Conceptualizing change in organizational cognition

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rasmus Gahrn-Andersen
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Science ◽  
Distributed Cognition ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Organizational Cognition ◽  
Organizational Settings ◽  
Macro Domain ◽  
Task Specification ◽  
Domain Dynamics

PurposeSecchi and Cowley (2016, 2018) propose a Radical approach to Organizational Cognition (ROC) as a way of studying cognitive processes in organizations. What distinguishes ROC from the established research on Organizational Cognition is that it remains faithful to radical, anti-representationalist principles of contemporary cognitive science. However, it is imperative for proponents of ROC to legitimize their approach by considering how it differs from the established research approach of Distributed Cognition (DCog). DCog is a potential contender to ROC in that it not only counters classical approaches to cognition but also provides valuable insights into cognition in organizational settings.Design/methodology/approachThe paper adopts a conceptual/theoretical approach that expands Secchi and Cowley's introduction of ROC.FindingsThe paper shows that DCog research presupposes a task-specification requirement, which entails that cognitive tasks are well-defined. Consequently, DCog research neglects cases of organizational becoming where tasks cannot be clearly demarcated for the or are well-known to the organization. This is the case with the introduction of novel tasks or technical devices. Moreover, the paper elaborates on ROC's 3M model by linking it with insights from the literature on organizational change. Thus, it explores how organizing can be explored as an emergent phenomenon that involves micro, meso and macro domain dynamics, which are shaped by synoptic and performative changes.Originality/valueThe present paper explores new grounds for ROC by not only expanding on its core model but also showing its potential for informing organizational theory and radical cognitive science research.

A visual tool for identity communication strategy

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (6/7) ◽  
pp. 831-854
Author(s):  
Dina Elikan ◽  
Yves Pigneur
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Design Science ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Design Science Research ◽  
Communication Strategy ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Complex Task ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Visual Tool ◽  
Scientific Approach

Purpose Being able to communicate a clear identity to different stakeholders is crucial for SMEs and startups in today’s world, which is characterised by accelerated innovation, growing competition and increasingly connected consumers. However, this can be a complex task for small organisations. The purpose of this paper is to propose a visual tool that supports entrepreneurs in SMEs and startups to collaboratively develop their identity communication strategy. Design/methodology/approach The paper follows a design science research approach. The authors propose the design of a tool as well as some preliminary qualitative evaluations. The authors conducted three iterations between design and evaluation, where the results of the evaluations are implemented in the design. Findings The authors demonstrate how to design strategic tools for allowing teams to co-design their identity communication strategy and present the tool. The authors also evaluate its use and find out through the preliminary evaluations that it could be easy to use and useful for practitioners. Originality/value The originality of this paper lays in the novelty of the tool and its development. Such a tool addressing identity communication strategy has not been developed with a scientific approach until now.

scholarly journals From crowd to cloud: simplified automatic reconstruction of digital building assets for facility management

2022 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Srinimalan Balakrishnan Selvakumaran ◽  
Daniel Mark Hall
Keyword(s):  
Design Science ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Design Science Research ◽  
Smartphone Application ◽  
Facility Management ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
User Engagement ◽  
Reconstruction Algorithms ◽  
Content Type ◽  
End To End

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the feasibility of an end-to-end simplified and automated reconstruction pipeline for digital building assets using the design science research approach. Current methods to create digital assets by capturing the state of existing buildings can provide high accuracy but are time-consuming, expensive and difficult. Design/methodology/approach Using design science research, this research identifies the need for a crowdsourced and cloud-based approach to reconstruct digital building assets. The research then develops and tests a fully functional smartphone application prototype. The proposed end-to-end smartphone workflow begins with data capture and ends with user applications. Findings The resulting implementation can achieve a realistic three-dimensional (3D) model characterized by different typologies, minimal trade-off in accuracy and low processing costs. By crowdsourcing the images, the proposed approach can reduce costs for asset reconstruction by an estimated 93% compared to manual modeling and 80% compared to locally processed reconstruction algorithms. Practical implications The resulting implementation achieves “good enough” reconstruction of as-is 3D models with minimal tradeoffs in accuracy compared to automated approaches and 15× cost savings compared to a manual approach. Potential facility management use cases include the issue and information tracking, 3D mark-up and multi-model configurators. Originality/value Through user engagement, development, testing and validation, this work demonstrates the feasibility and impact of a novel crowdsourced and cloud-based approach for the reconstruction of digital building assets.

A BIM-lean framework for digitalisation of premanufacturing phases in offsite construction

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Beda Barkokebas ◽  
Salam Khalife ◽  
Mohamed Al-Hussein ◽  
Farook Hamzeh
Keyword(s):  
Production Systems ◽  
Design Science ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Value Stream Mapping ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Modular Construction ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Quantitative Evidence ◽  
Lean Principles ◽  
Upper Management

PurposeThe research introduces means for improving premanufacturing processes (design, procurement and bidding) by leveraging digitalisation in offsite construction. Specifically, this paper proposes a framework that provides measures for the planning and implementation of digitalisation in offsite construction by positioning building information modelling (BIM) as the key technology and lean principles to add value and reduce waste.Design/methodology/approachThe paper follows the design science research approach to develop the proposed framework and attain the aforementioned objective. The developed framework includes data collection, value-stream mapping and simulation to assess current processes, develop and propose improvements. An empirical implementation is employed to demonstrate the applicability of both the framework and the measures used to evaluate the outcomes.FindingsThe application of the proposed three-stage framework resulted in 9.45%–23.33%-time reduction per year for the various improvement categories in premanufacturing phases. Employing simulation and applying the developed measures provide incentive for upper management to adopt the suggested improvements. Additionally, while the empirical implementation was tested on a modular construction company, the methods used indicate that the framework, with its generic guidelines, could be applied and customized to any offsite company.Originality/valueWhile several studies propose that BIM-Lean integration offers an advantage in the context of production systems, this paper focuses on the initial design and planning phases, which are mostly overlooked in the literature. Moreover, the present study provides quantitative evidence of the benefits of data integration through BIM technology.

Making or breaking the business case of digital transformation initiatives: the key role of learnings

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Michele Colli ◽  
Verena Stingl ◽  
Brian V. Waehrens
Keyword(s):  
Technology Implementation ◽  
Design Science ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Business Case ◽  
Theoretical Framework ◽  
Digital Transformation ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Content Type

PurposeThe research aims to investigate how firms can develop their sensing capabilities for Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technology adoption through reframing their opportunity perceptions related to learnings from I4.0 initiatives.Design/methodology/approachThe research follows a design science research approach. Following the case of I4.0 technology introduction at a large food manufacturer, the paper develops a theoretical framework (artefact) and validates the applicability and efficacy of the framework within the case study.FindingsThe theoretical framework highlights the different temporal (short-term/long-term) and locational (direct/indirect) value dimensions of I4.0 opportunities. The findings show that the use of the framework can shift managers’ perception regarding the business value of an I4.0 technology implementation. Specifically, the framework reversed initially negative perceptions around a narrowly scoped business case towards an opportunity-oriented attitude exploring further potentials of the technology.Research limitations/implicationsThe research adds to the debate when and why firms engage in, and sustain their I4.0 initiatives by providing a novel perspective on firms’ sensing capabilities. As a single-case study, the framework requires further validation in practice.Practical implicationsThe proposed framework provides practitioners with an extended view concerning the potential value of digital transformation projects and serves as a conversational tool.Originality/valueThe presented wider frame for evaluating digital transformation projects, taking into account the more “intangible” value of their learnings, tackles the fundamental issue of translating explorative innovation efforts into exploitative value – a key challenge when dealing with innovation and one of the main barriers for the digital transformation.

A model for implementing product modularity in buildings design

2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 680-699
Author(s):  
Cecilia Gravina da Rocha ◽  
Hana B.C. El Ghoz ◽  
Sidnei Jr Guadanhim
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Design Science ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Building Design ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Housing Design ◽  
Product Modularity ◽  
Modular Buildings ◽  
Low Income Housing

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the fundamental underpinnings of product modularity and how these can be adapted to construction and its specificities (e.g. one-off products delivered by temporary supply chains) to create a model to design modular buildings. Design/methodology/approach This research adopts a design science research approach. Explanation I (substantive theory devising based on the analysis of an artefact ‒ a low-income housing project) is used, followed by Solution Incubation (a model to implement product modularity in buildings design). Findings The model allows product modularity to be implemented at distinct levels (i.e. building, systems and components) at a single stage (building design), different from manufacturing where each level is considered at a distinct stage. This is in line with the project investigated: modularity was considered for house layouts, roof types and gable formats. Practical implications The model provides a hands-on tool for practitioners to design modular buildings. The low-income project is also extensively detailed: three-dimensional models, floor plans and conceptual diagrams (outlining how fundamental underpinnings were applied at each level) are presented. There is a lack of comprehensive accounts such as the one presented here to demonstrate the application of product modularity in real-world projects. Originality/value This paper identifies and adapts the fundamental underpinnings of product modularity to construction, and it details how these were applied to a low-income housing design at distinct levels. Based on these two endeavours, a model to implement product modularity in buildings design is proposed.

scholarly journals Exploring grassroots innovation phenomenon through the lived experience of an Indian grassroots innovator

2015 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 27-44 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rajul G. Joshi ◽  
John Chelliah ◽  
Veera Ramanathan
Keyword(s):  
Lived Experience ◽  
Lived Experiences ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Interpersonal Dynamics ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Innovation Research ◽  
Grassroots Innovation ◽  
Contextual Understanding

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to stir the deliberation on understanding grassroots innovation (GI) phenomenon through the lived experience approach and attempt to address the existing void in current literature. Design/methodology/approach – This paper outlines a human science research approach for studying the subjective reality embedded in the GI phenomenon. Such an approach provides a better and more bottom-up understanding of the underlying individual and interpersonal dynamics shaping the GI. Findings – This study provides a richer understanding of the underlying individual and interpersonal dynamics shaping the GI phenomena. This may serve as an aid for future research on scaling, managing GI and developing entrepreneurial capabilities of the grassroots innovators (GIrs). The study also confirms that no single unilateral theory can fully explain the lived experiences of the GIrs at the ideation, opportunity recognition, prototyping and scaling stage of GI. Rather, it is quintessential to have an integrated holistic perspective for understanding GI. This study also highlights the importance of hermeneutic phenomenology in pro-poor innovation research and practice in the near future. Research limitations/implications – This paper’s main limitation is whether the findings can be generalized in a wider context. The authors acknowledge this limitation. However, the purpose of this study is not to generalize the findings but rather provide a contextual understanding of what constitutes the lived experiences of GI. The authors recommend that a future study covering greater number of GIrs across India be undertaken to gain a better appreciation of the bigger picture. Originality/value – Systematic approaches for tapping into GI are conspicuously non-existent and hence a contextual understanding through the proposed holistic lens will assist in thriving of the GI phenomena in South Asian countries such as India.

scholarly journals Cognitive attunement in the face of organizational plasticity

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Davide Secchi
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Skills ◽  
Distributed Cognition ◽  
Computational Simulation ◽  
Policy Recommendations ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Agent Based ◽  
External Resources ◽  
Organizational Cognition ◽  
The Social ◽  
The Face

PurposeThe paper aims to use part of the distributed cognition literature to study how employees cope with organizational plasticity, in an attempt to identify the characteristics of cognitive plasticity.Design/methodology/approachEvidence is collected by designing and implementing an agent-based computational simulation model (the IOP 2.0) where employees have the option to use external resources and the social environment to perform tasks. As plasticity is more effective when change and uncertainty are high, the simulation features an increase in the difficulty and number of tasks to which employees need to cope.FindingsCooperation and sharing of competence and ability are key to cognitive plasticity. Being able to master the use of some resources, together with other employees’ competencies, make some achieve the most efficient task performance.Practical implicationsThe findings suggest that under conditions of change and plasticity, human resource management (HRM) shall attempt to develop measures to support employees' cognitive skills necessary to cope with it, for example, mostly through diagnosis, training and facilitating on-the-job dialogue.Originality/valueThis is the first study that attempts a merger between organizational cognition and plasticity, and it is the first to match its results to HRM policy recommendations.

Developing an information classification method

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Erik Bergström ◽  
Fredrik Karlsson ◽  
Rose-Mharie Åhlfeldt
Keyword(s):  
Information Security ◽  
Design Science ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Security Breaches ◽  
Information Classification ◽  
Subjective Judgement ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Iec 27002

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop a method for information classification. The proposed method draws on established standards, such as the ISO/IEC 27002 and information classification practices. The long-term goal of the method is to decrease the subjective judgement in the implementation of information classification in organisations, which can lead to information security breaches because the information is under- or over-classified. Design/methodology/approach The results are based on a design science research approach, implemented as five iterations spanning the years 2013 to 2019. Findings The paper presents a method for information classification and the design principles underpinning the method. The empirical demonstration shows that senior and novice information security managers perceive the method as a useful tool for classifying information assets in an organisation. Research limitations/implications Existing research has, to a limited extent, provided extensive advice on how to approach information classification in organisations systematically. The method presented in this paper can act as a starting point for further research in this area, aiming at decreasing subjectivity in the information classification process. Additional research is needed to fully validate the proposed method for information classification and its potential to reduce the subjective judgement. Practical implications The research contributes to practice by offering a method for information classification. It provides a hands-on-tool for how to implement an information classification process. Besides, this research proves that it is possible to devise a method to support information classification. This is important, because, even if an organisation chooses not to adopt the proposed method, the very fact that this method has proved useful should encourage any similar endeavour. Originality/value The proposed method offers a detailed and well-elaborated tool for information classification. The method is generic and adaptable, depending on organisational needs.

Inducing Brazilian manufacturing SMEs productivity with Lean tools

2019 ◽  
Vol 68 (1) ◽  
pp. 69-87 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aline Dresch ◽  
Douglas Rafael Veit ◽  
Pedro Nascimento de Lima ◽  
Daniel Pacheco Lacerda ◽  
Dalila Cisco Collatto
Keyword(s):  
Lean Manufacturing ◽  
Design Science ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Industrial Sector ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Small Companies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Lean Practices ◽  
Lean Tools ◽  
Method Construction

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a method for assisting micro and small companies of the industrial sector with the adoption of Lean practices.Design/methodology/approachThe paper outlines the method construction steps, which used a design science research approach.FindingsThis research led to the structuring of a method for implementing Lean Manufacturing tools in micro and small companies of the industrial sector. The developed method contributed to the knowledge in Lean Manufacturing by systematizing its tools in a heuristic approach that can be applied to an operation using overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) as a guiding indicator.Practical implicationsThis method can be used to guide the implementation of Lean tools in SMEs industries.Originality/valueThe originality of this paper lies in the adoption of an operation-focused approach only (rather than an approach that begins with the mapping of an entire process) and the use of OEE as the basis for prioritization of improvements to be performed and operational control.

Knowledge recommendation for workplace learning: a system design and evaluation perspective

2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 243-261
Author(s):  
Shuang Geng ◽  
Lijing Tan ◽  
Ben Niu ◽  
Yuanyue Feng ◽  
Li Chen
Keyword(s):  
System Design ◽  
Learning Strategies ◽  
Workplace Learning ◽  
Design Science ◽  
Science Research ◽  
User Preferences ◽  
Perceived Usefulness ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Knowledge Service

Purpose Although digitalization in the workplace is burgeoning, tools are needed to facilitate personalized learning in informal learning settings. Existing knowledge recommendation techniques do not account for dynamic and task-oriented user preferences. The purpose of this paper is to propose a new design of a knowledge recommender system (RS) to fill this research gap and provide guidance for practitioners on how to enhance the effectiveness of workplace learning. Design/methodology/approach This study employs the design science research approach. A novel hybrid knowledge recommendation technique is proposed. An experiment was carried out in a case company to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed system design. Quantitative data were collected to investigate the influence of personalized knowledge service on users’ learning attitude. Findings The proposed personalized knowledge RS obtained satisfactory user feedback. The results also show that providing personalized knowledge service can positively influence users’ perceived usefulness of learning. Practical implications This research highlights the importance of providing digital support for workplace learners. The proposed new knowledge recommendation technique would be useful for practitioners and developers to harness information technology to facilitate workplace learning and effect organization learning strategies. Originality/value This study expands the scope of research on RS and workplace learning. This research also draws scholarly attention to the effective utilization of digital techniques, such as a RS, to support user decision making in the workplace.

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