style macros.
Submitted to Proceedings of M2S-HTSC-V
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Governing Embedded Partner Networks: Certification and Partner Communities in the IT Sector
Purpose
The complexity of supplier-partner networks in the Information Technology (IT) sector where large suppliers utilize thousands of authorized partners, requires that organizations reconsider their approach to governing and managing the relationships involved. Traditional dyadic approaches to governance are likely to prove inadequate. This paper investigates the relationship between network governance mechanisms and relationship performance. Specifically, we examine the contingent effect of certification of partners and the use of partner communities (as formal and informal mechanisms of network governance, respectively), on complex and embedded networks of relationships.
Design/methodology/approach
A model examining the effect of formal and informal network governance on the relationship between embeddedness (structural and relational) and relationship performance is developed. Data was collected from a sample of partners of leading IT suppliers in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Three-way interactions assess the contingent effect of certification and partner communities on the relationship between embeddedness and relational performance.
Findings
Results support the use of a combination of certification and partner communities to strengthen the link between network structure (structural embeddedness) and relational embeddedness, as well as relationship performance. Certification requires the sharing of explicit knowledge with partners whereas partner communities aid the creation and dissemination of more tacit, contextual knowledge. Furthermore, partner communities reinforce positive perceptions of fairness in suppliers’ network management practices, overcoming any perceptions of lock-in or coercive control that certification may suggest.
Practical implications
Certification, despite all its procedural and reputational benefits, damages partner relationships and needs to be supported by partner communities, which themselves show particularly strong benefits in enhancing network relationships.
Originality/value
Despite the emerging prevalence of certification and partner communities in business-to-business relationships, to date there is a paucity of research on their effects on partner relationships and performance. Organizations with an extensive network of similar partners may suffer network overload. This research shows that such organizations can manage their partner network more effectively through network governance mechanisms, thereby addressing the challenge of overload
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Continued Value Creation in Crowdsourcing from Creative Process Engagement
Purpose
Crowdsourcing delivers creative ideas for the issuing firm, but participants’ engagement in the creative process also creates additional benefits to firms and participating customers. To investigate if these spill-over values endure over time, this study uses data from two time points, i.e. at submission and after announcement of the contest winners, to investigate the relationship between the degree of a participant’s creative process engagement (CPE) and value creation from a crowdsourcing contest, and how these perceptions of value change over time.
Design/methodology/approach
Data was collected from 154 participants in a crowdsourcing contest at two time points with an online survey: at submission, and after receiving feedback (in term of rankings, rewards, and comments) from the community. Partial Least Square (PLS) path modelling was used to estimate both main and moderating effects.
Findings
CPE increases the perceived value of customers (social and epistemic value) and firms alike (knowledge-sharing intention and customer loyalty), though all but epistemic value decrease over time. Disconfirmation of expectations and need for recognition moderate these effects.
Originality/value
This paper is the first longitudinal study that helps understanding the effect of CPE on value creation from crowdsourcing across time. It also uses the theoretical lens of the honeymoon hangover effect to explain how perceived value changes. The resulting insights into the role of customer engagement in crowdsourcing contests and subsequent value creation will be beneficial to the growing research stream on consumer value co-creation and user innovation
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The Formation of a Cross-Selling Initiative Climate and its Interplay with Service Climate
Purpose— This study explores the formation and consequences of a cross-selling initiative climate, as well as how a service climate, which provides an important boundary condition, affects both its formation and its ultimate impact on service–sales performance. This article identifies two important predictors of a cross-selling initiative climate: frontline employees’ perceptions of supervisors’ bottom-line mentality and their own sense of accountability.
Design/methodology/approach— The multilevel data set includes 180 frontline staff and supervisors (team leaders) from 31 teams employed by a spa/beauty salon chain. Hierarchical linear modelling and partial least squares methods serve to analyse the data.
Findings— Supervisors’ bottom-line mentality disrupts a cross-selling initiative climate; a sense of accountability exerts a positive impact, at both individual and team levels. A service climate at the team level weakens the impact of a sense of accountability on a cross-selling initiative climate. A cross-selling initiative climate has a positive effect on team-level service–sales performance, but this effect is weakened by the service climate.
Originality/value— This study conceptualises an important frontline work unit attribute as a climate. It offers an initial argument that a cross-selling initiative climate is a central factor driving a work unit’s service–sales performance, which can increase firms’ productivity and competitive advantages. With this initial attempt to explore the antecedents and consequences of a cross-selling initiative climate, the study also offers novel insights into the interplay between a service and a cross-selling initiative climate
Return on interactivity: The impact of online agents on newcomer adjustment
As service offerings grow in both range and complexity, how service providers and their customers interact is becoming increasingly important. In response to the challenge of optimizing these interactions, companies have introduced sophisticated online "socialization agents," whose purpose is to help new customers more effectively adjust to and function within the service environment. The objective of these online agents, or virtual employees, is to help customers evaluate new or unfamiliar service offerings, as well as help companies achieve greater levels of service delivery and financial performance. To investigate this, the authors analyze the process by which online agents help both new and current customers adjust to and function within new, unfamiliar, or complex service contexts. They examine the impact of an online agent on account performance in the banking industry. They find that both interaction style and content of the online agent significantly influence the newcomer adjustment process over time, which in turn influences firm-level performance
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