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Article
Publication date: 18 March 2024

Aqueeb Sohail Shaik, Monika Jain, Aparna Mendiratta, Ghadah Alarifi and Elisa Arrigo

The purpose of this study is to investigate the significance and impact of strategic knowledge management (SKM) practices and organisational change capacity (OCC) in improving…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the significance and impact of strategic knowledge management (SKM) practices and organisational change capacity (OCC) in improving strategic thinking and strategic orientation in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and their contribution in overall improvement of entrepreneurial performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Quantitative research methodology using partial least square structural equation modelling with data of 296 sample from the target group as managers and owners from various SMEs in the UK has been used in the study.

Findings

The findings suggest that SMEs that invest in SKM and OCC are more proficient at adjusting to fluctuations in the business landscape and develop effective strategies that lead to improved entrepreneurial performance. The study provides evidence that SKM encompasses more than just the acquisition and use of information. It also involves the establishment of a learning and innovation culture that facilitates strategic thinking and direction. Similarly, OCC is not just about implementing change but also about developing the agility and flexibility to adapt to market changes, consumer demands and technology.

Practical implications

According to the research, SMEs may boost their entrepreneurial performance and keep a competitive advantage in the modern, dynamic business environment by investing in SKM and OCC. The capacity of SMEs to implement SKM and organisational change should be encouraged and supported by policymakers and practitioners, who should also offer the necessary tools and assistance to do so.

Originality/value

This study offers a valuable addition to the previously published works on SKM and OCC within SMEs. It offers empirical data that highlights the significance of SKM and OCC in fostering strategic thinking, strategic orientation and ultimately, boosting entrepreneurial performance. The study also highlights the challenges faced by SMEs in implementing SKM and OCC and provides recommendations for overcoming these challenges.

Article
Publication date: 31 January 2022

Winfred Yaokumah, Boasiako B. Omane-Antwi and Kwame Okwabi Asante-Offei

Strategic information systems planning (SISP) has been identified as a key strategy underpinning an effective utilization of information systems (IS) to achieve the core…

Abstract

Purpose

Strategic information systems planning (SISP) has been identified as a key strategy underpinning an effective utilization of information systems (IS) to achieve the core objectives of an organization. This study aims at identifying, ranking and prioritizing factors that IS and business executives consider critical for the success of IS projects.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted a qualitative research approach with a 3-round Delphi process to get experts' opinions on critical success factors (CSFs) necessary for successful SISP. A forty-two panel of experts was selected using defined criteria. Quantitative analyses of the data were performed using Kendall's coefficient of concordance and chi-square to obtain a consensus among the experts.

Findings

The findings revealed the top managers' understanding of strategic priorities, aligning IS strategies with the organizational strategic plan and availability of internal resources to deliver IS services as the first three key CSFs of SISP. Other highly ranked CSFs were the management's understanding of the role of IS and the need to educate top management on the importance of IT in supporting the business strategy.

Originality/value

The CSFs factors obtained in this study would lay a foundation for future research and could be incorporated into a new theoretical model of IS planning.

Book part
Publication date: 27 July 2023

Oswald A. J. Mascarenhas, Munish Thakur and Payal Kumar

All of us are born critical thinkers; some perfect this talent; others ignore it as useful in daily life. This chapter follows those who perfected this talent in order to learn…

Abstract

Executive Summary

All of us are born critical thinkers; some perfect this talent; others ignore it as useful in daily life. This chapter follows those who perfected this talent in order to learn from them the art and models of critical thinking in terms of its optimal inputs, processes, and outputs. According to great critical thinkers in business management, critical thinking questions – or should question – the obsessive generalizations, constraints, and “best” practices of the prevailing system of management, and try to replace them with more valid assumptions and more meaningful generalizations that uphold the dignity, uniqueness, and inalienable rights of the individual person and the community. After setting out some cases illustrating the lack of critical thinking, in Part I of this chapter, we introduce some representative management thinkers on critical thinking, and in Part II, we introduce eight models or practical approaches for critical thinking.

Details

A Primer on Critical Thinking and Business Ethics
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83753-308-4

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 28 July 2023

Félicia Saïah, Diego Vega and Gyöngyi Kovács

This study focuses to develop a common humanitarian supply chain process model (HSCPM) that enables effective enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems for NGOs, and the study…

Abstract

Purpose

This study focuses to develop a common humanitarian supply chain process model (HSCPM) that enables effective enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems for NGOs, and the study also investigates the role of modularity as a dynamic capability that supports creating such model.

Design/methodology/approach

A multifocus group study was performed as part of a larger project, the Frontline Humanitarian Logistics Initiative, aiming to establish a common data model that would serve as the backbone of humanitarian ERP systems. Fourteen international humanitarian organizations (IHOs) participated in the process, reaching a consensus on the structure of the process model.

Findings

An HSCPM was proposed based on the consensus reached across IHOs. Four degrees of customization differentiating between “generic,” “tailored,” “specific,” and “unique” processes are presented and discussed.

Research limitations/implications

The findings show modularity applied to process as a mean to create dynamic efficiencies and position the modular process model within the dynamic capabilities framework, supporting supply chain responsiveness and expanding the literature on supply chain management (SCM), dynamic capabilities, and humanitarian logistics.

Practical implications

This research proposes a consensus-based data model, facilitating the advancement of ERP systems in the humanitarian context and lays a foundation for interoperability among ERP systems across diverse IHOs.

Originality/value

First attempt to elucidate the specific characteristics and unique processes defining an HSCPM, this study reached an unprecedented consensus for the humanitarian sector, setting the base toward an industry standard.

Details

International Journal of Operations & Production Management, vol. 43 no. 13
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-3577

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 April 2022

Longjun Liu, Qing Fan, Ruhong Liu, Guiqing Zhang, Wenhai Wan and Jing Long

This study aims to explore whether digital platform capabilities (integration and reconstruction) affect technological innovation through knowledge bases in the dimensions of…

1308

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to explore whether digital platform capabilities (integration and reconstruction) affect technological innovation through knowledge bases in the dimensions of breadth and depth and the moderating role of organisational routines updating.

Design/methodology/approach

Hierarchical regression, mediation effect test macro and bootstrap were conducted to empirically analyse two waves of longitudinal survey data from 179 Chinese technology firms.

Findings

Results confirmed that knowledge bases (breadth and depth) mediated the effect of digital platform capabilities (integration and reconstruction) on technological innovation and that updating of organisational routines moderated the relationship between knowledge bases and technological innovation.

Practical implications

These findings offer guidance to firms that aim to achieve technological innovation and advantages, highlighting the importance of digital platform capabilities, knowledge bases and organisational routines updating.

Originality/value

Advancing from existing digital strategies and firm innovation literature, the authors provide a new perspective (knowledge bases) to respond to the information technology (IT) paradox and understand the role of digital platform capabilities in improving technological innovation.

Details

European Journal of Innovation Management, vol. 26 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1460-1060

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 March 2024

Lucas Melchiori Pereira and Sheila Walbe Ornstein

Properly allocating an organization's activities within a building is vital to reducing the relational complexity arising from process–environment interactions. Multiple…

Abstract

Purpose

Properly allocating an organization's activities within a building is vital to reducing the relational complexity arising from process–environment interactions. Multiple relationships are mapped, and certain interferences are only identified after these have been processed. The method/software employed for this task is Mapping Activity Environment Allocation (MAEA). However, data input and interpretation of results depend on the usability conditions of the organization's agents. This paper presents MAEA's usability test results.

Design/methodology/approach

Test sessions and interviews were carried out with seven agents registered at a University Hospital. Participants were instructed to think aloud during its use, and immediately afterward, responded to semi-structured interviews. Test sessions were audio recorded and screen captured.

Findings

Participants found the software easy to use and pointed out valuable implications for professional and academic use. In addition to relationship, priority and parallelism data, customized visualizations were created, including organizational charts, flowcharts and activity flow routes on the floor plan.

Practical implications

MAEA's simplicity allows non-designers to conduct evidence-based assessments and decisions. It allows designers to test their proposals during the programming and outline proposal stages.

Social implications

A more detailed definition of design requirements from the beginning increases the conditions to successfully achieve project goals.

Originality/value

The ability to map the allocation of activity-spaces in the pre-design phase of building architecture allows for early identification of interactions, aiding in the development of more robust project requirements during programming.

Details

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

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 November 2022

Rikki Abzug

The purpose of this paper is to explore structural drivers and barriers that distinguish US business school Principles of Responsible Management Education (PRME) signatories from…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore structural drivers and barriers that distinguish US business school Principles of Responsible Management Education (PRME) signatories from nonsignatory peer institutions, and identify structural drivers of PRME institution strategic integration of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into their ongoing responsible management education reports.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a case–control method to compare the US PRME signatory sample to a size-matched random sample of US business management programs/schools. This study uses conditional inference tree and correlation analyses to highlight distinctive structural characteristics associated with US PRME signatories and with their strategies to highlight sustainability through the SDGs.

Findings

There are significant and practically meaningful structural differences between US-based PRME signatories and US programs/schools that have not adopted the PRME principles. Further, PRME schools differentially integrate SDGs in their information sharing based on structural characteristics.

Practical implications

Understanding school/program characteristics that align with PRME and different sustainability strategies affords a better comprehension of where targeted resources might be most effective in broadening the appeal and adoption of PRME and subsequent sustainability strategy integration.

Originality/value

While previous work on PRME signatories has depended heavily on case studies of successful implementation and has examined the content of PRME activity by school, the present work compares the population of actual US signatories with a random sample of nonsignatories to determine leverage points for enacting broader PRME adoption. The study also examines the strategies that PRME schools use to integrate the UN SDGs and the structures that support such.

Details

International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, vol. 24 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1467-6370

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 August 2023

Osman Mohamed Ali Osman and Zhaoquan Jian

Customer firms and suppliers are valuable knowledge resources that can be used for achieving superior new service development (NSD) performance. This study aims to investigate how…

Abstract

Purpose

Customer firms and suppliers are valuable knowledge resources that can be used for achieving superior new service development (NSD) performance. This study aims to investigate how supply chain relationship quality (SCRQ) and knowledge sharing promote the success of NSD, and examines service modularity as an important contingency factor that enhances NSD performance in supply chains.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on service-dominant logic, this study builds a conceptual model to empirically explore the impacts of SCRQ and knowledge sharing on NSD performance, and highlights the moderating effect of service modularity by means of survey methodology of 295 Chinese service firms to test the research hypotheses.

Findings

Regression analysis results show that SCRQ has significant positive effects on knowledge sharing and NSD performance; knowledge sharing plays a partial intermediary role between SCRQ and NSD performance; and service modularity partially moderates the relationships between SCRQ, knowledge sharing and NSD performance.

Research limitations/implications

Generalizations here are limited to Chinese service firms. Service modularity in manufacturing firms experimenting with servitization has yet to be examined and provides a good avenue for future research.

Originality/value

This study contributes to service management literature by providing empirical understanding of how service modularity affects NSD performance in multiprovider contexts. Furthermore, this study offers novel insights on the impacts of inter-firm relationship quality and knowledge sharing in modular collaborative innovation.

Details

Journal of Business & Industrial Marketing, vol. 38 no. 12
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0885-8624

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 5 April 2023

Lucia Pizzichini, Valerio Temperini, Federica Caboni and Armando Papa

This paper aims to contribute to overcoming the gap existing in the supply chain literature related to digital servitization by bridging digital servitization with knowledge…

3921

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to contribute to overcoming the gap existing in the supply chain literature related to digital servitization by bridging digital servitization with knowledge management and identifying the rise of digital knowledge servitization as a driver for changes in the supply chain business model towards open innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

The study follows an inductive grounded theory approach for theory building. To analyse the impact of digital knowledge servitization, in-depth interviews of managers in the main business units of the Volvo Group supply chain ecosystem were carried out.

Findings

The results show how the digital servitization process affects the supply chain business model, highlighting the central role of knowledge in the service ecosystem and the rise of the theoretical concept of digital knowledge servitization. In particular, through the Innovation Lab (Volvo Group) study, the paper contributes to bringing together the theoretical knowledge-based view of servitization with the digital servitization concept, which demonstrates the role of this combined perspective in the transformation of the supply chain; this is carried out by introducing a new business model based on open innovation in inbound and outbound processes.

Practical implications

The research offers interesting insights from a managerial perspective, as increasingly advanced and complex digital solutions require shorter times in supply chain management (SCM). Companies need to be able to quickly manage information and knowledge flows deriving from internal and external interactions and involvement with external actors upstream and downstream of the supply chain ecosystem. Therefore, the digital knowledge servitization of the supply chain also highlights implications for managers in terms of human resources management.

Originality/value

The novel research goal is to contribute to the supply chain literature by integrating the digital servitization with the knowledge view and analysing the impact on the inbound and outbound supply chain through the introduction of an open innovation business model.

Details

International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, vol. 53 no. 5/6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0960-0035

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 May 2023

Arindam Mondal and Amit Baran Chakrabarti

Information and communication technologies (ICT) are indispensable tools for Knowledge Management (KM) practices in today’s knowledge-intensive and globally interconnected…

Abstract

Purpose

Information and communication technologies (ICT) are indispensable tools for Knowledge Management (KM) practices in today’s knowledge-intensive and globally interconnected marketplace. This paper seeks to investigate the impact of family ownership on ICT investments in an emerging economy (EE) context.

Design/methodology/approach

This empirical paper uses data from 300 large Indian listed firms with 2,650 observations in the period 2008–2017, to test its hypothesis.

Findings

The results indicate that family firms are not favourably inclined towards ICT investments for formalizing their KM practices. However, under certain contexts, such as higher foreign institutional ownership or business group affiliation, they are more willing to invest in ICT resources.

Practical implications

This study establishes a nuanced understanding of how family firms approach ICT investments and KM practices. This research can help family owners/managers to commit sufficient resources on ICT projects.

Originality/value

Literature on KM has largely emanated from developed countries. This is one of the first papers from an EE context that studies the impact of family ownership on ICT investments and subsequent KM practices. In this way, this paper offers specific insights into the context of Indian family firms and offers some interesting findings that can contribute to the literature, policy and practice.

Details

South Asian Journal of Business Studies, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2398-628X

Keywords

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