Creating and Managing EU Funded Research Networks: An Exploratory Case

The collaborative European funded research and development landscape drives competitiveness among innovative organisations. Recently it has seen the rise of public private partnerships significantly impacting the dynamics of these networks. Thus, the complexity of managing research networks has intensified with the increased diversity of research network members. Additionally, the emergence of the academic entrepreneur has augmented the focus of educational institutions to include innovation and building start-up organisations. The impact of research is scalable if an optimum research network is created and managed effectively. This paper investigates network embeddedness; the nature of relationships, links and nodes within a research network, specifically their structure, configuration and quality. The contribution of this paper extends our understanding for establishing and maintaining effective collaborative research networks. The effects of network embeddedness are recognized in the literature as pertinent to innovation and the economy. Network theory literature claims that networks are essential to innovative clusters such as Silicon valley and innovation in high tech industries. The concept of embeddedness is what differentiates network theory from economic theory. This study adopts a qualitative approach and uncovers some of the challenges of multi-disciplinary research through case study insights. One challenge is competition between network members over ownership and sharing of data. The contribution of this paper recommends the establishment of scaffolding to accommodate cooperation in research networks, role appointment, and addressing contextual complexities early to avoid problem cultivation. Furthermore, it suggests recommendations in relation to network formation, incubation and operations. The network capability is enhanced by the recognition of network theory, open innovation and social exchange with the understanding that the network structure has an impact on innovation and social exchange in research networks and subsequently on research output. The research concludes that the success of collaborative research is reliant upon establishing a common language and understanding between network members to realise their research objectives

Exploring the Impact of Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality Technologies on Business Model Innovation in Technology Companies in Germany

Newly-emerging, digitally-based technological innovations, such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), are new drivers for business model innovation. This study aims to develop a better understanding of the impact of AR/VR technologies on business model innovation in technology companies. The objective of the study is “to explore the impact of augmented reality and virtual reality technologies on business model innovation in technology companies in Germany”. This paper investigates the body of knowledge regarding contemporary business model innovation and presents a conceptual framework to guide the research. The philosophical underpinnings of the study are discussed, and the chosen research methodology is justified. A holistic multiple-case study design targets German business-to-business technology companies employing AR/VR technologies to innovate their business models. The paper concludes with a discussion of initial learnings garnered from the implementation of a pre-pilot case study test run, and a full pilot case study

A Stage Model of Social Media Adoption

There is very little understanding of how organisations manage social media. In particular, there is no established path of activities that guide a company down the path of social readiness, and the management and organisation of social media is under-researched. Consequently, many organisations experience significant problems with their social media business profiles (SMBP). Stage of growth (SoG) models represent a picture of evolution, where the current stage can be understood in terms of history and future, providing an opportunity to identify the stages, paths of evolution, benchmark variables, and dominant problems experienced by organisations at each stage. Following a review of four decades (1974-2014) of SoG model research, and a review of existing social media research and practitioner insight across multiple domains, the authors adopt Gottschalk and Solli-Saether's (2010) [1] five step Stage Modelling Process as a research methodology to develop a stage model of SMBP implementation and management. The paper analyses the findings from Step 1 (Suggested Stage Model) and Step 2 (Conceptual Stage Model) of the Stage Modelling Process, before concluding with the key findings. This research contributes to academia by enhancing the existing four decades of knowledge of SoG models, extending it to the management of social media in an organisational context. This research is also a critical piece of research from a practitioner perspective, as organisations struggle to devise tactics and strategies to manage social media adoption and use

The War on Cash: The Digitization and Privatization of Cash and a Critical Need for Regulation

Many financial services professionals, central bankers, technologists, academics, and consumers across the world believe that we are at the dawn of a truly cashless society. In several countries, a defacto cashless society already exists. During the ongoing Covid19 pandemic, we have seen a further acceleration of the decline, and indeed refusal, of cash transactions globally. Numerous studies focus on the benefits of cashless transactions and in many instances peer reviewed papers unquestionably extol the virtues of such. The researcher contends that consumers are being nudged towards a positive evaluation of a cashless society, because despite varied sources of information, financial, technology, and government sectors are predominantly reporting its positive connotations. However, there are many downsides to cashless payments and an impending cashless society, many of which have significant and life changing consequences for consumers and economies, yet this remains very much under researched. The researcher contends that as a society, we cannot do nothing; we cannot allow cash to be digitized and privatized by stealth. We must turn our attention to the consequences of a cashless society so we may identify solutions or mitigations and open a regulatory path towards a mediated transition

Trusting M-Payments – Realising the Potential of Smart Phones for M-Commerce: A Conceptual Model & Survey of Consumers in Ireland

Consumer adoption of Smart Phones is growing internationally at a phenomenal rate. Smart Phones integrate functionality that previously required numerous technological artifacts. Smart Phones present significant M-Commerce opportunities for all organisations, but such potential has yet to be realised. If such potential is to be realised, the ability of consumers to utilise a Smart Phone to engage with transactional push and pull Smart Mobile Media Services (SMMS), and to make M-Payments for products/services using these devices in an easy, safe, and reliable manner, must be addressed. In response, this paper contributes a conceptual model, tested using an online survey, to explain Irish consumers’ willingness to use Smart Phones to make M-Payments for products and services. The empirical findings of the developed PLS model illustrate that the ramifications of this study for the deployment of the two Smart Mobile Media Services (SMMS) models; the push model, and the pull model, are significantly different

A Stage Model of Social Media Adoption

There is very little understanding of how organisations manage social media. In particular, there is no established path of activities that guide a company down the path of social readiness, and the management and organisation of social media is under-researched. Consequently, many organisations experience significant problems with their social media business profiles (SMBP). Stage of growth (SoG) models represent a picture of evolution, where the current stage can be understood in terms of history and future, providing an opportunity to identify the stages, paths of evolution, benchmark variables, and dominant problems experienced by organisations at each stage. Following a review of four decades (1974-2014) of SoG model research, and a review of existing social media research and practitioner insight across multiple domains, the authors adopt Gottschalk and Solli-Saether’s (2010) [1] five step Stage Modelling Process as a research methodology to develop a stage model of SMBP implementation and management. The paper analyses the findings from Step 1 (Suggested Stage Model) and Step 2 (Conceptual Stage Model) of the Stage Modelling Process, before concluding with the key findings. This research contributes to academia by enhancing the existing four decades of knowledge of SoG models, extending it to the management of social media in an organisational context. This research is also a critical piece of research from a practitioner perspective, as organisations struggle to devise tactics and strategies to manage social media adoption and use

Human Resources Data Analytics – Evidence from an Irish Manufacturing Perspective

Industry is propelled by measurement and the transformative potential of data analysis as a driver of business success. Human Resource (HR) departments have not escaped this impetus, indeed it has gained momentum over the last decade. The promise of analytics is significant: to replace gut and intuition with data-based decision making and evidence-based strategies. HR analytics hails itself as a framework to temper HR intuition with objectivity. It promises rigour and validity to guide and prioritise human capital expenditure. Despite enormous interest, evidence of practical application has been scarce. This research adopts an inductive, interpretivist approach, using multiple case studies of Irish manufacturing firms, underpinned by interviews with HR Managers and industry experts. It contributes to research and practitioner knowledge with insights of industry led practical applications of HR analytics and the levels and application of HR analytics within companies. Furthermore, it reveals the factors impacting application outcomes in firms

Using Social Media to Enable Staff Knowledge Sharing in Higher Education Institutions

Higher education institutions (HEIs) are knowledge intensive environments by nature. However, the management of organisational knowledge and the promotion of staff knowledge sharing is largely neglected in these institutions. This study examines how enterprise social networks can enable staff knowledge sharing in communities of practice in that context. The study is framed as an Action Research project, covering three cycles over a 12 month period. A conceptual model was developed for empirical testing and data was collected through focus groups and interviews, supplemented by reflective journaling and content analysis. The findings support the conceptual model and provide insight into the antecedents necessary for the creation of an enterprise social network enabled knowledge sharing environment, the motivators for and barriers to participation, and the perceived organisational and individual benefits of increased staff knowledge sharing activity. The findings indicate that the barriers to participation are influenced by the prevalent organisation structure and culture, and a divide between faculty and other staff. However, individual benefits that accrue from participation may influence greater participation, and organisational benefits that accrue may influence organisational strategies that drive change in structure and culture to promote the development of the knowledge sharing environment. A number of findings have practical implications for the management of higher education institutions, such as the evidence of a divide between faculty and other staff, and the perceived existence of an organisational culture that inhibits staff communication, interaction and collaboration. In general, the study findings provide an opportunity for educationalists to better understand the scope and impact of employing social media platforms for knowledge sharing. This study adds to the growing body of work on organisational implementations of social media, and should be of interest to practitioners and researchers undertaking similar projects

Management Support for Staff Knowledge Sharing in Higher Education Institutions (JAHE)

Purpose of the research: This study focuses on staff knowledge sharing activity in higher education institutions (HEIs), which is recognised as being at low levels in these organisations. The advent of social media and its adoption by organisations in the form of enterprise social networks (ESN) is gathering pace, and its usefulness to organisational knowledge sharing can be seen through a number of characteristics it shares with a knowledge management technique known as communities of practice. A conceptual model is presented with enterprise social networks and virtual communities of practice (vCoP) at its core. The formal objective of the research is to investigate how ESN can enable staff knowledge sharing in vCoP in HEIs. Methodology: The study is based on a 12 month Action research project in the host organization, a medium-sized HEI in Ireland. The study is qualitative in nature and data collection instruments included focus groups and semi-structured interviews. Findings: The findings indicate that management support is a key antecedent for the establishment if an active knowledge sharing environment. Management must facilitate and encourage knowledge sharing activities rather than mandating or instructing them. Implications: The findings have implications for HEIs in their attitudes towards knowledge sharing and their understanding of its importance. The findings can also help in the creation and management of active knowledge sharing communities in HEIs and will be of interest to practitioners and researchers working in this area

Exploring the Impact of AR and VR Technologies on BMI in Germany

Newly-emerging, digitally-based technological innovations, such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), are new drivers for business model innovation. This study aims to develop a better understanding of the impact of AR/VR technologies on business model innovation in technology companies. The objective of the study is “to explore the impact of augmented reality and virtual reality technologies on business model innovation in technology companies in Germany”. This paper investigates the body of knowledge regarding contemporary business model innovation and presents a conceptual framework to guide the research. The philosophical underpinnings of the study are discussed, and the chosen research methodology is justified. A holistic multiple-case study design targets German business-to-business technology companies employing AR/VR technologies to innovate their business models. The paper concludes with a discussion of initial learnings garnered from the implementation of a pre-pilot case study test run, and a full pilot case study