Search results

1 – 10 of over 9000
Book part
Publication date: 29 March 2016

Marc Wouters, Susana Morales, Sven Grollmuss and Michael Scheer

The paper provides an overview of research published in the innovation and operations management (IOM) literature on 15 methods for cost management in new product development, and…

Abstract

Purpose

The paper provides an overview of research published in the innovation and operations management (IOM) literature on 15 methods for cost management in new product development, and it provides a comparison to an earlier review of the management accounting (MA) literature (Wouters & Morales, 2014).

Methodology/approach

This structured literature search covers papers published in 23 journals in IOM in the period 1990–2014.

Findings

The search yielded a sample of 208 unique papers with 275 results (one paper could refer to multiple cost management methods). The top 3 methods are modular design, component commonality, and product platforms, with 115 results (42%) together. In the MA literature, these three methods accounted for 29%, but target costing was the most researched cost management method by far (26%). Simulation is the most frequently used research method in the IOM literature, whereas this was averagely used in the MA literature; qualitative studies were the most frequently used research method in the MA literature, whereas this was averagely used in the IOM literature. We found a lot of papers presenting practical approaches or decision models as a further development of a particular cost management method, which is a clear difference from the MA literature.

Research limitations/implications

This review focused on the same cost management methods, and future research could also consider other cost management methods which are likely to be more important in the IOM literature compared to the MA literature. Future research could also investigate innovative cost management practices in more detail through longitudinal case studies.

Originality/value

This review of research on methods for cost management published outside the MA literature provides an overview for MA researchers. It highlights key differences between both literatures in their research of the same cost management methods.

Article
Publication date: 26 January 2010

Tommaso Buganza, Martin Gerst and Roberto Verganti

New technology‐based firms (NTBFs) play a growing role in national economies. Given their nature, it is possible to suppose that these companies should manage their development…

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Abstract

Purpose

New technology‐based firms (NTBFs) play a growing role in national economies. Given their nature, it is possible to suppose that these companies should manage their development processes by leveraging on flexibility. Thus, the main purpose of the paper is to understand to what extent NTBFs apply the methods and tools identified in the existing literature to increase the flexibility of new product development (NPD) processes.

Design/methodology/approach

Eight in‐depth case studies are conducted in order to draw and test a questionnaire for the extended research. Then, the questionnaire is submitted to 550 firms obtaining a final sample of 48. The first step of data analysis, based on factor analysis methodology, allows to reduce and clarify the practices applied by companies to increase the flexibility of the innovation process. The second step allows, using one‐way ANOVA, to understand which practices for managing innovation processes are used in significantly different ways by high‐ and low‐performing companies in the sample.

Findings

The first result is that, in their development processes, NTBFs pay major attention to: management of technology; management of the NPD process; and management of competencies. A second relevant result is that high‐performing NTBFs, despite their peculiar characteristics, do apply the majority of the best practices identified in literature for technology‐based companies.

Originality/value

Even though NTBFs have been studied for some time now, seldom have these studies focused on their innovation management processes. This paper does it by going in the detail of the organizational and process variables that can increase the flexibility of this process.

Details

European Journal of Innovation Management, vol. 13 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1460-1060

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 22 July 2013

Stefano Brusoni and Andrea Prencipe

This chapter adopts a problem-solving perspective to analyze the competitive dynamics of innovation ecosystems. We argue that features such as uncertainty, complexity, and…

Abstract

This chapter adopts a problem-solving perspective to analyze the competitive dynamics of innovation ecosystems. We argue that features such as uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity, entail different knowledge requirements which explain the varying abilities of focal firms to coordinate the ecosystem and benefit from the activities of their suppliers, complementors, and users. We develop an analytical framework to interpret various instances of coupling patterns and identify four archetypical types of innovation ecosystems.

Details

Collaboration and Competition in Business Ecosystems
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78190-826-6

Keywords

Abstract

Details

Assembly Automation, vol. 30 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-5154

Article
Publication date: 18 April 2023

Wajiha Mohsin Shahzad, Siddenki Mahender Reddy, Ravindu Kahandawa and James Olabode Bamidele Rotimi

The ascendancy of modular offsite construction (MOSC) over traditional construction methods is well known. Despite the known potential of this construction approach, its adoption…

Abstract

Purpose

The ascendancy of modular offsite construction (MOSC) over traditional construction methods is well known. Despite the known potential of this construction approach, its adoption is minimal in New Zealand construction industry. This article investigates the potential benefits of using MOSC for delivery of high-rise buildings in New Zealand, underlying factors responsible for its low uptake and the measures that can facilitate its improved uptake.

Design/methodology/approach

This study utilised a mixed research approach. An empirical questionnaire survey was carried out with New Zealand construction industry professionals with expertise in MOSC. Factor analysis of survey data was carried out using SPSS software. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with subject matter experts to get further insights and expand the survey findings. Interview data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Findings

Study identified benefits of MOSC, thus establishing potential of its uptake for high-rise building construction. Constraining factors were investigated, most pronounced being low level of skills in construction industry to design, manufacture and integrate supply chain of MOSC, high initial investment, high cost of importing modules and negative perception about offsite manufactured buildings. This study also highlighted the enablers to improve uptake of MOSC. These enablers included; loan and mortgage policies to suit MOSC paradigm, building regulations to support OSC industry, increased support from the government and awareness and acceptance of standardised building designs among the clients.

Originality/value

Originality of this paper harps from little to no research carried out to investigate use of MOSC for high-rise buildings in New Zealand context.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 3 December 2018

Lynne Kiesling

The platform economy reflects the business model of some of the largest and fastest-growing firms in the economy. Platform business models emerge and thrive because of the…

Abstract

The platform economy reflects the business model of some of the largest and fastest-growing firms in the economy. Platform business models emerge and thrive because of the potential profit in taking advantage of transactions cost reductions to connect people for mutual benefit, and this value creation is best understood by thinking about the epistemology of decentralized market processes. Three essential aspects of knowledge are relevant to platform business models: (1) knowledge can be private and diffuse; (2) knowledge can be contextual; and (3) knowledge may not exist outside of the economic process. After defining and analyzing the technology, economic, and institutional aspects of platforms the author defines and applies market epistemology to explore how platforms harness technological and organizational features to create value-enhancing market platforms by exploiting the epistemic benefits of technology-enabled decentralized market processes. The author concludes by using this epistemic framework to propose an electricity distribution platform business model – the retail electricity industry is undergoing a process of technological dynamism, and as a regulated infrastructure industry, evolving into a decentralized market industry is presenting challenges to which this epistemic framework can bring increased understanding.

Article
Publication date: 11 September 2017

Bradley Fidler

The purpose of this paper is to understand the emerging challenges of cybersecurity governance by analyzing the internet’s early history.

1605

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the emerging challenges of cybersecurity governance by analyzing the internet’s early history.

Design/methodology/approach

Tracing the design and management of early internet and network security technologies in the USA in the 1970s and 1980s.

Findings

The US Department of Defense separated the research and management regimes for networks and network security, with the latter restricted to military networks. As such, the absence of cybersecurity technologies on the early internet was not an oversight, but a necessary compromise. This ordering of networks and security had enduring technological, political and even cultural consequences, which are breaking down today.

Social implications

Political, technological and metaphoric distinctions between networks and security should be challenged; cybersecurity will transform internet governance.

Originality/value

New historical sources and analysis provide a novel perspective on contemporary challenges of cybersecurity governance.

Details

Digital Policy, Regulation and Governance, vol. 19 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2398-5038

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 December 2021

Md. Obidul Haque, Jayedi Aman and Fahim Mohammad

This paper addresses housing problems of coastal areas in Bangladesh and investigates container-modular-housing (CMH) as a potential sustainable solution that establishes a…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper addresses housing problems of coastal areas in Bangladesh and investigates container-modular-housing (CMH) as a potential sustainable solution that establishes a resilient community.

Design/methodology/approach

Primary data highlight the underlying challenges of coastal-housing developed by monitoring the day-to-day operations of the community and conducting interviews with community members. Secondary data came from existing literature on coastal-housing rules and regulations, CMH and similar ideas. The study used a hypothetical CMH cluster design, with three primary objectives in mind: future settlement re-arrangement, economic sustainability and environmental sustainability. To achieve the objectives, the research used a comparative examination of the current constructed form and CMH, as well as a computer-aided simulation approach.

Findings

Primary findings encompass issues of a given coastal area, including surrounding site studies, sustainability and resiliency demands due to broad exposure to the natural calamities. Driving toward a “CMH” based home design has the ability to create strategies for a resilient and sustainable community development while taking three primary objectives into account.

Research limitations/implications

A pilot project is needed to analyze the socio-cultural impact and overall construction feasibility.

Practical implications

This research could be implemented to transform an informal construction system into a technical, resilient, sustainable architectural and engineering solution to build resilient communities.

Originality/value

Numerous research projects have focused on the environmental sustainability of CMH. However, this study focuses on construction sustainability considering three major aspects which are yet to be addressed.

Details

Built Environment Project and Asset Management, vol. 12 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2044-124X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 February 2024

Alexander Chulok, Maxim Kotsemir, Yadviga Radomirova and Sergey Shashnov

The purpose of this study is to create a methodological approach for identifying priority areas for science and technology (S&T) development and its empirical application within…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to create a methodological approach for identifying priority areas for science and technology (S&T) development and its empirical application within the city of Moscow. This research uncovers a wide range of multicultural and multidisciplinary global trends that will affect the development of major cities in an era of complexity and uncertainty, including the inherent complexity of urban contexts, demographic and socioeconomic trends, as well as scientific and ecological factors.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodological approach is based on classic foresight instruments. Its novelty lays in the blending of qualitative and quantitative methods specially selected as the most appropriate for the identification of S&T areas in an era of complexity and uncertainty, including horizon scanning, bibliometric analysis, expert surveys and the construction of composite indexes with respect to the scope and resources of the research and the selected object for empirical application – Moscow, which is one of the world’s largest megacities. The analysis was performed for the period of 2009–2018 and expert procedures took place in 2019.

Findings

As a result, 25 global trends were identified, evaluated and discussed over the course of an expert survey and subsequent expert events. Ten priority areas of S&T development were determined, including 62 technological sub-areas within them and the most important market niches for all identified technological sub-areas, which could be useful for the world’s megacities. The results of this study are illustrated using the construction sector. Based on the conducted research and results, a list of recommendations on S&T policy measures and instruments were suggested, including the creation of the Moscow Innovation Cluster, which by the end of 2023 contained more than 6,000 projects and initiatives, selected using the findings of this investigation.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the existing literature and research agenda of setting priorities for S&T development and shows how it can be done for a megacity. The blended foresight methodology that was created within the study satisfies the criteria of scientific originality, is repeatable for any interested researcher, is applicable to any other city in the world and demonstrates its high efficiency in empirical application. It could be used for creating new agenda items in S&T policy, setting S&T priorities for a megacity and integrating the results into decision-making processes. This study provides recommendations on the further implementation of the designed methodology and results into a policymaking system. Moreover, the example of the Moscow Innovation Cluster, which was created based on the results of our research, demonstrates these recommendations’ practical significance in real life, which is quite valuable. The limitation of this study is that it is not devoted to urban planning issues directly or the promotion of R&D areas; it is about setting promising S&T priorities in an era of complexity and uncertainty for megacities.

Article
Publication date: 20 June 2024

Layin Wang, Rongfang Huang and Xiaoyu Li

China is a large country with different regions due to regional differences and project characteristics, and the selection of prefabricated building technology according to local…

Abstract

Purpose

China is a large country with different regions due to regional differences and project characteristics, and the selection of prefabricated building technology according to local conditions is the key to its sustainable development in China. The purpose of this paper is to develop the suitability evaluation system of prefabricated building technology from the perspective of the suitability concept and to analyze the selection path of prefabricated building technology and to provide a reference for selecting and developing prefabricated building technology schemes that meet regional endowments.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on relevant literature, technical specifications, and standards, this paper constructs an index system for analyzing the technical suitability of prefabricated buildings. It includes 23 indicators, 7 dimensions, and 3 aspects through the semantic clustering method. Following this, the comprehensive weight of each index is determined using the order relation method (G1) and the continuous ordered weighted averaging (COWA). The selection of technical schemes is comprehensively evaluated using Visekriterjumska Optimizacija Ikompromisno Resenje (VIKOR) and Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation Method.

Findings

 (1) The technical suitability of prefabricated buildings is influenced by 7 core factors, such as adaptability of resources and environment, project planning and design level, and economic benefit; (2) When selecting the appropriate technology for prefabricated buildings, economic suitability should be considered first, followed by regional suitability, and then technical characteristic; (3) The prefabricated building technology suitability evaluation model constructed in this paper has high feasibility in the technical suitability selection of the example project.

Research limitations/implications

The comprehensive evaluation model of prefabricated building technology suitability constructed in this paper provides technical selection support for the promotion and development of prefabricated buildings in different regions. In addition, the model can also be widely used in areas related to prefabricated building consulting and decision-making, and provides theoretical support for subsequent research.

Practical implications

This study provides a new decision support tool for prefabricated building technology suitability selection, which helps decision makers to make more rational technology choices.

Social implications

This study has a positive impact on the advancement of prefabricated building technology, the improvement of construction industry standards, and the promotion of sustainable development.

Originality/value

The contribution of this study is twofold: (1) Theoretically, this paper provides technical evaluation indicators and guidelines for provincial and regional governments to cultivate model cities, plan industrial bases, etc. (2) In practice, it offers project-level appropriate technology system solutions for the technology application of assemblers in various regions.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

1 – 10 of over 9000