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1 – 10 of 600Pierluigi Rippa, Giovanni Landi, Silvia Cosimato, Lorenzo Turriziani and Mohamed Gheith
Over the last decades, the importance of entrepreneurial education (EE) for the personal development of young generations has gained momentum among policymakers, practitioners and…
Abstract
Purpose
Over the last decades, the importance of entrepreneurial education (EE) for the personal development of young generations has gained momentum among policymakers, practitioners and scholars. This paper offers some insights into the way T-shaped PhD programs can trigger transdisciplinary abilities of STEM students, making them even more ready toward venturing activities.
Design/methodology/approach
To achieve the purpose of the study, the effectiveness of a new T-shaped doctoral model was explored, testing it on a sample of STEM PhD students at Polytechnic School of University of Naples Federico II, using a qualitative-quantitative approach.
Findings
The results prove the positive influence that the T-shaped PhD program has on students in terms of vertical skills and horizontal capabilities attainment for entrepreneurial readiness.
Practical implications
This study advances interesting managerial and policy implications for activating virtuous collaborations to better respond to the need of current socioeconomic scenarios through academic knowledge.
Originality/value
Despite the growing relevance of EE, research about its influence at PhD level and the effect of different pedagogical methods remains scarce and controversial. Thus, this research explores if EE can support PhD students in science and technology transdisciplinarity terms of innovation management.
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Yen-Chih Huang and Yang-Chieh Chin
The purpose of this study is to explore the pivotal role that collective teaching plays in knowledge transfer between new product development teams. This study develops a…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to explore the pivotal role that collective teaching plays in knowledge transfer between new product development teams. This study develops a theoretical model of collective teaching, where team intelligence is its consequence and learning orientation cognitive skills are moderators.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on a questionnaire survey of 156 pairs of new product development project teams of information technology firms, the authors used partial least squares to test the study’s hypotheses.
Findings
The findings reveal that the use of collective teaching is positively related to team intelligence of recipient teams. In addition, T-shaped skills of source teams exert positive moderating influence on this relationship and so does a learning orientation of recipient teams.
Research limitations/implications
First, the sample firms used in the study are from the IT industry, which is characterized by extremely short product life cycles, thereby limiting the generalizability of the study’s findings. Second, the authors did not examine whether the effect of T-shaped skills is different at various NPD stages; the contributions of each functional expertise may vary depending on the NPD stage (e.g. the idea generation or pre-launch stage). Third, the use of cross-sectional design precludes a causal inference. The role of focal constructs and moderators and their consequent effects would benefit from more stringent, longitudinal research. Finally, the authors controlled for only a limited set of factors of team intelligence because other potential antecedents of this variable still await identification by future studies.
Practical implications
This study suggests that the implementation of collective teaching can enhance the capacity of a project team as a whole to manage and innovate information, namely, team intelligence. The study’s findings also suggest that the management must recognize the significance of teams’ learning orientation and thereby proactively develop teams’ learning culture by redesigning work, reward systems or performance evaluation to promote learning. Additionally, it is prudent for managers to reconsider their recruitment criteria to incorporate T-shaped skills.
Originality/value
This study represents the first step in developing an empirically grounded framework linking collective teaching with team intelligence. Additionally, the authors confirm that team intelligence is a four-dimensional construct.
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Hamzah Elrehail, Raed Aljahmani, Abdallah Mohammad Taamneh, Abdallah Khalaf Alsaad, Manaf Al-Okaily and Okechukwu Lawrence Emeagwali
This study explored the relationship between employees' cognitive capabilities and firm performance by exploring the moderating role of decision-making style and the mediating…
Abstract
Purpose
This study explored the relationship between employees' cognitive capabilities and firm performance by exploring the moderating role of decision-making style and the mediating effect of knowledge creation. Understanding the role of cognitive capabilities in value creation is crucial for human resource management to achieve the anticipated organizational performance.
Design/methodology/approach
Structural equation modeling, cognitive skills theory, cognitive skills acquisition theory and a knowledge creation framework were applied.
Findings
The first finding suggests that only A-shaped skills predict higher knowledge creation, while T-shaped skills do not. Second, knowledge creation predicts higher financial performance and a lower level of financial uncertainty. Third, T-shaped skills have no indirect effect on financial performance or financial uncertainty. Fourth, A-shaped skills exerted significant indirect effects on financial performance and uncertainty. Fifth, the rational decision-making style did not moderate the link between knowledge creation and financial performance, as opposed to the intuitive decision-making style.
Originality/value
A review of existing research indicates a lack of studies examining the effect of cognitive skills on organizational outcomes and contingencies under which cognitive skills lead to superior outcomes. This study advances research on T-shaped and A-shaped skills and knowledge creation by empirically exploring their interrelationships with financial performance. Managerial implications and suggestions for future research are also highlighted.
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Liang Zhong, Feifei Li, Yuxin Peng, Qiang Yang, Mingming Zhang and Jian Wang
This paper aims to propose a type of T-shaped two-axis force sensor for measuring the forces in x- and z-axes. The developed sensor has a simple structure and can be effectively…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to propose a type of T-shaped two-axis force sensor for measuring the forces in x- and z-axes. The developed sensor has a simple structure and can be effectively assembled into compact devices.
Design/methodology/approach
A T-shaped plate, with both ends fixed on a base, is used as the substrate of the sensor. Eight strain gauges are placed in the root of the plate or near the sensor head, which can construct two full Wheatstone bridges on the upper and lower surfaces of the plate. When the x- or z-axes forces are applied to the sensor head, different deformation can be generated to the strain gauges. Therefore, the two Wheatstone bridges can be constructed with a different configuration for measuring the forces in x- or z-axes, respectively.
Findings
A prototype was designed and constructed and experiments were carried out to test the basic performance of the sensor. It has been verified that the developed sensor could measure the x- and z-axes forces independently with a high resolution of 2.5 and 5 mN, respectively.
Originality/value
Only one thin plate was used in the design, the forces in x- and z-axes could be measured independently and simultaneously, which made the sensor with a simple structure and compact size. Experiments were also verified that there was no crosstalk error occurred in one axis when the force was applied to the other axis.
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Lioua Kolsi, Fatih Selimefendigil and Mohamed Omri
The purpose of this study is to explore the phase change (PC) dynamics in a T-shaped ventilated cavity having multiple inlet and outlet ports during nanofluid convection with…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to explore the phase change (PC) dynamics in a T-shaped ventilated cavity having multiple inlet and outlet ports during nanofluid convection with phase change material (PCM) packed bed-installed system.
Design/Methodology/Approach
Finite element method was used to analyze the PC dynamics and phase completion time for encapsulated PCM within a vented cavity during the convection of nanoparticle loaded fluid. The study is performed for different Reynolds number of flow streams (Re1 and Re2 between 300 and 900), temperature difference (ΔT1 and ΔT2 between −5 and 10), aspect ratio of the cavity (between 0.5 and 1.5) and nanoparticle loading (between 0.02% and 0.1%).
Findings
It is observed that phase transition can be controlled by assigning different velocities and temperatures at the inlet ports of the T-shaped cavity. The PC becomes fast especially when the Re number and temperature of fluid in the port vary closer to the wall (second port). When the configurations with the lowest and highest Re number of the second port are considered up to 54.7% in reduction of complete phase transition time is obtained, while this amount is 78% when considering the lowest and highest inlet temperatures. The geometric factor which is the aspect ratio has also affected the flow field and PC dynamics. Up to 78% reduction in the phase transition time is obtained at the highest aspect ratio. Further improvements in the performance are achieved by using nanoparticles in the base fluid. The amounts in the phase transition time reduction are 8% and 10.5% at aspect ratio of 0.5 and 1.5 at the highest nanoparticle concentration.
Originality/Value
The thermofluid system and offered control mechanism for PC dynamics control can be considered for the design, optimization, further modeling and performance improvements of applications with PCM installed systems.
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Sumant Kumar, B.V. Rathish Kumar, S.V.S.S.N.V.G. Krishna Murthy and Deepika Parmar
Thermo-magnetic convective flow analysis under the impact of thermal radiation for heat and entropy generation phenomena is an active research field for understanding the…
Abstract
Purpose
Thermo-magnetic convective flow analysis under the impact of thermal radiation for heat and entropy generation phenomena is an active research field for understanding the efficiency of thermodynamic systems in various engineering sectors. This study aims to examine the characteristics of convective heat transport and entropy generation within an inverted T-shaped porous enclosure saturated with a hybrid nanofluid under the influence of thermal radiation and magnetic field.
Design/methodology/approach
The mathematical model incorporates the Darcy-Forchheimer-Brinkmann model and considers thermal radiation in the energy balance equation. The complete mathematical model has been numerically simulated through the penalty finite element approach at varying values of flow parameters, such as Rayleigh number (Ra), Hartmann number (Ha), Darcy number (Da), radiation parameter (Rd) and porosity value (e). Furthermore, the graphical results for energy variation have been monitored through the energy-flux vector, whereas the entropy generation along with its individual components, namely, entropy generation due to heat transfer, fluid friction and magnetic field, are also presented. Furthermore, the results of the Bejan number for each component are also discussed in detail. Additionally, the concept of ecological coefficient of performance (ECOP) has also been included to analyse the thermal efficiency of the model.
Findings
The graphical analysis of results indicates that higher values of Ra, Da, e and Rd enhance the convective heat transport and entropy generation phenomena more rapidly. However, increasing Ha values have a detrimental effect due to the increasing impact of magnetic forces. Furthermore, the ECOP result suggests that the rising value of Da, e and Rd at smaller Ra show a maximum thermal efficiency of the mathematical model, which further declines as the Ra increases. Conversely, the thermal efficiency of the model improves with increasing Ha value, showing an opposite trend in ECOP.
Practical implications
Such complex porous enclosures have practical applications in engineering and science, including areas like solar power collectors, heat exchangers and electronic equipment. Furthermore, the present study of entropy generation would play a vital role in optimizing system performance, improving energy efficiency and promoting sustainable engineering practices during the natural convection process.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first ever attempted detailed investigation of heat transfer and entropy generation phenomena flow parameter ranges in an inverted T-shaped porous enclosure under a uniform magnetic field and thermal radiation.
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Vipula Sisirakumara Gunasekera and Siong Choy Chong
The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of knowledge management critical success factors (KM CSFs) on project management performance outcomes in major…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of knowledge management critical success factors (KM CSFs) on project management performance outcomes in major construction organisations in Sri Lanka. As a result, the significant KM CSFs are prioritised to support KM implementation.
Design/methodology/approach
This study is cross-sectional in nature, adopting the quantitative method of analysis. The research model includes nine KM CSFs (culture, leadership, organisational structure, IT support, T-shaped skills, training, teamwork, performance measurement and benchmarking) and nine items measuring project management performance outcomes. Data were collected from senior, middle and technical staff involved in projects by means of a self-administered survey questionnaire mailed to them.
Findings
The Pearson’s correlation coefficient suggests that all of the KM CSFs are adequately correlated except for organisational structure, which has a poor correlation with IT support, T-shaped skills, teamwork and benchmarking. The results of multiple linear regression show that four KM CSFs (T-shaped skills, teamwork, benchmarking and transformational leadership) are significantly and positively related to project management performance outcomes. The remaining five KM CSFs are not significant. The multiple-criteria decision-making analysis reveals that benchmarking, transformational leadership, teamwork and T-shaped skills are the main priority for the construction organisations to consider in implementing KM.
Research limitations/implications
Future studies should consider construction organisations of multiple sizes and include factors beyond organisational control, KM processes and the effects of demographic variables. Longitudinal studies are also imperative to determine the performance impact brought about by KM implementation over a period of time.
Practical/implications
Benchmarking, transformational leadership, teamwork and T-shaped skills should serve as the initial focus to support KM implementation to achieve the desired project management performance outcomes. It is only after these KM CSFs are in place that the construction organisations can concentrate on other factors.
Originality/value
This study contributes to a better understanding of the relationships between the KM CSFs and project management performance outcomes in the construction industry in Sri Lanka, which is still at its infancy stage of KM implementation. Prioritisation of the significant KM CSFs in supporting effective KM implementation in the construction organisations further enhances the value of this study.
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Marialuisa Saviano, Sergio Barile, James Clinton Spohrer and Francesco Caputo
Poverty, hunger, inequalities, diseases, unsustainable use of resources, etc., in spite of scientific progress, still remains unsolved worldwide issues. All these issues relate to…
Abstract
Purpose
Poverty, hunger, inequalities, diseases, unsustainable use of resources, etc., in spite of scientific progress, still remains unsolved worldwide issues. All these issues relate to the challenges of sustainability and sustainable development that now call for urgent answers. The purpose of this paper is to explore how the service research community can respond to this call and to identify key areas of potential contribution.
Design/methodology/approach
After a brief review of selected service literature aimed at exploring its interest in the topics of sustainability and sustainable development, the authors develop the interpretative proposal identifying the key requirements of a global engagement in the challenge of sustainability and sustainable development and highlighting the potential contribution of service research.
Findings
Findings highlight the potential contribution of service research to the global challenge of sustainability and suggest acting upon education by considering the “T-Shaped” professional model as a possible reference for embedding sustainability in the education of future managers and addressing the need of interdisciplinary thinking through the systems approach.
Research limitations/implications
The proposed study of service literature is only an exploratory analysis of main contributions that does not aim to identify gaps but only to highlight the potential of a greater engagement of service research in the global call for a more sustainable and inclusive development.
Practical implications
A trans-disciplinary approach is also required. This implies the involvement of the business and the social real world.
Originality/value
This paper represents a novel call for engaging the service research community in a boundary-crossing collaboration with the aim of contributing to address the challenge of sustainability.
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This chapter considers the disruption in employment and job growth due to the pervasive adoption of cognitive technologies that substitute for or augment humans. The educational…
Abstract
This chapter considers the disruption in employment and job growth due to the pervasive adoption of cognitive technologies that substitute for or augment humans. The educational system, which operates on regulated and prescribed practices for many academic majors, will be tested by rapidly changing requirements to be gainfully employed. Disruption, due to technological advances of cognitive systems, will be a constant in graduates’ professional life. We make a case for the adaptive innovator or T-shaped professional as the individual best suited to adapting to disruptions and constant change. Emphasis is placed on the importance of internships and co-ops as the strongest learning strategy institutions can use if they adjust their program practices for longer, continuous learning periods, and higher outcome expectations.
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Clara Bassano, Maria Cristina Pietronudo and Paolo Piciocchi
This chapter aims to qualify Local Area as Smart Tourism Local Service Systems (S-TLSS), whose competitiveness and reputation depend on sharing strategies and processes of…
Abstract
This chapter aims to qualify Local Area as Smart Tourism Local Service Systems (S-TLSS), whose competitiveness and reputation depend on sharing strategies and processes of cohesion based on equifinality among/for stakeholder. The methodology envisages the integration of Service Science Management Engineering and Design (SSME+D) and the Viable Systems Approach (VSA). Thus it describes a S-TLSS in terms of local service system, whose viability requires a ‘smart governmentality’, able to guarantee the management of equity, sustainability and resilience. Referring to human resources coherent with value co-creation processes, S-TLSS implies T-shaped professionals: new kind of individuals who have proficiency in a specific field/discipline (deep professionality) and, at the same time, show capacity to understand and participate in complex projects/systems (broad professionality). Finally, the authors will show a practical application of the system attempting to enhance an Italian territory that is not very attractive to tourists and local residents.
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