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1 – 10 of 92Marialuisa Saviano, Marzia Del Prete, Jens Mueller and Francesco Caputo
This paper aims to recall the attention on a key challenge for customer relationship management related to the role of human agents in the management of the “switch point” for…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to recall the attention on a key challenge for customer relationship management related to the role of human agents in the management of the “switch point” for ensuring the effectiveness and efficiency in a customer-machine conversation.
Design/methodology/approach
This study contributes to the discussion about the firms’ approach to artificial intelligence (AI) in frontline interactions under the conceptual umbrella provided by knowledge management studies.
Findings
This paper provides a theoretical model for clarifying the role of human intelligence (HI) in AI-based frontline interactions by highlighting the relevance of the actors’ subjectivity in the dynamics and perceptions of customer-machine conversations.
Originality/value
An AI-HI complementarity matrix is proposed in spite of the still dominant replacement view.
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Fabio Fiano, Jens Mueller, Niccolò Paoloni, Massimiliano Farina Briamonte and Domitilla Magni
The purpose of this paper is to enrich the scientific and managerial debate on intangibles by placing the concept of key money within the broader concept of Intellectual Capital…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to enrich the scientific and managerial debate on intangibles by placing the concept of key money within the broader concept of Intellectual Capital, and by proposing an evaluation approach for a portion of the latter, focusing the analysis on fashion retailers.
Design/methodology/approach
This research focuses on the fashion industry, given that key money gains particular significance and accounted for in fashion retailers' financial statements. A comparative case study is presented with regard to the application of two evaluation methods proposed to some fashion retailers operating in Italy.
Findings
This paper defines a suitable placement for key money within the vast structure of intellectual capital. The research shows that the two methods give “very close” key money values, thus laying the foundations for a theoretical articulation of interest to be further explored in future researches.
Originality/value
The document represents a first in-depth examination regarding the evaluation and inclusion of key money in the intellectual capital. A further element of originality lies in having interpreted the key money in a perspective closer to the world of intangibles and competitive strategies, to the detriment of the previous (meagre) settings that placed it within the real estate branches of study.
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Heike Bartsch, Sebastian Thiele, Jens Mueller, Dirk Schabbel, Beate Capraro, Timmy Reimann, Steffen Grund and Jörg Töpfer
This paper aims to investigate the usability of the nickel copper zinc ferrite with the composition Ni0.4Cu0.2Zn0.4Fe1.98O3.99 for the realization of high-temperature multilayer…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to investigate the usability of the nickel copper zinc ferrite with the composition Ni0.4Cu0.2Zn0.4Fe1.98O3.99 for the realization of high-temperature multilayer coils as discrete components and integrated, buried function units in low temperature cofired ceramics (LTCC).
Design/methodology/approach
LTCC tapes were cast and test components were produced as multilayer coils and as embedded coils in a dielectric tape. Different metallization pastes are compared. The properties of the components were measured at room temperature and higher temperature up to 250°C. The results are compared with simulation data.
Findings
The silver palladium paste revealed the highest inductance values within the study. The measured characteristics over a frequency range from 1 MHz to 100 MHz agree qualitatively with the measurements obtained from toroidal test samples. The inductance increases with increasing temperature and this influence is lower than 10%. The characteristic of embedded coils is comparable with this of multilayer components. The effective permeability of the ferrite material reaches values around 130.
Research limitations/implications
The research results based on a limited number of experiments; therefore, the results should be verified considering higher sample sizes.
Practical implications
The results encourage the further investigation of the material Ni0.4Cu0.2Zn0.4Fe1.98O3.99 for the use as high-temperature ferrite for the design of multilayer coils with an operation frequency in the range of 5-10 MHz and operation temperatures up to 250°C.
Originality/value
It is demonstrated for the first time, that the material Ni0.4Cu0.2Zn0.4Fe1.98O3.99 is suitable for the realization of high-temperature multilayer coils and embedded coils in LTCC circuit carriers with high performance.
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Antonio Prencipe, Danilo Boffa, Armando Papa, Christian Corsi and Jens Mueller
The purpose of this study is to analyze the impact of human capital related to gender and nationality diversity in boards of directors on the innovation of university spin-offs…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to analyze the impact of human capital related to gender and nationality diversity in boards of directors on the innovation of university spin-offs (USOs) in their entrepreneurial ecosystem. Following the intellectual capital (IC) framework and the resource dependence theory, upper echelons theory and critical mass theory, it hypothesizes that the relationship between board diversity and USOs’ firm innovation is non-linear.
Design/methodology/approach
To test the research hypotheses empirically, a sample of 827 Italian USOs over the period 2009–2018 was analyzed using zero-inflated Poisson regression modeling. A robustness test was also performed.
Findings
Gender obstacles remain in USOs’ entrepreneurial ecosystem, with little involvement of women in boards, and the benefits of human capital for firm innovation emerge with increased female representation. Nevertheless, a few foreign-born directors embody valued IC in terms of human capital from an internationally linked entrepreneurial ecosystem, which decreases with more foreign-born directors due to communication costs and coordination problems.
Research limitations/implications
The emerging non-linear relationships imply that gender- and nationality-diverse boards in USOs constitute critical human capital factors boosting the devolvement of entrepreneurial processes, in terms of firm innovation, in university entrepreneurial ecosystems.
Originality/value
This study contributes significantly to the move from traditional corporate governance analysis through an IC framework, fostering an understanding of the role of human capital and its diversity determinants in spurring firm innovation among USOs considering the university entrepreneurial ecosystem.
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Federica Pascucci, Lucia Pizzichini, Andrea Sabatini, Valerio Temperini and Jens Mueller
This paper aims to gain insights into the paradoxical tensions emerging from circular business model innovation (CBMI) and how to overcome them by developing a theoretical…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to gain insights into the paradoxical tensions emerging from circular business model innovation (CBMI) and how to overcome them by developing a theoretical framework drawing on two theoretical streams: firstly, the paradox theory for shedding light on the often “invisible” contradictions generated by the implementation of circular economy (CE) principles in business model transformation; and secondly, the dynamic capability theory that can contribute to the investigation of how to manage these contradictions.
Design/methodology/approach
The study uses a longitudinal case study approach to gain an in-depth understanding of the transformation and challenges faced by an incumbent firm in adopting a circular business model. Qualitative research methods are used to explore the paradoxical tensions and dynamic capabilities involved in the process.
Findings
The study finds that incumbent firms face numerous challenges and paradoxical tensions in the CBMI process. These tensions arise from difficulties in implementing organizational changes, balancing competing priorities and managing conflicting goals. Dynamic capabilities are crucial in managing these tensions and facilitating the transition to a circular business model.
Research limitations/implications
This paper contributes to the theoretical development of paradox theory by applying it to the new field of CBMI which is currently slightly investigated and responds to the call for studies looking at more fine-grained types of sustainable business models. The study adds to previous literature that how the firm handles paradoxes and tensions influences the pace and results of the process. If the firm becomes discouraged during the early stages of identifying new opportunities, the pace slows down, and the firm becomes hesitant to collaborate more with partners. Furthermore, the ability to capitalize on these opportunities is affected by these tensions and contradictions.
Originality/value
This paper contributes to the literature by empirically investigating the process of CBMI in incumbent firms. It fills the gap in existing research by examining the existence of paradoxical tensions in a real-life setting and exploring the role of dynamic capabilities in managing these tensions. The findings provide practical insights for firms seeking a transition towards a CE and highlight that the ability to sense the external context should be developed as the new business model entails a central role of external actors.
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Armando Papa, Luca Dezi, Gian Luca Gregori, Jens Mueller and Nicola Miglietta
This paper aims to study the effects of knowledge acquisition on innovation performance and the moderating effects of human resource management (HRM), in terms of employee…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to study the effects of knowledge acquisition on innovation performance and the moderating effects of human resource management (HRM), in terms of employee retention and HRM practices, on the above-mentioned relationship.
Design/methodology/approach
A sample of 129 firms operating in a wide array of sectors has been used to gather data through a standardized questionnaire for testing the hypotheses through ordinary least squares (OLS) regression models.
Findings
The results indicate that knowledge acquisition positively affects innovation performance and that HRM moderates the relationship between knowledge acquisition and innovation performance.
Originality/value
With the increasing proclivity towards engaging in open innovation, firms are likely to face some tensions and opportunities leading to a shift in the management of human resources. This starts from the assumption that the knowledge base of the firm resides in the people who work for the firm and that some HRM factors can influence innovation within firms. Despite this, there is a lack of research investigating the link between knowledge acquisition, HRM and innovation performance under the open innovation lens. This paper intends to fill this gap and nurture future research by assessing whether knowledge acquisition influences innovation performance and whether HRM moderates such a relationship.
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Rajeev Verma, Vikas Arya, Asha Thomas, Enrica Bolognesi and Jens Mueller
The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of green intellectual capital in fostering societal sustainability. Also, this study investigated how co-creational customer…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of green intellectual capital in fostering societal sustainability. Also, this study investigated how co-creational customer capital mediates the relationship between green intellectual capital and societal sustainability. The paper draws attention to co-creating customer capital and understanding its impact on societal sustainability in high-contact service startups.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected from responses from 376 high-contact service startup firms headquartered in the Indian subcontinent, particularly emerging markets. The proposed conceptual model was analyzed using the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) approach. The analysis is based on primary data obtained from strategic-level employees.
Findings
The results highlight the impact of co-creational customer capital in the Green Intellectual Capital – Societal Sustainability (GICS) model. Green intellectual capital components significantly influence societal sustainability outcomes in the existence of co-created customer values. It establishes customer capital as an essential factor that mediates the relationship between green intellectual capital and societal sustainability.
Research limitations/implications
This research provides conceptualization and subsequent investigation of customer value creation in service-led startups. The construct co-creation is more appropriate for the service industry in common.
Practical implications
This paper establishes co-created customer capital as an enabler in transforming underlying components of green intellectual capital into societal sustainability measures. Firms may generate higher customer value by pooling green human and relational capital along with active customer response and shared knowledge. This creates an organizational asset termed co-created customer capital specific to service industries.
Originality/value
The article proposes a novel way to analyze customer value in service organizations. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no study has looked at how co-creational customer capital could act as a mediator between green intellectual capital and societal sustainability in the service industry context, particularly for SMEs and startups from emerging economies. Co-created customer capital may be used as an instrument to overcome managerial challenges in the context of transforming green intellectual capital into societal capital.
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Shafique Ur Rehman, Khurram Ashfaq, Stefano Bresciani, Elisa Giacosa and Jens Mueller
The authors observe the influence of intellectual capital (IC) on innovation performance with the mediating role of interorganizational learning (IOL) in the Pakistani automotive…
Abstract
Purpose
The authors observe the influence of intellectual capital (IC) on innovation performance with the mediating role of interorganizational learning (IOL) in the Pakistani automotive industry. Besides, industrial Internet of things (IoT) technology is used as moderating variables between IOL and innovation performance.
Design/methodology/approach
Structural equation modeling (SEM) presents scholars with extra flexibility and enhanced research conclusions. SEM is described as a statistical methodology and the best tool used for hypothesis testing. The authors used partial least squares SEM for testing hypotheses. The simple random sampling technique followed to collect data from respondents, and 492 questionnaires were used for analysis.
Findings
The outcomes reveal that IC enhances innovation performance and IOL. Moreover, IOL increases innovation performance. IOL significantly mediates between IC and innovation performance. Industrial IoT technology improves innovation performance. Finally, industrial IoT technology strengthens the positive association between IOL and innovation performance.
Practical implications
This study concentrates on the issue of how managers use IOL and industrial IoT technology to take higher advantage of IC that increases innovation performance.
Originality/value
This is the initial study that builds a theoretical framework to integrate IC, IOL, industrial IoT technology and innovation performance. Although prior researchers observe the association between IC and innovation performance, less concentration was paid to understand the role of interorganizational leadership and industrial IoT technology in leveraging organizational IC.
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Alberto Ferraris, Filippo Monge and Jens Mueller
In several studies, it has been found that organizational performance is affected by ambidextrous IT capabilities. Nevertheless, business processes are essential to the value…
Abstract
Purpose
In several studies, it has been found that organizational performance is affected by ambidextrous IT capabilities. Nevertheless, business processes are essential to the value generation conversion of IT investment into performance. In the literature, this focus on the impact of IT capabilities at the business process level is still under investigated. So, the purpose of this paper is to test the effects of explorative and exploitative business process IT capabilities on business process performances (BPP) and the positive moderator role of business process management (BPM) capabilities.
Design/methodology/approach
This analysis has been done through a quantitative study in the Italian hotel industry. An OLS regression analysis has been carried out on a sample of 404 firms.
Findings
The study identifies distinct effects related to exploration and exploitation and finds a moderating effect of BPM capabilities, explaining their positive impact on BPP.
Originality/value
The main purpose of the paper is to contribute to the area of business process management by demonstrating the importance of both explorative and exploitative IT capabilities for a business process as well as the managerial capabilities at the process level. Furthermore, this focus at the process level allows us to add original insights into research on ambidexterity by expanding existing works.
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