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Leading-edge information and communication technology provides the base to facilitate obtaining, interoperating and federating shared metadata knowledge in collaborative networks from multiple heterogeneous data sources. The purpose of this study is to develop a methodology and a set of mechanisms to support this task in the collaborative environment.

In this paper, the authors first identify and capture four main typical sources to find or generate metadata knowledge for shared data in emerging networked environments, including existing well-designed metadata, the typical ones are relational schemas of existing databases in the environment; fragmented metadata sources, i.e. metadata that can be realized from existing mission statements and example application scenarios in the environment, usually characterized by their fragmented, lightweight and behavior-intensive features; extracting metadata for simple labeled unstructured data, e.g. textual communications among its stakeholders; and semantic constraints on metadata, e.g. the temporal data behavior could be generated from governance policies in the environment. Second, the authors introduce their systematic methodology to the unification of the resulted metadata consisting of four semiautomated unification steps that gradually develops and enhances a unified ontology for the environment, formalized in web ontology language.

The methodology steps and their corresponding mechanisms are described and exemplified in detail in this paper. Furthermore, this paper presents the outcome of applying the authors’ methodology to an example emerging case through the generation of a unified ontology for that environment.

The addressed example application area is a real case in the field of higher education in China and therefore serves as a proof of concept and verification of the effectiveness of the authors’ proposed approach.

This paper aims to apply innovation networks (INs) theory to the context of domesticated markets, where innovation triggers deinstitutionalization. In such contexts, the success of INs depends on their capacity to transform the business field in which they are embedded, so that it accommodates innovative business models. Such “institutional INs” beget a meso-level finality, and this poses different requirement on their effectiveness. The purpose of this paper is to confront extant models of collaborative innovation in networks with this specific context to offer exploratory insights into how innovation can be achieved in domesticated contexts and what the differential implications are for network configurations and strategic “reinstitutionalization” practices.

Based on an illustrative embedded case study in the Dutch steel industry, a framework offering indications on the effectiveness of discrete configurational dimensions and their fit with reinstitutionalization practices for institutional INs is suggested. The case builds on 26 semi-structured interviews and 4 focus groups with top managers in the industry. As the aim is to extend theoretical models of INs to this under-researched context, an abductive approach to theorizing, consistent with the extended case method, is adopted.

Findings suggest that collaborating to redesign an institutionalized business field collectively implies a more explicit attention to interdependencies within the business field.

Besides suggesting modifications to extant frames regarding heterogeneity in and the configuration of networks, this paper has some practical implications. The framework proposed offers managers some support in the largely ignored issue of developing a collective action network. With these findings, we aspire to stimulate further research into this relevant, yet underdeveloped, topic.

The study extends IN theory toward innovation realization in domesticated contexts. In such contexts, IN’s success depends on their capacity to transform the business field in which they are embedded, so that it enables innovative ways of creating end-customer value. Besides suggesting a new area for theorizing about innovation networks, institutional innovation networks are also a useful template for institutional innovation and collective action research. The paper offers a framework to support managers in the largely ignored challenge of developing a collective action network. In an increasingly transparent, connected and consolidated business environment, such a challenge becomes ever more essential.

Aims to focus on the need for appropriately trained librarians of the next‐generation, the “Digital Librarians”, with particular emphasis on China.

The paper first analyzes the definition and features of the digital library, and is followed by an introduction to digital libraries developing in China. Work modes and quality composition of digital librarians are then analyzed and discussed.

Digital libraries emerging in the information age represent an inevitable trend for library development. A digital library contains a vast amount of digital information resources in multiple media. It may provide readers with diversified information services using digital and network technologies. In addition to certain hardware and software availabilities, the evolving digital library requires appropriately trained librarians of the next‐generation, the “Digital Librarians”, which forms the theme of this paper.

Provides recommendations and measures on how China can develop further its digital librarians.

The paper seeks to outline the capabilities of cyberinfrastructure (CI) as a new knowledge‐sharing conduit. The article introduces CI properties and parameters that align with KM concepts and principles. It also describes the utilization of a CI framework in facilitating virtual enterprises and their communities. Finally, the article outlines the three major challenges in the way of CI deployment as a knowledge mobilization medium in the public domain.

The article reviews extensive literature on CI from the approach of KM principles. It summarizes the relationship between CI and previous network architectures, and how that contributes to its expected dominance as a new KM platform.

CI can be regarded as the architecture that narrows the historical gap between KM and the bivalent logic technologies. This can be attributed to the fact that it adds people and services to fundamental network components. However, KM practitioners must be cautious in utilizing it to deploy KM programs. This is due to the inherited binary effects, information overloading, and security issues surrounding open, inter‐operable environments.

This overview consists of useful information on an inventive network configuration and its appropriateness as a new KM platform.

This paper aims to propose a new blockchain system design to improve engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) companies’ supply chain for constructing oil and gas infrastructure, by mitigating cost and time inefficiencies.

A case study analyses the supply chain of a sample EPC company. First, a literature review is conducted to explore the subject in academic literature. Second, information flows are mapped using responsible, accountable, consulted and informed analysis and cross-functional process mapping. Third, inefficiencies are identified. Fourth, the root causes of the inefficiencies are pinpointed using fishbone and five-times-why analysis. Fifth, a comparison is made between the linear and the blockchain information system via force-field analysis. Sixth, a specific blockchain system design is identified based on three external expert interviews. Finally, the new system is designed and a cost-benefit analysis is conducted.

Major cost and time inefficiencies in oil and gas infrastructure developments are caused by a poor information flow in the supply chain. The new blockchain system design is a feasible solution, reducing cost inefficiencies by 12.4% and operation lead-times by 36.5%.

The confidentiality of the sample EPC company’s information represents a limitation.

The research introduces a new blockchain system design, reducing cost and time inefficiencies in the project-development supply chain, including implementation processes.

Intellectual capital (IC) is beneficial to the improved performance of businesses, irrespective of their industry. The present study proposes to check if the use of IC can also help in improving the asset quality of banks. Thus, this study aims to examine the impact of IC and its components on non-performing assets (NPAs).

The study has been conducted with a sample of 30 Indian commercial banks and analysed over a time frame of 15 years (2004–2005 to 2018–2019). The modified value-added intellectual coefficient model has been used to measure the independent variables, IC, and its components. The dependent variable, NPA, has been represented by the net NPA ratio. Two-step system generalized methods of moments (SGMMs) have been applied for the regression analysis. Along with the short-term estimates provided by the SGMM approach, the long-term impact of explanatory variables on the dependent variables has also been seen.

The results of the study show that IC and its components are indeed helpful for the management of NPA, as they impact the problem loans negatively. Furthermore, the long-term benefits of IC in enhancing bank credit quality are more substantial.

The results from the present study can be used by bank management. The bank managers can draw inferences that the efficient application of IC can help them reduce their loan losses. Developing skills and knowledge of employees, maintaining close relations with stakeholders, significantly the customers, and putting more sophisticated processes and infrastructure to use can help banks to control their loan losses.

A major proportion of studies examining the role of intangible assets in various aspects of the banking sector focuses on the association between IC and the financial performance of banking entities. However, for banking institutions, apart from financial performance, improving credit quality is also imperative for staying afloat. Thus, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, the present study is one of the first to examine the relationship between knowledge-based assets (i.e. IC) and bank credit quality.

Currently, teachers meet difficulties when design the modern classes so that they respond to the requirements of new educational standards. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to justify the algorithm for applying the “foundations” for designing modern classes of different types and varied subject areas.

The author coordinates the “foundations” of constructing modern occupations in various subject areas on the example of lessons for children mastering the basic level of preparation and higher one. As the basis for building classes in modern conditions, the author considers the taxonomy of the pedagogical goals of B. Bloom and G. Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences (MI).

The taxonomy of pedagogical goals can be one of the key foundations in the design of modern occupations of various types; the theory of MI – in the construction of classes of different subject areas. As examples for the argumentation, the author used the educational technologies of “problem education” and “project education.”

This study is a modest contribution to didactics (the science of theories and learning technologies). The results of the research actualize the work of B. Bloom and G. Gardner in the context of modern requirements for the results and content of education in general and vocational schools. The main provisions of the paper should supplement a number of such works where the solution of modern problems in education is built on the traditions and innovations balance.

The algorithm of applying the “foundations” in the modern studies’ planning can be used for lessons of various types and different subject areas. Further, research can be built in the context of interpreting the algorithm and testing its effectiveness using examples of other educational technologies.

Due to the convergence of rapid business developments and digitization challenges, service orientation is back on the research agenda as a concept to improve firms’ business services. Yet, little is known about the type of determinants that are relevant and to what degree they affect a firm’s service-oriented strategy.

Building on structural equation modeling (SEM) and a unique data set of 131 international firms from different continents, the authors identify and analyze the key determinants in the context of a firm’s service-oriented strategy.

The findings show that in order to cater for changes, organizations have to manage and adapt the coherence of the determinants’ business services, business processes and knowledge sharing continuously. Moreover, the results show that a service-oriented strategy is not only influenced by business services as such, but business services mediate the relationships between business processes, governance and process-aware information systems to a service-oriented strategy.

A limitation is imposed by the limited sample size and the unbalanced response of participants (executive management). In future research, a more extensive survey among a broader group of participants will help the authors to develop their model further in order to generalize the results, as well as more finely grained research related to geography and size might be pursued. Future empirical research is necessary to identify and test the relationships between other constructs and study their effect on a firm’s service-oriented strategy.

On a practical level, the authors postulate that an organization’s executive management should pay attention to invest in an organizational entity (department) that manages business services continuously. This organizational entity has to ensure that related processes and knowledge sharing are in place to establish and maintain a service-oriented strategy.

This research contributes to service-oriented literature by operationalizing the implementation of an organization’s service-oriented strategy. The authors’ insights go beyond the findings of Aier et al. (2011). The authors found that a service-oriented strategy influences service-oriented project success positively. The authors extended these findings, based on a unique data set, by studying business services and influencing determinants (i.e. business processes, governance, PAIS and knowledge sharing) within the context of service orientation. The renewed attention to the concept of service orientation provides insights into critical determinants that influence the implementation of a service-oriented strategy.

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the dimensions that distinguish high from low performing manufacturing companies in Great Britain with respect to controlling noise. The findings should assist regulators and industry to develop interventions that help organisations to effectively manage noise, particularly amongst the low performers.

The research uses quantitative and qualitative methods. Survey data was obtained from 215 manufacturers and supplemented with 15 qualitative interviews to assess performance and individual, social, environmental and organisational influences on duty holders' decision making for controlling noise.

Relative to low performers, decision makers from high performing companies had: greater in-depth knowledge of noise risks and controls; taken steps to promote positive health and safety attitudes and values; were large companies; and faced fewer resource barriers (time, costs, staffing). Managers in small, low performing companies sought simple interventions with a practical focus.

The differences reported between high and low performing companies showed a small magnitude of effect but these are considered significant in a health and safety context.

Improvements in training and education, and addressing workplace health and safety culture, are recommended as offering most potential to raise the standard of noise control.

To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to systematically assess the specific knowledge, attitudes, values and beliefs that employers hold about noise and the influence of social, environmental and organisational factors on manager’s decisions about noise controls.