The different shades of innovation emergence in smart service systems: the case of Italian cluster for aerospace technology

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Orlando Troisi ◽  
Anna Visvizi ◽  
Mara Grimaldi
Keyword(s):  
New Technologies ◽  
Service Systems ◽  
Constructivist Grounded Theory ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Social Rules ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Novel Technologies ◽  
Aerospace Technology ◽  
Smart Service ◽  
Relational Strategies

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the emergence of innovation in smart service systems to conceptualize how actor’s relationships through technology-enabled interactions can give birth to novel technologies, processes, strategies and value. The objectives of the study are: to detect the different enablers that activate innovation in smart service systems; and to explore how these can lead dynamically to the emergence of different innovation patterns. Design/methodology/approach The empirical research adopts an approach based on constructivist grounded theory, performed through observation and semi-structured interviews to investigate the development of innovation in the Italian CTNA (Italian acronym of National Cluster for Aerospace Technology). Findings The identification and re-elaboration of the novelties that emerged from the analysis of the Cluster allow the elaboration of a diagram that classifies five different shades of innovation, introduced through some related theoretical propositions: technological; process; business model and data-driven; social and eco-sustainable; and practice-based. Originality/value The paper embraces a synthesis view that detects the enabling structural and systems dimensions for innovation (the “what”) and the way in which these can be combined to create new technologies, resources, values and social rules (the “how” dimension). The classification of five different kinds of innovation can contribute to enrich extant research on value co-creation and innovation and can shed light on how given technologies and relational strategies can produce varied innovation outcomes according to the diverse stakeholders engaged.

Applicability of drywall technologies for disaster-induced housing reconstruction

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nimasha Dilukshi Hulathdoowage ◽  
Chandanie Hadiwattage
Keyword(s):  
Case Analysis ◽  
Technical Solution ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Time Saving ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Novel Technologies ◽  
Concrete Frame ◽  
Community Acceptance ◽  
Research Areas ◽  
Housing Reconstruction

Purpose The sluggish progression of disaster-induced housing reconstruction (DHR) in Sri Lanka provoked the assessment of drywall technologies as a mode of improving efficiency. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the applicability of drywall technologies to adopt a technical solution to DHR. Design/methodology/approach The research contextualized a mixed research design via a case-study strategy integrating semi-structured interviews, documentary reviews and observations. Two cases based on the 2016 Samasarakanda landslide were investigated. Within-case-analysis and cross-case-analysis were performed to derive conclusions. Findings Enablers for drywall technologies application are time saving, cost-saving, less water consumption and logistical easiness. Less strength of drywall technologies will not be a critical obstruction owing to the expected disaster resilience from the concrete frame and the subsequent requirement of non-load bearing walls for landslide DHR. Labor source, community acceptance, durability are potential settings of barriers. Observing model houses, researching the resistance of drywall technologies to landslide-induced vibrations and impulsive waves are some further research areas discovered. Research limitations/implications Empirical findings are centered on the 2016 Samasarakanda DHR. Practical implications Because of many issues in updating guidelines, drawings and BOQs, a protocol should be gazetted in the parliament to improve its updating flexibility allowing provisions to apply novel technologies for DHR. Originality/value Being one of the very first of this kind of research, contextually, the research is original. This study provokes insightful investigation of drywall technologies for DHR beyond its overlooked properties. This study reveals many wall construction challenges of the 2016 Samasarakanda DHR which have not yet been explored in research.

scholarly journals Experiencing information use for early career academics’ learning: a knowledge ecosystem model

2015 ◽  
Vol 71 (6) ◽  
pp. 1228-1249 ◽  
Author(s):  
Faye Q. Miller
Keyword(s):  
Personal Development ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Ecosystem Model ◽  
Alternative Interpretation ◽  
Early Career ◽  
Constructivist Grounded Theory ◽  
Theory Approach ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Knowledge Resources

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the informed learning experiences of early career academics (ECAs) while building their networks for professional and personal development. The notion that information and learning are inextricably linked via the concept of “informed learning” is used as a conceptual framework to gain a clearer picture of what informs ECAs while they learn and how they experience using that which informs their learning within this complex practice: to build, maintain and utilise their developmental networks. Design/methodology/approach – This research employs a qualitative framework using a constructivist grounded theory approach (Charmaz, 2006). Through semi-structured interviews with a sample of 14 ECAs from across two Australian universities, data were generated to investigate the research questions. The study used the methods of constant comparison to create codes and categories towards theme development. Further examination considered the relationship between thematic categories to construct an original theoretical model. Findings – The model presented is a “knowledge ecosystem”, which represents the core informed learning experience. The model consists of informal learning interactions such as relating to information to create knowledge and engaging in mutually supportive relationships with a variety of knowledge resources found in people who assist in early career development. Originality/value – Findings from this study present an alternative interpretation of informed learning that is focused on processes manifesting as human interactions with informing entities revolving around the contexts of reciprocal human relationships.

scholarly journals Back to the future: challenges of European tourism of tomorrow

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Natàlia Ferrer-Roca ◽  
Richard Weston ◽  
Jaume Guia ◽  
Tanja Mihalic ◽  
Dani Blasco ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sustainable Tourism Development ◽  
Eu Member States ◽  
Emerging Trends ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The Future ◽  
Tourism Governance

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify and describe the most recent (or emerging) trends likely to have a major impact in shaping the future of tourism in Europe. Design/methodology/approach The methodology of this paper involved in-depth literature review of European Union policies, initiatives and programs. Also, semi-structured interviews were conducted with key individuals/organisations, mainly at a European level, but also including pertinent global and national tourism organisations. Moreover, an online survey was also conducted and circulated to a wide range of organisations from all 28 EU Member States. Nvivo was used to analyse the documents as well as to conduct a content and thematic analysis of the interviews. Findings This paper identifies five trends associated with the future of tourism in Europe. Those main trends are: evolving visitor demand; marketing; stakeholders and tourism governance; new technologies; and sustainable and responsible tourism. Originality/value This trends paper provides five useful recommendations for the future of tourism in Europe, including: sustainable tourism development, investment in technology, effective tourism governance, enhance Europe's overall destination brand and marketing strategy, and the need for new skills and training.

Online teaching practicum during COVID-19: the case of a teacher education program in Greece

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vasiliki Brinia ◽  
Paraskevi Psoni
Keyword(s):  
Teacher Candidates ◽  
Online Teaching ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Teacher Education Program ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Teaching Practicum ◽  
Fellow Teacher ◽  
Present Case Study

PurposeThrough the present study, the authors investigate whether online practicum in teaching, with fellow teacher-candidates acting as students, can be effective and whether the teacher-candidates actually developed skills useful for their future teachings, through this form of practicum, which is necessary when, out of necessity, like in the case of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is no other option for universities.Design/methodology/approachThe method selected was qualitative research through in-depth interviews, since the present research question and the research topic in general have not been examined in the past. The authors gathered 45 teacher-candidates' journals on this experience, and, then, they interviewed them through semi-structured interviews.FindingsThe findings indicated that the teacher-candidates got acquainted with new technologies in education to a great extent. Moreover, they developed skills that will be proven useful for their future teachings, like adaptability, flexibility and handling of students' interaction in online settings.Originality/valueThe present case study consists of a paradigm of international value, since it fills in a gap in literature on an online alternative of practicum in teaching in cases of crisis, like the COVID-19 pandemic. Valuable insights are gained for researchers, practitioners and policymakers and best-practices for online teaching practicum have derived for future use.

Exploring the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on sport tourism

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mona Mirehie ◽  
Inje Cho
Keyword(s):  
Financial Distress ◽  
Recovery Process ◽  
Tourism Industry ◽  
Constructivist Grounded Theory ◽  
Theory Approach ◽  
Sport Tourism ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Recovery Planning ◽  
Management Procedures

PurposeThe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and consequent economic shutdown have had severe impacts on the tourism industry. Acquiring an understanding of the impacts and ongoing response procedures is crucial to recovery planning. The purpose of this study is to explore the management procedures undertaken by sport tourism stakeholders during the COVID-19 pandemic in Indiana, USA, a state that relies heavily on sport tourism for its economic vibrancy.Design/methodology/approachA constructivist grounded theory approach was adopted. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 high-rank managers in sport tourism organizations.FindingsContinued uncertainty, psychological and financial distress were found to be the main challenges. Contingency planning, adaptability and focus on doable tasks were the core elements of the strategic response plan. Resilience management, particularly social and financial, appeared to be key in the recovery process. A stronger return was predicted with technological advancements and new collaborations. Intra-destination collaboration and creative programs were found to be key in the long-term resilience of the destination.Originality/valueFindings shed light on the challenges faced, response actions undertaken, and the projected future which helps to understand the stories behind decisions and proposals, identify the gaps, and plan the best possible practices. Recommendations for leveraging sports to revitalize the destinations and help businesses survive the crisis are provided that can guide sport tourism communities on their path to recovery from COVID-19.

Think human, act digital: activating data-driven orientation in innovative start-ups

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Visvizi ◽  
Orlando Troisi ◽  
Mara Grimaldi ◽  
Francesca Loia
Keyword(s):  
Innovation Management ◽  
Strategic Orientation ◽  
Constructivist Grounded Theory ◽  
Data Driven ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Proactive Management ◽  
Start Up ◽  
Innovation Patterns ◽  
Start Ups

PurposeThe study queries the drivers of innovation management in contemporary data-driven organizations/companies. It is argued that data-driven organizations that integrate a strategic orientation grounded in data, human abilities and proactive management are more effective in triggering innovation.Design/methodology/approachResearch reported in this paper employs constructivist grounded theory, Gioia methodology, and the abductive approach. The data collected through semi-structured interviews administered to 20 Italian start-up founders are then examined.FindingsThe paper identifies the key enablers of innovation development in data-driven companies and reveals that data-driven companies may generate different innovation patterns depending on the kind of capabilities activated.Originality/valueThe study provides evidence of how the combination of data-driven culture, skills' enhancement and the promotion of human resources may boost the emergence of innovation.

Current situation, challenges and future development directions of facilities management in Kosovo

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Visar Hoxha ◽  
Dhurata Hoxha ◽  
Jehona Hoxha
Keyword(s):  
Future Development ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Current Situation ◽  
Facilities Management ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Novel Technologies ◽  
Integration Of Technology ◽  
Low Sensitivity ◽  
Purposive Sample

Purpose While facilities management (FM) in Kosovo is a constantly growing discipline, the studies so far in Kosovo have been scarce and too general. The purpose of the paper is to discuss the current situation of FM in Kosovo, identify challenges and recommend new future development directions of the sector with regard to capabilities of facility managers, integration of technology in FM and FM standardization.Design/methodology/approach The present study uses qualitative method by using semi-structured interviews with purposive sample of 20 FM professionals with experience of more than 15 years that cover public, private sector and international organizations.Findings The present study finds that FM in Kosovo is in its infancy stage, and it is mainly perceived as maintenance and cleaning with the low level of outsourcing. Generally, it was agreed that FM industry in Kosovo faces several challenges such as lack of budget, resources and staff; inappropriate FM planning; absence of uniform KPIs and low sensitivity of FM to sustainability. The study finally finds that FM in Kosovo can be enhanced only through integration of novel technologies, development of adaptive capability of facility managers and adequate FM standardization.Research limitations/implications The present study helps researchers and practitioners to understand the current situation of FM in Kosovo in terms of planning, outsourcing and primary purpose of FM in Kosovo. The study also provides an overview of challenges of FM in Kosovo, which can be used by researchers and practitioners to identify future development directions for the sector and profession.Originality/value The study contributes to the current knowledge about the state of development of FM in transitional countries such as Kosovo. The findings will identify future development areas of FM in Kosovo especially with regard to capability and skills of FM professionals and integration of technology in FM, which can be used by other countries facing the same perceptional and developmental challenges in FM.

The uncontrollability of relational indifference in blended workgroups

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anette Kaagaard Kristensen ◽  
Martin Lund Kristensen
Keyword(s):  
Nursing Students ◽  
Social Relations ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Constructivist Grounded Theory ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Extra Effort ◽  
The Social ◽  
Hospital Wards ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to examine how temporaries’ experience and perception of encounters with permanent members’ relational indifference affect the social relations in blended workgroups. Design/methodology/approach Constructivist grounded theory study based on 15 semi-structured interviews with first- and third-year nursing students in clinical internships at somatic hospital wards was used. Findings The authors identified two themes around organizational alienation. Temporaries expected and hoped to experience resonance in their interactions with permanent members, which drove them to make an extra effort when confronted with permanents’ relational indifference. Temporaries felt insignificant, meaningless and unworthy, causing them to adopt a relationless mode of relating, feeling alienated and adapting their expectations and hopes. Practical implications Relational indifference is, unlike relational repulsion, problematic to target directly through intervention policies as organizations would inflict a more profound alienation on temporaries. Originality/value Unlike previous research on blended workgroups, which has predominantly focused on relational repulsion, this paper contributes to understanding how relational indifference affects temporaries’ mode of relating to permanent.

Human determinants influencing the digital transformation strategy of multigenerational family businesses: a multiple-case study of five French growth-oriented family firms

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Blandine Ano ◽  
Richard Bent
Keyword(s):  
Family Firms ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Transformation Process ◽  
Family Businesses ◽  
Digital Transformation ◽  
Wealth Creation ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Digital Strategy

PurposeIn a context of technological disruption, companies face a digital imperative to adopt successfully emerging new technologies. While family firms have a huge potential for growth and innovation, they may – due to idiosyncratic but often limited resources, have to address the complex challenges induced by digital technologies introduction. The purpose of this paper is to explore how human and cultural resources influence the formulation and implementation of five French family firms' digital strategy.Design/methodology/approachBased on a phenomenological epistemology, semi-structured interviews among different generational cohorts of family business owners.FindingsThe thematic analysis highlights five main cultural and psychological determinants holding the potential for positive and synergetic outcomes while implementing a digital strategy: the change management nurtured by long-term sustainability, the emotional attachment to the firm, the entrepreneurial legacy influence, the personalised involvement of individual family members and the family owners' central focus on employees.Originality/valueThis paper is one of the first research projects exploring the digital transformation process of family businesses from the perspective of the firm's human capital. The participants of the study reveal idiosyncratic attitudes such as long-term orientation, entrepreneurial bridging and non-economic goals leading to competitive advantages and transgenerational wealth creation.

“Write the story you want to read”: world-queering through slash fanfiction creation

2020 ◽  
Vol 76 (4) ◽  
pp. 785-805 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diana Floegel
Keyword(s):  
Racial Diversity ◽  
Constructivist Grounded Theory ◽  
Power Dynamics ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Theoretical Frameworks ◽  
Entertainment Media ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Captain America ◽  
Theoretical Sampling ◽  
Other Information

PurposeThis pilot study explores how queer slash fanfiction writers reorient cis/heteronormative entertainment media (EM) content to create queer information worlds.Design/methodology/approachConstructivist grounded theory was employed to explore queer individuals' slash fanfiction reading and creation practices. Slash fanfiction refers to fan-written texts that recast cis/heteronormative content with queer characters, relationships, and themes. Theoretical sampling drove ten semi-structured interviews with queer slash writers and content analysis of both Captain America slash and material features found on two online fanfiction platforms, Archive of Our Own and fanfiction.net. “Queer” serves as a theoretical lens through which to explore non-cis/heteronormative perspectives on gender and sexuality.FindingsParticipants' interactions with and creation of slash fanfiction constitute world-queering practices wherein individuals reorient cis/heteronormative content, design systems, and form community while developing their identities over time. Findings suggest ways that queer creators respond to, challenge, and reorient cis/heteronormative narratives perpetuated by EM and other information sources, as well as ways their practices are constrained by structural power dynamics.Research limitations/implicationsThis initial data collection only begins to explore the topic with ten interviews. The participant sample lacks racial diversity while the content sample focuses on one fandom. However, results suggest future directions for theoretical sampling that will continue to advance constructs developed from the data.Originality/valueThis research contributes to evolving perspectives on information creation and queer individuals' information practices. In particular, findings expand theoretical frameworks related to small worlds and ways in which members of marginalized populations grapple with exclusionary normativity.

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