Understanding knowledge translation in university–industry research projects: a case analysis in the automotive sector

Purpose – In this paper, we depart from extant conceptualisations of knowledge translation mechanisms to examine projects as a way to achieve effective knowledge transfer. Our empirical analysis focused on a university–industry research project in the automotive industry. Design/methodology/approach – The empirical analysis was based on a qualitative investigation. We analysed material collected within a research project involving a partnership between two universities and Fiat-Chrysler Automotive (FCA), a multi-brand auto manufacturer with a product range covering several different market segments. We used three data collection techniques: internal document analysis, participant observation and semi-structured interviews. Findings – Our findings show that, in a U-I research project, goals represent a key dimension to support knowledge translation. Defining the goal implies an ongoing negotiation process, where researchers and company employees work together, in order to converge towards a shared meaning of the goal. In this sense, goal orientation and goal-based interaction have significant implications for knowledge translation processes

Analyzing Cloud-based Startups: Evidence from a Case Study in Italy

The aim of this study is to analyze the reasons behind the adoption of cloud computing and its implementation process in startup firms as well as to verify the advantages and disadvantages deriving from the adoption of this tool and how it could increase entrepreneurial activities. We applied a research framework developed by previous scholars on cloud adoption within SMEs in an attempt to adapt it to startup firms. In particular, we conducted a case study in an Italian technological startup.Our results show that cloud technology supports and facilitates entrepreneurial activity, especially reducing several entry barriers for new entrepreneurs. This study contributes to the existing literature on cloud computing, and it has several managerial implications. First, it shows that setting up the organizational model on cloud computing allows entrepreneurs to reduce organizational efforts and ICT investments. Furthermore, this technology can reduce diversification costs by eliminating entry barriers, thus opening new markets and opportunities for entrepreneurs

INTERORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS IN ITALIAN LOGISTIC PLATFORMS: THE ROLE OF META-LOGISTIC OPERATORS

ABSTRACT The logistic system as an element giving a competitive advantage to individual organizations and business firm systems alike, is now becoming increasingly relevant (Håkansson e Persson, 2004). In particular, logistic platforms (in Italian, interporti) carry out a highly central role in the Italian economic system, in that apart from facilitating interconnections between various transport modalities, also facilitate the role of ports as links joining up overland routes with sea routes (Boscacci F., 2003). Many logistic studies, and more generally studies relating to supply chain management adopt a systems-type perspective, in which continuous interaction takes place between actors and activities characterizing the system and bringing about its success. In this sense, as Christopher claims (1992), "real competition is not [any more] company against company but rather supply chain against supply chain" (p.14). The aim of the paper is analysing the activities carried out within the logistic platforms infrastructures, amongst which a leading role is played by a certain special typology of actor, defined as Meta-Logistic Operators (MLOs)

Tissue expression of Squamous Cellular Carcinoma Antigen (SCCA) is inversely correlated to tumor size in HCC

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>This study aimed to investigate squamous cellular carcinoma antigen (SCCA) in serum and in tumoral and paired peritumoral tissues. We studied 27 patients with liver cirrhosis (LC) and 55 with HCC: 20 with a single nodule < 3 cm (s-HCC) and 35 with a single nodule > 3 cm or multifocal (l-HCC).</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Serum SCCA was measured by the ELISA kit, and in frozen tissues by immunohistochemistry, quantified with appropriate imaging analysis software and expressed in square microns. Continuous variables are reported as means and 95% confidence intervals. Comparisons between independent groups were performed with a generalized linear model and Tukey grouping. Pearson's correlation coefficients were determined to evaluate relations between markers. Qualitative variables were summarized as count and percentage. Statistical significance was set at p-value < 0.05.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Serum SCCA values in LC patients were 0.41 (0.31–0.55) ng/ml and statistically different from both HCC groups: 1.6 (1.0–2.6) ng/ml in s-HCC, 2.2 (1.28–2.74) ng/ml in l-HCC. SCCA in hepatic tissue was 263.8 (176.6–394.01) μm²in LC patients, statistically different from values in s-HCC: 1163.2 (863.6–1566.8) μm²and l-HCC: 625.8 (534.5–732.6). All pairwise comparisons between groups yielded statistically significant differences. Tumoral SCCA resulted linearly related with nodule size, showing a statistically significant inverse relation between the two variables (b = -0.099, p = 0.024).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>There was no statistically significant correlation between tissue and serum levels of SCCA. The significantly stronger expression of SCCA in smaller compared to larger HCC could be important for early HCC detection. However, the increased expression in peritumoral tissue could affect the significance of serological detection.</p

Human resource management and digitalization

Digitalization is changing the world of work. Technology is shifting the relationship between workers and machines and how work is organized; new skills are becoming increasingly relevant in the workplace where workers no longer work for a single company, in 9-to-5 jobs, five days a week. Industry 4.0, also known as the Fourth Industrial Revolution, is revolutionizing the way managers can design, control and improve their activities. While the nature of the tasks and the interdependences between individuals are changing, the impact of intelligent technologies is severely questioning the span of control of leaders and the effectiveness of their leadership styles. This book sets the stage for a new way of thinking on the nature of the relationship between HR and technology. It examines the influence of Industry 4.0 and Innovation 4.0, (i.e. the connection between physical and digital processes in industrial production, where human competencies and machine potential are strictly interconnected throughout the entire value chain), from a myriad of viewpoints: namely in terms of structures, practices, influences (learning, training and communication), competencies and roles. A chapter is also dedicated to the understanding of the impact of Innovation 4.0, in the context of European Universities through E-learning Experiences where a multiple-case study analysis is provided