Saddle Points Stability in the Replica Approach Off Equilibrium

We study the replica free energy surface for a spin glass model near the glassy temperature. In this model the simplicity of the equilibrium solution hides non trivial metastable saddle points. By means of the stability analysis performed for one and two real replicas constrained, an interpretation for some of them is achieved.Comment: 10 pages and 3 figures upon request, Univerista` di Roma I preprint 94/100

Serendipity: why some organizations are luckier than others

Serendipity refers to the accidental discovery of something valuable. It is sometimes presented as an element of organizational learning but has been the object of scarce research. In this paper, I discuss the notion of serendipity in the organizational context, and elaborate a model of organizational serendipity. Four building blocks are considered: the conditions that facilitate serendipitous discovery, the search for a solution for a given problem, a process of bisociation leading to the combination of previously unrelated skills or information, and the discovery of an unexpected solution to a different problem. I also discuss what organizations can do to improve the chances of serendipity.serendipity; search; bisociation; chance; accidental discoveries; unintentional learning

Bricolage in organizations

Theories of management and organization have traditionally overlooked the concept of bricolage. Focused on the rationality of resource allocation, scholars have missed the relevance of the skill of “inventing” resources from available materials. Changes in the nature of competition are, however, stressing the importance of speed and change as competitive factors in shifting environments. In these environments it may be impossible to search and wait for the presumably adequate resources. Bricolage, therefore, may be a relevant practice in these environments. This article discusses the concept of organizational bricolage by asking such questions as: What is bricolage? Why is bricolage a relevant practice? Why is bricolage so often ignored? How can it be facilitated?resources; resourcing; bricolage; improvisation