A novel systematic product ideation model using technology trends

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 303-321
Author(s):  
Muhammad Ahmad Tauqeer ◽  
Knut Erik Bang
Keyword(s):  
Product Innovation ◽  
Product Life Cycle ◽  
Present Model ◽  
Idea Generation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Product Innovations ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Proposed Model ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Technology Trends

Purpose This study aims to present a novel approach of using technology trends to trigger product ideas. It is primarily addressed to product ideation where limited applied approaches are available. Design/methodology/approach The model is built by extending the theoretical framework of ideation study. It comprises morphological analysis with product breakdown as primary and technological trends as a secondary dimension to prompt product ideas from user’s intuition. The approach is multidisciplinary using insights from the areas of cognition, management strategy and project management. The model is further tested in two different test configurations with university students (n = 81). Findings The results indicate that this systematic model can increase the quality and number of ideas generated by the students compared to generally practised approaches. It is shown that this approach increases the chances of triggering ideas. Research limitations/implications The testing of the present model is comprehensive and in no means exhaustive. Practical implications Because of the shrinking product life cycle, organisations have a need for systematic product ideation models that can assist in innovating their product ranges. It is important to study idea generation for products to not only assist product innovation but also comprehensively understand the process of creativity. The proposed model is primarily addressed to product innovation projects where limited practical tools are available for product ideation. The present model is easy to apply and has the tendency to generate novel product ideas that can lead to successful product innovations. Originality/value Product innovation currently has limited systematic ideation tools where this study contributes.

How to measure knowledge management: dimensions and model

VINE ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 45 (1) ◽  
pp. 107-125 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariano García-Fernández
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Present Model ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Proposed Model ◽  
The Creation ◽  
And Storage ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The aims of this paper are: to identify the dimensions of knowledge management (KM), and to propose a model for KM that will be useful for future researchers in carrying out KM measurement. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is based on a literature review of theoretical and empirical contributions to KM. Findings – The results obtained show that the creation, transfer and storage, and implementation and use are dimensions of the concept of KM. On the basis of these dimensions, this study proposes a model integrating these dimensions and operationalizes it using selected items, so that future researchers may carry out measurements using the proposed model. Practical implications – The study implies that companies and researchers use a smaller time in theoretical checks and can devote to measurements which develop improvements. Originality/value – The present model differs from other, previous models in that it integrates various approaches to the study of KM.

Frugal creativity: a new conceptualization as planned behavior

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Saleha Ahmad ◽  
Madhushree Nanda Agarwal
Keyword(s):  
Planned Behavior ◽  
Resource Constraints ◽  
Idea Generation ◽  
Frugal Innovation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Prosocial Motivation ◽  
Proposed Model ◽  
Established Firms ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to introduce, define and propose a model for the concept of “frugal creativity” (FC), as the front end of the frugal innovation (FI) process. Modeling FC as a planned behavior makes it useful to large organizations who may wish to strategically promote such behavior. Design/methodology/approach Identifying common themes from the literature, the authors propose a comprehensive definition of FI. Using this definition, they define FC. Next, a model for FC is proposed based on the theory of planned behavior. Findings The conceptual model proposes that frugal creativity intention (FCI) can be predicted by the prosocial motivation, dissatisfaction with status-quo and the threat-opportunity perception of resource constraints of an individual. The authors further propose that FCI would translate into FC more frequently when work is perceived as meaningful. Research limitations/implications The proposed model opens avenues for further conceptual and empirical research in the area, although it first requires empirical validation. Practical implications The model of FC as a planned behavior can help multinationals, established firms or governments, seeking to use FI as a deliberate strategic choice, to develop suitable human capital and context for FI. Originality/value First, the authors propose a comprehensive definition for FI by consolidating related constructs. Second, they introduce the concept of FC as the idea generation stage of FI. Third, they propose a model for FC as a planned behavior. To the authors’ knowledge, the last two have not been attempted earlier.

A cell-based smoothed point interpolation method (CS-PIM) for 2D thermoelastic problems

2017 ◽  
Vol 27 (6) ◽  
pp. 1249-1265 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yijun Liu ◽  
Guiyong Zhang ◽  
Huan Lu ◽  
Zhi Zong
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Stresses ◽  
Interpolation Method ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Convergence Results ◽  
Point Interpolation Method ◽  
Point Interpolation ◽  
Thermoelastic Problems ◽  
Gradient Smoothing ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Due to the strong reliance on element quality, there exist some inherent shortcomings of the traditional finite element method (FEM). The model of FEM behaves overly stiff, and the solutions of automated generated linear elements are generally of poor accuracy about especially gradient results. The proposed cell-based smoothed point interpolation method (CS-PIM) aims to improve the results accuracy of the thermoelastic problems via properly softening the overly-stiff stiffness. Design/methodology/approach This novel approach is based on the newly developed G space and weakened weak (w2) formulation, and of which shape functions are created using the point interpolation method and the cell-based gradient smoothing operation is conducted based on the linear triangular background cells. Findings Owing to the property of softened stiffness, the present method can generally achieve better accuracy and higher convergence results (especially for the temperature gradient and thermal stress solutions) than the FEM does by using the simplest linear triangular background cells, which has been examined by extensive numerical studies. Practical implications The CS-PIM is capable of producing more accurate results of temperature gradients as well as thermal stresses with the automated generated and unstructured background cells, which make it a better candidate for solving practical thermoelastic problems. Originality/value It is the first time that the novel CS-PIM was further developed for solving thermoelastic problems, which shows its tremendous potential for practical implications.

Innovation in SMEs: the role of employee training in German SMEs

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Irem Demirkan ◽  
Ravi Srinivasan ◽  
Alka Nand
Keyword(s):  
Research And Development ◽  
Boundary Conditions ◽  
Product Innovation ◽  
Employee Training ◽  
Lower Proportion ◽  
Economic Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThis paper explores the role of effective resource and knowledge management capabilities on product innovation capabilities of the small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Specifically, the authors research the role of the human resource investments in the form of employee training in developing firm's innovation capabilities and how SMEs manage these investments when we account for the boundary conditions such as the level of employee education, SME size and the frequency of investments in research and development (R&D).Design/methodology/approachThe authors use survey data conducted by The Centre for European Economic Research (Zentrum für Europäische Wirtschaftsforschung – ZEW). The final sample for analysis includes 983 SMEs from Germany that belong to 13 different industries. The authors use hierarchical OLS regression to test the hypotheses presented in this paper.FindingsThe authors find a positive association between increased investments in employee training and product innovation capabilities in the context of SMEs. More specifically, the authors’ findings support that (1) the relationship between employee training and innovation capabilities is weaker in industries with greater proportion of employees with university degrees, (2) the effectiveness of investments in employee training is lower among larger SMEs than smaller SMEs, and (3) continuous R&D weakens the relationship between training expenditure and innovation capabilities. While on the one hand the authors’ findings contribute to the debate of whether employee training is necessary for SMEs by affirming this notion, on the other hand the authors show that investments in employee training have differing implications for small and large SMEs within boundary conditions. Moreover, these findings have practical implications for the managers of all SMEs in terms of management of their knowledge resources.Research limitations/implicationsThe authors’ research makes important contributions to the study of innovation in SMEs. First, the authors contribute evidence to the debate whether employee training is necessary for SMEs by showing that employee training is particularly important for SMEs that are smaller in size, have lower proportion of employees with university degrees and when they invest in research and development in a targeted manner. The authors also demonstrate that investments in employee training is not a waste, rather such investments can increase the likelihood of survival for many of these firms through its positive impact on product innovation.Practical implicationsFor managers of SMEs, the authors’ findings suggest that while investments in employee training are important, the managers of particular SMEs with above-mentioned qualities should be persistent in such investments and must make deliberate efforts to reap the benefits in terms of innovative capabilities. Unlike large firms, who have the financial means to carry out investments in an abundant manner, SMEs appear to be more enterprising with their scarce resources when we also consider the role of investments in human resources.Originality/valueThe authors’ research makes important contributions to the study of innovation in SMEs. First, the authors contribute evidence to the debate whether employee training is necessary for SMEs by finding that employee training is particularly important for SMEs that are smaller in size, have lower proportion of employees with university degrees and when they do not invest in R&D continuously. The authors also demonstrate that investments in employee training is not a waste, but such investments can increase the likelihood of survival for many of these firms.

A (2 + 1)-dimensional extension of the Benjamin-Ono equation

2018 ◽  
Vol 28 (11) ◽  
pp. 2681-2687 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdul-Majid Wazwaz
Keyword(s):  
Soliton Solutions ◽  
Traveling Wave Solutions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Multiple Soliton Solutions ◽  
Proposed Model ◽  
New Findings ◽  
Propagation Of Waves ◽  
Model Features ◽  
Multiple Complex Soliton Solutions ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is concerned with developing a (2 + 1)-dimensional Benjamin–Ono equation. The study shows that multiple soliton solutions exist and multiple complex soliton solutions exist for this equation. Design/methodology/approach The proposed model has been handled by using the Hirota’s method. Other techniques were used to obtain traveling wave solutions. Findings The examined extension of the Benjamin–Ono model features interesting results in propagation of waves and fluid flow. Research limitations/implications The paper presents a new efficient algorithm for constructing extended models which give a variety of multiple soliton solutions. Practical implications This work is entirely new and provides new findings, where although the new model gives multiple soliton solutions, it is nonintegrable. Originality/value The work develops two complete sets of multiple soliton solutions, the first set is real solitons, whereas the second set is complex solitons.

Want to reduce the bullwhip? Measure it. Here’s how

2017 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 297-304 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ming Jin ◽  
Nicole DeHoratius ◽  
Glen Schmidt
Keyword(s):  
Small Perturbation ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Bullwhip Effect ◽  
End Users ◽  
Social Implications ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Level Data ◽  
Beer Game ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The popular “beer game” illustrates the bullwhip effect where a small perturbation in downstream demand can create wild swings in upstream product flows. The purpose of this paper is to present a methodical framework to measure the bullwhip effect and evaluate its impact. Design/methodology/approach This paper illustrates a framework using SKU-level data from an industry-leading manufacturer, its distributors, end-users and suppliers. Findings Firms benefit from tracking multiple intra-firm bullwhips and from tracking bullwhips pertinent to specific products, specific suppliers and specific customers. The framework presented in this paper enables managers to pinpoint bullwhip sources and mitigate bullwhip effects. Research limitations/implications This paper presents a framework for methodically measuring and tracking intra-firm and inter-firm bullwhips. Practical implications A disconnect exists between what is known and taught regarding the bullwhip effect and how it is actually tracked and managed in practice. This paper aims to reduce this gap. For the various products analyzed herein, the authors show how using this framework has the potential to reduce delivered product cost by 2 to 15 per cent. Social implications Properly managing the bullwhip leads to lower inventories and potentially lower product prices while simultaneously increasing firm profits. Originality/value This paper presents a novel approach to systematically tracking intra-firm bullwhips along with bullwhips specific to a given supplier or customer.

How does cooperation affect innovation in micro-enterprises?

2014 ◽  
Vol 52 (8) ◽  
pp. 1390-1409 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chiayu Tu ◽  
Shiuh-Nan Hwang ◽  
Jehn-Yih Wong
Keyword(s):  
Product Innovation ◽  
Entrepreneurial Success ◽  
Resource Based View ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Success Stories ◽  
Final Questionnaire ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Micro Enterprises ◽  
Night Markets

Purpose – This research investigates how micro-enterprises cooperate with external parties in order to promote innovation and entrepreneurial success. The purpose of this paper is to describe supplier and consumer cooperation and analyzes how these two behavioral modes influence the product and service innovations of micro-enterprises. Based on the resource-based view of the firm, the authors show that micro-enterprises help the source of innovation by tapping into the resources and abilities of suppliers. Design/methodology/approach – This research used a questionnaire to randomly sample micro-entrepreneurs that run stalls at night markets. Before distributing the final questionnaire, the authors in-depth interviewed ten micro-entrepreneurs and asked them to openly describe their entrepreneurial processes and success stories. Findings – The results of this study show that cooperation with consumers does not improve product and service innovations. By contrast, the cooperation of micro-enterprises with suppliers was found to increase the generation of product and service innovations in the present study. And the findings show that the effect of innovation approaches on entrepreneurial success indicates that product innovation positively improves firm performance. Last, from the perspective of cooperation behavior, product innovation mediates entrepreneurial success through cooperation with suppliers. Research limitations/implications – Because of respondents were night market vendors and thus the results are not necessarily generalizable to other types of micro-enterprises. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to test multiple types of micro-enterprises. Second, this research aimed to differentiate the relationships between innovation approaches and entrepreneurial success by focussing exclusively on product and service innovations. Therefore, other variables should be included in future studies. Practical implications – As for practical implications in the field of cooperation behavior, the authors have shown that it is crucial to maintain long-term cooperative relations with trusted suppliers. Social implications – As for practical implications in the field of cooperation behavior, the authors have shown that it is crucial to maintain long-term cooperative relations with trusted suppliers. Originality/value – This paper fulfills an identified need to study how innovation in micro-enterprises.

Means-ends based know-how mapping

2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 454-473 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arnon Sturm ◽  
Daniel Gross ◽  
Jian Wang ◽  
Eric Yu
Keyword(s):  
Graduate Students ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Expert Knowledge ◽  
Design Science ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Know How ◽  
Knowledge Domains ◽  
Prototype Tool ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to report on research that aims to make knowledge, and in particular know-how, more easily accessible to both academic and industrial communities, as well as to the general public. The paper proposes a novel approach to map out know-how information, so all knowledge stakeholders are able to contribute to the knowledge and expertise accumulation, as well as using that knowledge for research and applying expertise to address problems. Design/methodology/approach This research followed a design science approach in which mapping of the know-how information was done by the research team and then tested with graduate students. During this research, the mapping approach was continuously evaluated and refined, and mapping guidelines and a prototype tool were developed. Findings Following an evaluation with graduate students, it was found that the know-how maps produced were easy to follow, allowed continuous evolution, facilitated easy modification through provided modularity capabilities, further supported reasoning about know-how and overall provided adequate expressiveness. Furthermore, we applied the approach with various domains and found that it was a good fit for its purpose across different knowledge domains. Practical implications This paper argues that mapping out know-how within research and industry communities can further improve resource (knowledge) utilization, reduce the phenomena of “re-inventing the wheel” and further create linkage across communities. Originality/value With the qualities mentioned above, know-how maps can both ease and support the increase of access to expert knowledge to various communities, and thus, promote re-use and expansion of knowledge for various purposes. Having an explicit representation of know-how further encourages innovation, as knowledge from various domains can be mapped, searched and reasoned, and gaps can be identified and filled.

Using blockchain technology in credit rating industry to promote an innovative bond-pays model

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Krishna Vishwanath Iyer ◽  
V.V. Ravi Kumar
Keyword(s):  
Business Models ◽  
Credit Rating ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Concept System ◽  
Blockchain Technology ◽  
Proposed Model ◽  
Business Functions ◽  
Market Distortion ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Inflation Alternative

Purpose This paper aims to propose an innovative blockchain-based system enabling implementation of a bond-pays model in credit rating industry. Issuer-pays model has led to conflict of interest resulting in rating shopping and inflation. Alternative business models have their own problems, e.g. investor-pays model suffers from “free rider” and public dissemination challenges, whereas government-controlled business models can lead to market distortion. Bond-pays model has been difficult to implement owing to operational difficulties in managing co-ordination amongst multiple entities involved, often with conflicting goals. Blockchain technology enables inter-organizational systems that foster trust amongst non-trusting entities, facilitating business functions such as credit rating to be carried out. Design/methodology/approach This paper outlines current processes in credit rating business that has led to repeated rating failures and proposes a new set of processes, leveraging capabilities of blockchain technology to enable implementation of an arms-length bond-pays model. Findings A proof-of-concept system, namely, rating chain has been designed to implement a small part of the proposed model to establish technical feasibility in a blockchain environment. Practical implications A fully functional blockchain-based system on bond-pays business model, if built and adopted, could impact how credit rating market functions currently and could contribute to a reduction in rating-related challenges. Originality/value The proposal to adopt blockchain technologies in implementing a bond-pays model in credit rating industry is a novel contribution.

scholarly journals Using mobile methods to understand multifaceted heritage organisations

2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 1675-1691
Author(s):  
Jane Hamilton Johnstone ◽  
Derek Bryce ◽  
Matthew J. Alexander
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Methods ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Additional Insight ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Work Activities ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Hospitality And Tourism ◽  
Mobile Methods ◽  
Informal Settings ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to evaluate the possibilities associated with go-along technique and other mobile qualitative methods augmenting other qualitative methods as a novel approach to developing understanding of multifaceted organisations. Design/methodology/approach The study explores the challenges associated with “static” qualitative methods for understanding multifaceted organisations and evaluates how a range of mobile methods can achieve a greater depth of analysis when researching complex hospitality and tourism settings. The paper uses an illustrative empirical case where mobile methods are used as part of a multi-method qualitative study exploring ancestral tourism in a large, heterogeneous tourism organisation. Findings This research highlights how mobile methods can service to: broaden the scope of interviews through introducing enhanced meaning and spontaneity; afford opportunity to explore and verify interview findings in informal settings; and widen participation in the study through ongoing recruitment of participants. Practical implications The authors identify implications for researchers working within hospitality and tourism who can gain additional insight by augmenting qualitative studies with mobile methods. Originality/value This paper identifies challenges in using more static qualitative methods when seeking understanding of complex, multifaceted tourism organisations where work activities are mobile and spatially dispersed. This research highlights the value of mobile methods in combination with other qualitative methods, to gain greater understanding of these organisations.

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