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11 – 20 of over 4000
Article
Publication date: 31 July 2007

Camille Venezia and Verna Allee

To better understand mobile work and the lives of mobile workers from the employee perspective and to identify aspects of mobile work that are working well or could be improved.

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Abstract

Purpose

To better understand mobile work and the lives of mobile workers from the employee perspective and to identify aspects of mobile work that are working well or could be improved.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey of 557 respondents involved in mobile work, including managers and workers. Questions focused on how mobile workers identify roles and communicate socially/professionally; how they use space, technology, and collaborative tools; and how they feel about mobile working.

Findings

Identifies the workplace needs of mobile workers. Gaps in mobile workers' stated activities and work patterns are revealed in relation to current thinking about workspace utilisation. Considerable employee disenchantment suggests that office design is not supporting the new roles mobile workers are asked to fulfill.

Research limitations/implications

This report summarises the findings of the first phase of a multi‐year research study which included 557 mobile worker respondents representing 84 world‐wide organisations.

Practical implications

Demonstrates the need to reconfigure physical infrastructure to support the rapid changes in business practices, such as mobile, flexible, and collaborative work. Results are useful to managers under pressure to make better use of existing resources, free up space, or grow without adding space.

Originality/value

The first multi‐year study of global mobile workers. Research has rarely examined the roles mobile workers play, the professional interactions they need to conduct, and differences in their output. Recent applications of network analysis in organisational settings have revealed that different roles can have very different needs for support of mobile work. Providing the necessary infrastructure by evaluating mobile worker roles creates new business opportunities and transforms the provision of space and services.

Details

Journal of Corporate Real Estate, vol. 9 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-001X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 April 2004

Tomi Hussi

Intellectual capital, intangible assets and knowledge creation are all concepts that are strongly linked to the phenomenon of knowledge management. Yet they have only been…

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Abstract

Intellectual capital, intangible assets and knowledge creation are all concepts that are strongly linked to the phenomenon of knowledge management. Yet they have only been parallel to each other. This controversy between different approaches has also resulted in vague definitions of knowledge management. This paper will critically discuss the definitions of these concepts. The analysis shows that different concepts actually focus on different angles of the topic. Based on this, a model will be built that ties all of them into a unitary entity. At the same time, this model gives a reconfigured definition of the concept of knowledge management.

Details

Journal of Knowledge Management, vol. 8 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1367-3270

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 June 2020

Columba Lisset Flores Torres, Luis Alberto Olvera-Vargas, Julia Sánchez Gómez and David Israel Contreras-Medina

Following the recommendation of the food and agriculture organization of the United Nations in agricultural innovation, for taking advantage of emerging technologies, in benefit…

Abstract

Purpose

Following the recommendation of the food and agriculture organization of the United Nations in agricultural innovation, for taking advantage of emerging technologies, in benefit of small-farmers, the present study explores one of the most ancient crops in the world that privileging the application of tacit knowledge, to become a succulent plant called agave, into the so-called drink of the gods, the mezcal. For this, the purpose of this study is to discover innovation opportunities and reconfiguring knowledge interaction dynamics of the agricultural artisan production of agave-mezcal from Oaxaca, Mexico, using emerging technologies

Design/methodology/approach

Following a qualitative-quantitative approach, the study was carried out with 44 mezcal producers from Oaxaca, Mexico, through face-to-face session, questionaries’ application and field visits, based on the model of socialization, externalization, combination and internalization (SECI) through Likert-scale questions, combining the non-parametric statistical analysis and digital compass, for the detection of technological opportunities

Findings

Basing on artisanal process, context-knowledge place, technological resources and SECIs model results, the opportunities must go in the route of labour in the logic of digital performance. In this sense, becomes relevant to develop an easy-use mobile application for improving the interaction of mezcaleros with external agents and another’s producers., A second proposal is the creation of mezcal-tech-hub, thinking as collaborative space, for promoting the interaction producer-to-producer and producer-to-external agent.

Originality/value

The value of the present study is the empirical description of knowledge dynamics interaction contained in the agricultural artisan production of agave-mezcal through SECI model; the identification of problems, failure or barriers contained in the knowledge interaction dynamics of the agricultural artisan production agave-mezcal; the proposal of innovation opportunities for reconfiguring the knowledge interaction dynamics of the agricultural artisan production agave-mezcal from a developing economy, using emerging technologies.

Details

Journal of Knowledge Management, vol. 25 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1367-3270

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 10 December 2018

Anete Mikkala Camille Strand, Jakob Aagaard Mortensen and Jens Larsen

The chapter elaborates on how to deal with one of the major challenges facing organizations worldwide: stress. The Break enacts a quantum approach to meet the challenges by…

Abstract

The chapter elaborates on how to deal with one of the major challenges facing organizations worldwide: stress. The Break enacts a quantum approach to meet the challenges by proposing a combination of three different quantum storytelling technologies – protreptic mentoring, walking, and material storytelling – to enact fruitful breakings of patterns unbecoming. The claim being that the hamster wheel of work–life anno 2016 needs reconfiguration, and the simple yet fruitful manner by which this is done is through acknowledging the benefits of bodies, spaces, and artifacts –as well as the benefits of actually taking a break, discontinuing for a moment in order to continue being better, wiser, and more at ease. This concerns breaks taken as part of the daily routines, as well as outside these routines, in the majesty of nature with time to explore and redirect the course of life in companionships with fellow man as both co-provider of and witness to your elaborations. It is really that simple. The chapter concludes toward a set of dogmas for future reference in addressing these challenges in this manner.

Details

The Emerald Handbook of Quantum Storytelling Consulting
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78635-671-0

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 16 November 2023

Violina P. Rindova and Antoaneta P. Petkova

Strategy scholars have theorized that a firm's strategic leaders play an important role in firm dynamic capabilities (DCs). However, little research to date has studied how…

Abstract

Strategy scholars have theorized that a firm's strategic leaders play an important role in firm dynamic capabilities (DCs). However, little research to date has studied how leaders shape the development of DCs. This inductive theory-building study sheds new light on the multilevel architecture of DCs by uncovering that the three core DCs – sensing, seizing, and reconfiguring – operate through distinct individual, group, and organizational processes. Further, the role of strategic leadership is critical as organizational processes create DCs only when they are purposefully designed by firms' strategic leaders to enable change and opportunity pursuit. Whether strategic leaders design processes for change and opportunity pursuit, in turn, reflects the extent to which they view change as positive and desirable. Our insights about the role of strategic leaders' positive attitude toward change as an important aspect of firm DCs uncover new interconnections between strategic leadership, organizational design, and the micro-foundations of DCs. Collectively our findings about the role of positive attitude toward change, the purposeful design of processes for change, and the varying manifestations of these processes at different levels of analysis reveal the coupling of strategic and organizational processes in enabling strategic dynamism and change.

Article
Publication date: 3 August 2012

Wenping Wang, Xinhuan Huang and Jie Xie

The paper attempts to analyze the network structure of value activity in manufacturing clusters, propose the model of value creation of cluster's value activity network, and…

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Abstract

Purpose

The paper attempts to analyze the network structure of value activity in manufacturing clusters, propose the model of value creation of cluster's value activity network, and explore the inner mechanism and optimization strategies of value creation in manufacturing clusters from the perspective of cluster's value activity network.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper applies a genetic algorithm to optimally search in the target space, and repeatedly exerts genetic operation (select, cross, variation) on the population to explore the optimal configuration strategy between value creation activity and resource utilization. It also analyzes the relation between object function of value creation and relative parameters.

Findings

The total value created by value activity network was impacted by the degree of effective configuration between all kinds of resources and value activities; the total value created by value activity network is positively related to activity units' elasticity coefficient of value creation of human resource, material resources and relations resource, and is negatively correlated to cost coefficient of human resource, material resources and relations resource; when the cooperative relations between activity units create positive relationship profit, the total value created by value activity network increases with the increase of cooperative relations between activity units.

Practical implications

Enterprises in clusters should reasonably configure and incorporate the resource among value activities through adding, deleting or reconfiguring activities, which makes the value activities network create maximum value; enterprises can transform the type of activity units to increase elasticity coefficient of value creation of human resources, such as transforming production activities into the high value‐added activities; enterprises can optimally incorporate the technical, material resources and human resources among activities to increase value creation elastic coefficient of material resources; enterprises can decrease cost coefficient by maintaining the stability of long‐term cooperation with the suppliers and strengthening the cultivation of talents; enterprises can increase profits from relation resource or reduce cost coefficient of relationship by updating activities, building trust mechanism and communication mechanisms and establishing long‐term cooperation relationship to improve value creation activities.

Originality/value

This paper proposes the model of value creation from the perspective of cluster's value activity network, and applies a genetic algorithm to explore the optimal configuration strategies between value creation activity and resource utilization.

Article
Publication date: 24 April 2009

Angus Laing, Terry Newholm and Gill Hogg

The internet driven information revolution is frequently cited as one of the key drivers (re‐)shaping contemporary consumption. In particular, the internet has been seen as…

Abstract

Purpose

The internet driven information revolution is frequently cited as one of the key drivers (re‐)shaping contemporary consumption. In particular, the internet has been seen as disrupting established conventions in professional services. Popularly, it has been viewed as a liberating medium, a mechanism by which consumers and citizens have been able to challenge the authority of the professional establishment. Yet for consumers, the internet can equally be viewed as generating new uncertainties and challenges in terms of negotiating a new settlement with professionals and reconfiguring the service encounter. The purpose of this paper is to explore experiences of consumers with the use of internet derived information in respect of complex professional services and the impact of such information utilisation on the format of the service encounter.

Design/methodology/approach

Empirical data is generated through interviews with professionals (n=24) and consumer focus groups (n=10/53).

Findings

The paper argues that the multi‐faceted nature of the internet creates informational “spaces” which present both opportunities and threats to consumers in renegotiating the service encounter. Balancing the paradoxes created by these informational spaces is at the core of the challenge confronting contemporary service consumers. Irrespective of the nature of that space, the effect is to create a driver for change, challenging the established practices of both consumer and professional to reshape the service encounter.

Research limitations/implications

Focus group research does not enable a judgement about the prevalence or distribution of behaviours among consumers. Nevertheless, this paper advances understanding of contemporary consumption practices and provides a new perspective on nature of consumer utilisation of information within the consumption process.

Practical implications

It is inevitable that professionals and service organisations will be required to respond to a complex and rapidly evolving set of consumer behaviours and rethink approaches to the delivery of professional services.

Originality/value

The paper addresses an emergent phenomenon and provides unique insights into the changing dynamics of consumption practices in the contemporary knowledge economy.

Details

Journal of Service Management, vol. 20 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1757-5818

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 April 2004

Jane E. Mather

As real estate departments and workplace organisations devote more attention to strategic planning, most of the work has focused on improving performance metrics and developing…

Abstract

As real estate departments and workplace organisations devote more attention to strategic planning, most of the work has focused on improving performance metrics and developing dashboards to communicate this information clearly and concisely. Yet these steps will take these organisations only part of the way. Once they have this information, they need to devote more time to developing strategies and plans. This review examines one of these activities ‐ developing high‐level occupancy plans. Representatives of the strategy and planning groups at ten leading corporations and the occupancy planning experts at seven service providers and system developers were interviewed for this survey. It was found that most firms continue to complete high‐level occupancy plans with tedious and time‐consuming data‐collection processes and spreadsheet analyses. These organisations could improve efficiency and the success of their plans in two ways: better analysis approaches and better data collection and organisation. This review summarises the best practices identified in these areas.

Details

Journal of Corporate Real Estate, vol. 6 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-001X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 August 2011

Somaly Kim Wu and Donna Lanclos

The purpose of this paper is to describe the process and work undertaken by the library anthropologist and the Usability Task Force (UTF) for reconfiguring the library's physical…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the process and work undertaken by the library anthropologist and the Usability Task Force (UTF) for reconfiguring the library's physical and virtual spaces to meet the educational needs and expectations of users, including students, faculty, and community patrons.

Design/methodology/approach

Through formal usability studies and ethnographic research, the paper describes the process and work undertaken by the library anthropologist and the UTF.

Findings

Through surveys, focus groups observation data were obtained about the current study and web habits of undergraduates and faculty.

Originality/value

This paper presents an ethnographic approach to policy development and implementation to re‐orient the physical and virtual library environments at a large research library. Libraries and library administrators will find value in the policies established and processes outlined for the development of user‐centered learning spaces.

Details

Reference Services Review, vol. 39 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0090-7324

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 August 2019

Antonio di Campli

This essay looks at how various forms of residential tourism or lifestyle migration, produced by people arriving from the cities and territories of the so-called Global North…

Abstract

Purpose

This essay looks at how various forms of residential tourism or lifestyle migration, produced by people arriving from the cities and territories of the so-called Global North, have triggered complex processes of social-spatial modification in the landscapes and rural environments of Vilcabamba, Ecuador, a small Andean village of approximately 5,000 inhabitants in the southern part of the canton of Loja. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

Residential tourism in rural areas is a phenomenon that can be investigated by combining socio-economic studies with spatial analyses to define the specific characteristics of territories and environments affected by this phenomenon. In the case of Vilcabamba, the relationships and conflicts between imaginations, spaces, ecologies and desires have taken the form of a complex “implicit project”, a “palimpsest-project” intended as a set of territorial descriptions, interpretations and transformation actions triggered by a plot featuring migrant tourists, activists, eco-institutions, schools, artisans, intellectuals and artists. Though weakly connected to one another, these subjects nonetheless produce substantially coherent actions.

Findings

Two main hypotheses are given as: the first is that in particular rural contexts, such as the Andean area around Vilcabamba, dwelling practices and economies related to residential tourism have triggered processes through which these areas have progressively become peripheries to distant metropolitan territories and are reconfigured as sets of specialised places. The second hypothesis is that Vilcabamba and its rural surroundings can be viewed as a particular “contact zone” in which different types of residential tourists and local dwellers interact, together with different economies of tourism. In this case the reference is, on the one hand, to the logics and discourses of the so-called extractive tourism, a concept that describes the processes of “extracting” and converting local cultural characteristics, and “indigenousness”. To support these hypotheses, the result is the construction of a spatial representation of the ways in which specific practices of residential tourism are territorialised, and how they modify the meaning and functioning of rural spaces.

Originality/value

What is new in the paper is the attempt to define a spatial representation of transnational spaces trying to highlight relationships between extractive tourism and remittance urbanism.

Details

Archnet-IJAR: International Journal of Architectural Research, vol. 13 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2631-6862

Keywords

11 – 20 of over 4000